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In this first edition of the Inside IDDBA segment for Fresh Take with IDDBA, Kat Shanahan, VP of Marketing & Membership at IDDBA, is joined by Jeremy Johnson, VP of Events, and Brandie Schuchardt, Director of Meetings & Events, for an energetic preview of IDDBA 2026 in Orlando, June 7-9. Together, they share what attendees can expect from this year’s event, from the scale of the show floor and the continued growth of the show to the planning, teamwork, and member focus that shape the overall experience.

Jeremy and Brandie discuss why IDDBA's annual show has become such a milestone for exhibitors and attendees alike, where many companies often announce major events like product launches or plan their year around the show. Long-time veterans of the show, they provide a great description ("an event filled with discovery" and “sensory overload") for Kat who will be attending her first show this year.

The conversation also highlights the experiences that make the show more than just time on the floor, including the Monday Night Party and What’s in Store Live. Brandie shares why the event feels so welcoming and community-driven, while Jeremy explains how What’s in Store Live helps bring IDDBA’s trends to life in practical, cross-departmental ways that attendees can take back to their teams. Along the way, they offer useful advice for getting the most out of the show, and provide a sneak peak into the return of one of IDDBA's favorite personalities returning to our General Session stage.

Orlando is going to be an incredible experience, filled with energy, opportunity, and a community that values doing business and making real connections. This episode is a must-listen for those who want to come prepared.

Registration is open now, and we'll see you in Orlando, June 7–9. To learn more about the show, book your hotel, sign up for updates, and register, visit IDDBA’s website: https://www.iddba.org/register

Want to be a guest on the podcast or learn more about IDDBA? Reach out to us at education@iddba.org.

To learn more about IDDBA and becoming a member, head here: https://www.iddba.org/membership/join-iddba/membership

Speaker Bios

Kat Shanahan

VP of Marketing & Membership

Kat-Shanahan

Jeremy Johnson

VP of Events

Brandie Schuchardt

Director of Events

Brandie-Schuchardt

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Want to be a guest on the podcast or learn more about IDDBA? Reach out to us at education@iddba.org

To learn more about IDDBA and becoming a member, head here:
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