Two new shows representing two very popular and expanding industry sectors will debut in the next two years. 

Questex is gearing up to launch Impact CBD, a content-based trade show and conference and digital platform focused on the rapidly evolving world of the $22 billion CBD market. 

Set for Aug. 30-Sept. 2, 2020, at Hilton San Diego Bayfront in San Diego, the inaugural Impact CBD will feature in-depth education with tracks analyzing the impact of CBD on patients, clients, health practices and businesses. It will also have an expo hall with hundreds of CBD providers and experience centers touting CBD health and wellness products. 

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a naturally occurring, non-psychoactive compound found in the resinous flower of the cannabis (marijuana) plant. Known for its potential therapeutic benefits, CBD is used by many people to help reduce pain, anxiety and inflammation.

According to Julie Keller Callaghan, vice president of content and business development for the Questex Wellness Market, the creation of Impact CBD was inspired by the recent 2019 American Spa CBD Summit, held last month in Denver.

“We discovered that CBD impacts so many aspects of the health and wellness market, with attendees and speakers joining us from the spa, medical, naturopathic, retail, chiropractic and other health-related categories, so we decided to expand our digital and event footprint to serve this demand and, thus, the idea for Impact CBD was born,” Callaghan said.

Questex has also launched ImpactCBDexpo.com, a year-round content feed featuring curated posts, articles, blogs, videos and podcasts chronicling the impact of CBD. 

Starting with a digital content feed launching in Q4 of this year, the website will serve as a real-time source for health and wellness professionals to understand the science, clinical studies, products, delivery options, health benefits and condition-specific applications of CBD. According to Questex officials, this approach will enable a level of trending data and analytics that will define Impact CBD’s conference programming. 

“With a growing number of events, conferences and websites popping up in the CBD space, Questex is launching Impact CBD to be the gathering point for the entire industry,” said John Siefert, Questex group president. “[It will] connect the dots between proactive and reactive healthcare, holistic and conventional medicine, and the ability to understand the impact CBD products can have on patient and client outcomes through both digital and live event experiences.”

In addition, trade fair and event organizer Messe Frankfurt and B2B media company Crain Communications are teaming up to launch Festival of Motoring USA, an interactive consumer celebrating U.S. car culture. 

Set for April 29-May 2, 2021, at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta in Braselton, Ga., the event will be modeled after the Festival of Motoring Johannesburg in South Africa, Africa’s leading automotive event launched in 2016. 

Featuring both static and interactive content from mainstream, exotic and classic cars to off-road vehicles, Festival of Motoring USA will be anchored by leading automakers along with other industry-related companies, according to Messe Frankfurt officials.

“We are pleased to be working alongside a powerhouse such as Crain Communications to bring this experiential event to the U.S.,” said Konstantin von Vieregge, president and CEO of Messe Frankfurt Inc. “Our combined competencies solidify our path to success and the realization of our vision to provide a high-energy, comprehensive automotive event that appeals to all motoring enthusiasts.” 

To further strengthen the event, Kinrara, the event consultancy arm of the famed Goodwood sporting estate in the U.K., will lend its expertise in creating a sold-out event as it has done with leading motorsport events including the annual Festival of Speed in the U.K. 

Designed to “appeal to all of the automotive senses,” Festival of Motoring USA will offer consumers opportunities including test drive circuits with professional drivers, technology zones, self-drive tracks and more. Officials plan to expand Festival of Motoring USA to additional North American locations in the future, as well.

“Crain Communications is thrilled to be partnering with Messe Frankfurt to present a dynamic event in the consumer automotive space,” said KC Crain, president and COO of Crain Communications. 

He continued, “Messe Frankfurt’s model of experiential, interactive activities will create a must-attend event each year. Adding the expertise of Kinrara, Goodwood’s event consultancy, will ensure an experience of exceptional quality in North America.” 

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