Fargo revels in its own brand of unique.
A CITY LIKE NO OTHER PLACE ON THE PLANET.
ROY EDMONDSON CEO
JEN TOTTEN Chief Operating Officer
CONNOR SHANE Vice President of Operationss
ROB
COGGIN Director of Sports, SMERF & Faith
JENNIFER ROTHMAN
Director of Group Sales
DARIN SCRUGGS
Graphic Designer
GREETINGS
As summer fades and the air turns crisp, we welcome the arrival of fall. A season of fresh beginnings, renewed energy, and plenty of excitement. Across the country, kids are loading up backpacks, parents are adjusting to new routines, and stadium lights are shining bright on Friday nights as football returns. Whether it’s a high school rivalry game, a college showdown, or a Sunday tradition with family and friends, football has a way of bringing us together like nothing else.
Fall is also a season of reflection and momentum. For many of us in the sports, travel, and events industry, this time of year marks the start of new projects, upcoming conferences, and the chance to build on everything we accomplished earlier in the year. It’s a reminder that even as the days grow shorter, our opportunities to connect and create lasting memories are just getting started.
Of course, fall is also about balance. Carving out time for family dinners after a long day, taking that scenic drive to see the leaves change, or simply pausing to enjoy a cool morning with a hot cup of coffee. These small moments are what give meaning to the big milestones.
As you dive into this issue, I hope you find inspiration, stories that spark ideas, and reminders of why we love what we do. Here’s to a great season ahead — on the field, in the classroom, and in our industry.
ROY
A field of dreams
Giving its athletes many options for growth and success.
USA Field Hockey is the official national governing body for field hockey in the United States, working under the U.S. Olympic Committee and the International Hockey Federation (FIH). As part of its mission to serve, inspire, and grow the game, USA Field Hockey remains focused on providing competitive and developmental opportunities for athletes, coaches, officials, and member clubs nationwide. With a robust strategic plan guiding the organization through 2028, USA Field Hockey is committed to expanding grassroots programs, supporting highperformance athletes, and ensuring access to resources that empower the field hockey community.
Beyond national events, USA Field Hockey continues to elevate its elite athletes through participation in major international competitions, including: FIH Pro League, Pan American Games and Cups, FIH Hockey World Cup, Olympic Games. Looking ahead, the road to the 2026 FIH World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics offers unprecedented opportunities for U.S. athletes to shine on the global stage, inspiring the next generation of players and fans alike.
“USA Field Hockey is proud to lead the growth of our sport while providing pathways for players of every level — from grassroots to the global stage,” said Madeline Rascon, Director of Event. “With an incredible lineup of events and the excitement of the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics on the horizon, the future of field hockey in the U.S. has never been brighter.”
QUICK FACTS ABOUT USA FIELD HOCKEY
ABOUT The USA Field Hockey Association is headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado. IT WAS FOUNDED IN 1922.
WOMEN’S TEAM
The Training Center for both the Men’s and Women’s teams is located in Charolotte, North Carolina. THE UNITED STATES WOMEN MADE THEIR FIRST APPEARANCE IN THE SPORT AT THE LOS ANGELES 1984 OLYMPIC GAMES, WHERE THEY WENT ON TO EARN BRONZE.
MEN’S TEAM
The United States men made their first appearance in the sport at the Los Angeles 1932 Olympic Games. THEY WON THE BRONZE MEDAL IN THE GAMES THAT YEAR.
Top-notch choices that won’t break the bank.
Just a few minutes north of Chicago, lies a destination with all the charm and ammenities of Windy City and so much more.
Meet Chicago Northwest is a spacious, affordable, and friendly destination comprising eight unique suburban communities. Hold your next meeting without the hassles of city traffic, crowds, and lengthy price tags while still with the infamous Chicagoan culture. Boasting over 400 restaurants, Chicago Northwest offers a wide variety of top-rated and one-of-a-kind dining options. Offering more than 60 hotels and 9,000 guest rooms, Chicago Northwest provides price points and brands for every budget.
Dream big with the recently renovated Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel. Your attendees will never have to step outside with 100,000 square feet of column-free convention center space, an additional 50,000 square feet of seamlessly connected meeting space as well as 500 hotel rooms.
