Attendees connect during one-on-one appointments at Northstar Meetings Group’s Destination Midwest event in Grand Rapids. Photo Credit: Matt Klinger/Mad Pix Pro
As we close out the year and get into the new one, it's time to set the tone for the whole of 2027. Northstar's winter event lineup is where you can lay that groundwork. From international sourcing opportunities and luxury-focused networking to one-on-one appointments with top destinations and suppliers, these hosted-buyer programs are designed to help planners make connections, discover new products and destinations, and fill their pipelines for the year ahead.
Dec. 1-4, 2026 | Cartagena, Colombia
For planners looking beyond the United States, the International Meetings & Incentive Summit offers a direct line to the people and destinations shaping the global meetings landscape. Set in vibrant Cartagena, Colombia, the event brings together North American meeting professionals with international hotels, DMCs, tourism boards and destination representatives for focused business appointments and networking. Learn more here.
Dec. 6-8, 2026 | El Paso, Texas
The Southwest remains one of the most diverse regions for meetings and incentives, spanning everything from luxury desert resorts to mountain retreats and urban convention cities. Destination Southwest connects planners sourcing business in the region with leading suppliers through prescheduled appointments, education sessions and networking opportunities at the El Paso Convention Center. Learn more here.
Dec. 13-16, 2026 | Pebble Beach, Calif.
Held at the iconic Inn at Spanish Bay, the Meetings + Sports Leadership Forum brings together senior-level planners, suppliers and industry leaders for an intimate exchange of ideas. Rather than a traditional trade show environment, attendees can expect thoughtful discussions, peer-to-peer learning and practical insights into the trends shaping both the meetings and sports-event sectors. Learn more here.
Feb. 21-23, 2027 | Tampa, Fla.
Independent planners face a unique set of challenges, and the Independent Planner Education Conference is designed with those professionals in mind. Taking place at the Saddlebrook Resort, the event pairs independent meeting planners with top suppliers for three days of business appointments, professional development and relationship building, all in a setting tailored to the needs of the independent planning community. Learn more here.
March 7-9, 2027 | New York City
A longtime fixture on the meetings industry calendar, SMU International convenes qualified North American meeting and incentive professionals with destinations, hotels, DMCs and tourism organizations from around the world. Held at the New York Marriott Marquis, the event offers an efficient way to explore global options and forge international partnerships without leaving Manhattan. Learn more here.
March 21-23, 2027 | Hamilton, Bermuda
When only the best will do, Luxury Meetings – Spring delivers. The program brings together North American planners seeking elevated meeting and incentive experiences with luxury-focused hotels, resorts and destination partners. The backdrop of Hamilton, Bermuda only adds to the appeal, providing attendees with a firsthand look at a destination that's well suited for high-end programs. Learn more here.
March 23-25, 2027 | Manchester, England
Sports tourism continues to be a powerful economic driver, and TEAMS Europe sits at the center of the conversation. The event connects sports-event rights holders, organizers and governing bodies with destinations, hotels and service providers seeking to grow their sports-related businesses. Hosted in Manchester, England, TEAMS Europe offers a focused environment for deal-making and partnership development across the sports-events sector. Learn more here.
You can check out Northstar's full roster of events here.