As the year winds down, it’s time to look back and evaluate how your event investments performed. Event audits aren’t just about reporting numbers; they’re about learning, optimizing, and ensuring that every dollar and hour spent drives measurable results in the future. Here’s how to assess your 2025 event portfolio and build a stronger, more strategic plan for 2026.

As we head into the final stretch of the year, it’s time to start thinking ahead. 2026 will be here before you know it, and having a clear, actionable event strategy in place is key to setting your business up for success. That’s where CURA Consult comes in. CURA Consult is a personalized event strategy program built to help growing companies design a 2026 plan that aligns with their goals, budget, and growth targets.

At sponsored events, your team setup is just as important as your booth or branding. The right team for event success can prepare and determine whether you simply show up or truly stand out. With the right mix of preparation, clear roles, and motivation, your team can turn an event into a real growth opportunity.

When solution providers first learn about CURA, what usually stands out is how we offer fractional support, whether it is on an annual basis or per event. This model gives both sides a chance to test out compatibility and decide if we are the right fit to work together. Because - let’s be honest, it is important to actually like who you are working with.

Barbara Hutniak, founder of CURA Events gives helpful advice to solution providers as they define their event strategy for conferences, private dinners or prospect & client gatherings. In order to deliver measurable growth, a clear plan including goals and expectations is needed.

Why I started CURA Events was because I saw an opportunity in how growing companies approach conference sponsorships and events. Too often, I watched incredible solution providers invest time, money, and energy into events without a clear strategy or plan for ROI. They were showing up, but not getting the full value.

Why are exclusive events on every solution provider’s radar right now? Because they create space to connect on a more authentic level and build relationships beyond the sales pitch. While conferences are great for visibility, they can be noisy, crowded, and full of competing sponsors and side events. So how do you actually connect with the people who matter? Continue reading to hear more from CURA Events Founder, Barbara Hutniak.

You’ve selected the perfect conference. Your ideal customers are attending, the location aligns with your top markets, and your sponsorship package is locked in. Now it’s time to start pre-event marketing, build excitement that drives results, and turn that investment into real pipeline and engagement.

As we enter the second half of the year, the event calendar heats up with high-impact opportunities for solution providers looking to connect with retail and eCommerce decision-makers. Whether your goal is pipeline acceleration, brand visibility, or thought leadership, these events are where deals and partnerships take shape. Here are five must-attend H2 events—plus CURA’s strategies to help make every dollar count.

Sponsoring conferences and events is a proven strategy to boost visibility, build credibility, and drive real business growth. But standing out in a crowded environment takes more than just showing up with a booth, it demands a smart, strategic approach. At CURA Events, we help brands navigate the event world with precision, creativity, and impact. Here are some Best Practices to keep in mind to help get the most from every opportunity.

As the second half of the year approaches, it’s time to double down on strategy. For solution providers, H2 is packed with opportunity and urgency. Marketing budgets are still available, sales targets need to be hit, and decision-makers are ready to take action. But without a clear plan, even the best sponsorships can fall flat. Here’s how to prepare for H2 events and finish the year with impact through sponsorships driving visibility, pipeline, and real ROI.

Hosting or sponsoring small events help forge big connections, boost sales, and enable solution-driven talks with ideal customers.

Solution providers maximize events with strategic planning, brand building, partnerships & lead generation to drive growth & ROI.

Solution providers who prioritize thought leadership in 2025 will stand out, build credibility, and become sought-after industry voices.

As the conference sponsorship landscape evolves, so do attendee expectations. In 2025, human interaction takes center stage.

As the year draws to a close, it's the perfect moment for reflecting on the year and looking ahead —an opportunity to pause and appreciate.

Say goodbye to generic giveaways. Create experiential gifts that engage the senses, reflect your brand, and leave clients wanting more.

As we approach the end of 2024 and finalize our marketing and event budgets for 2025, the time is now to get involved with NRF Retail’s Big.

This is a critical time to finish strong, maximize Q4 event opportunities, and solidify client relationships.

With eTail Canada just around the corner, this is your final chance to get involved. Interested in securing a sponsorship or attending?