Coming in 2026 is Andretti Indoor Karting & Games which is connected to the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel. Along with the multi-level karting, the venu also includes a bowling alley, two-story laser tag arena, 7D motion theater, ride simulator room, arcade, and 7,800 square feet of private event space. The space also features a 6-level, 900-car parking garage. There are countless advantages to scheduling your meeting in the Chicago Northwest suburbs, like abundant free parking and we’re only 45 minutes from downtown Chicago. We’re on the edge of O’Hare and in the middle of everything.
QUICK FACTS ABOUT MEET CHICAGO NORTHWEST
ABOUT
Meet Chicago Northwest was incorporated in 1983 THE EIGHT COMMUNITIES CALL THIS REGION HOME.
GETTING HERE
Chicago Northwest is served by two airports: O’Hare International and MidwayAirport.
BOTH AIRPORTS ALLOW YOU THE OPPORTUNITY TO CHOOSE FROM OVER 1,000 DAILY DIRECT FLIGHTS TO OUR REGION.
ACCOMODATIONS
Over 60 affordable hotels are available for every need.
FREE PARKING IS AVAILABLE THROUGHOUT THE CHICAGO NORTHWEST REGION.
Cover Story SPOTLIGHT
This city dances to its own beat.
Fargo has grown to embrace its unique place in the destionation world.
In Fargo, we embrace the unexpected and celebrate being “North of Normal.” We’re a city where originality thrives, and creativity shapes every experience. Forget the ordinary – our bold vision and practical Midwest roots make Fargo anything but typical. From the moment your RFP is in hand, uncertain of where the next year or five will bring you, to the day of the conference, our professional team is here to make your experience seamless and memorable.
MAGASCENE
THE MAGASCENE
THE MAGASCENE
THE MAGASCENE
SOARING TO NEW HEIGHTS
With direct flights into Hector International Airport and a short 10-15-minute drive to any meeting space, getting here is easy. But what sets us apart are the spaces themselves — an airplane hangar, converted church sanctuary, or a buzzing beer and food hall with dedicated meeting space, to name a few. But at the end of the day, it’s the level of service we provide that you’ll appreciate most: comprehensive bids, custom banners, signs, name badges, and onsite support during your event to handle the unexpected.
LET NIGHT BEGIN
After the meetings conclude, Fargo comes alive in the fun and walkable downtown filled with locally owned boutiques, art galleries, and coffee shops. The historic Fargo Theatre is a great spot to catch a movie or live show, or for a more laid-back experience, many bars offer live music as well. The restaurant scene is also second to none with various restauranteurs nominated for James Beard awards and offering menus ranging from farm-to-table to Midwest comfort.
EXPERIENCE LOCAL FLAVOR
Attendees can explore local history at museums like the Plains Art Museum, a regionally focused (and free) accredited museum, or Bonanzaville, home of Fargo’s first house and a pioneer village full of historical buildings. For those looking to get outdoors, Island Park is right at the base of Downtown and offers a historical backdrop for a stroll, or they can choose a riverfront option like Lindenwood Park.
Fargo isn’t your average destination, but who wants average? Step outside the norm and discover a city that surprises, inspires, and delivers an experience you’ll never forget: Experience north, North of Normal.
QUICK FACTS ABOUT VISIT FARGO MOOREHEAD
ABOUT
Fargo is the most populous city in the U.S. state of North Dakota. THE POPULATION ESTIMATED AT 136,285 IN 2024.
GETTING THERE
Fargo is served by Hector International Airport. THE AIRPORT IS SERVED BY 7 MAJOR AIRLINES WITH DIRECT FIGHTS TO 12 MAJOR CITIES.
METRO AREA
The Fargo metro area spans three cities (Fargo, Moorhead, and West Fargo) and two states separated by the Red River of the North. THE AIRPORT IS SERVED BY 7 MAJOR AIRLINES WITH DIRECT FIGHTS TO 12 MAJOR CITIES.
Measuring achievement by their client’s successes.
Having the right connections makes the entire difference between a good event and a great event.
QUICK FACTS ABOUT PROCURIGENCE
MAIN FOCUS
Optimizing their clients’ purchasing power, maximizing the value of each and every one of their dollars spent.
HELPING THEIR CUSTOMERS GET THE BIGGEST BANG FOR THE BUCK. Procurigence - a combination of “procurement” and “intelligence” - supports regionally and globally operating corporate organizations in sourcing both MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) services and transient travel. Services include managing sourcing directlyissuing RFPs to suppliers such as hotels, destination marketing organizations, and destination management companies - or providing indirect strategic guidance for clients managing their own sourcing. Direct MICE sourcing is provided without charge to the client. The company’s work spans sectors including medical (certification in
Healthcare Meetings Compliance), legal, technology, and financial services, with event sizes ranging from 25 to over 500 participants. In transient travel, Procurigence assists with travel policy refinement, travel agency service configuration, and RFPs for airline discounts and travel management services. This approach is intended to reduce potential conflicts of interest typical of travel management companies and to support more informed, unbiased decision-making.
QUICK FACTS ABOUT VISIT GREENSBORO
POPULATION
Estimated at 307,381 in 2024, making it the third-most populous city in North Carolina. IT IS THE 69TH-MOST POPULOUS CITY IN THE UNITED STATES.
GETTING THERE
Served by Piedmont Triad International it is North Carolina’s third-busiest airport, averaging 280 takeoffs and landings a day. CARRIERS INCLUDE ALLEGIANT AIR, AMERICAN AIRLINES, AMERICAN EAGLE, DELTA AIR LINES AND UNITED EXPRESS.
TOURNAMENT TOWN
Greensboro nicknames itself “Tournament Town” due to the many sports tournaments that it hosts.
PAST TOURNAMENTS
INCLUDE: ACC BASKETBALL,NCAA BASKETBALL, ACC BASEBALL TOURNAMENT AND THE US FIGURE SKATING CHAMPIONSHIPS.
Meetings mean more here
Meeting planners can make their dollars stretch further in the North Carolina destintaion.
Greensboro, North Carolina, offers meeting planners the ideal mix of convenience, value, and amenities. Centrally located on the East Coast, the city is easily accessible with nonstop flights to 15 markets and onestop service from every U.S. city.
Greensboro delivers unmatched value. Meetings here can save up to 55% on venue and food and beverage costs compared to Tier-1 cities. Hotel rates are on average 37% lower, which can boost attendance while allowing planners to reinvest in speakers, technology, and experiences that make an event stand out.
Facilities are able to accommodate any need. The Sheraton Greensboro/ Koury Convention Center features 250,000 square feet of meeting space and 985 guest rooms under one roof — the largest hotel conference center between Washington, D.C. and Atlanta. The adjacent Greensboro Coliseum Complex adds 120,000 square feet of exhibit space and a 22,000-seat arena which offers a unique dualanchor advantage for large, multifaceted events.
For upscale retreats, Greensboro shines. Grandover Resort & Spa provides Four-Diamond luxury withgolf, spa amenities, and 45,000 square feet of meeting space. The O.Henry Hotel, a boutique hotel, features 131elegant rooms and over 6,000 square feet of flexible space, and is well-known for its locally inspired hospitality. The Proximity Hotel is the first LEED Platinum-certified hotel in the United States, with 147 rooms and 7,000 square feet of sustainable meeting space, making it ideal for eco-conscious gatherings.
Beyond the meeting, Greensboro boasts a lively downtown social district, dining, craft breweries, live music, and renowned Southern hospitality. Here, meetings become experiences.
The Express Conferences believes that relationships are the key to business. Our conferences allow for new and exisiting relationships to flourish. Join us and find your tribe.
Upcoming Conferences
INCENTIVE EXPRESS
NOVEMBER 3- 7
NASSAU, BAHAMAS
BAHA MAR GRAND HYATT
SPORTS EXPRESS
JANUARY 12-17
FORT MYERS, FL
PINK SHELL RESORT
ONLY SPONSOR SLOTS AVAILABLE
CORPORATE EXPRESS
MARCH 23-26
FRISCO, TX
HYATT REGENCY
ASSOCIATION EXPRESS
APRIL 13-16
COBB COUNTY, GA
RENAISSANCE
ATLANTA WAVERLY
FAITH EXPRESS
MAY 18-21
GREENSBORO, NC
O’HENRY HOTEL
SPORTS INTERNATIONAL
JUNE 1-5
ST. PETE/CLEARWATER, FL
TBD
MED/PHARMA
SEPTEMBER 21-24
ROCHESTER, MN
TBD
For upcoming conferences or to advertise please contact us at jennifer@theexpressconferences.com