Global, full-service event and experiential marketing agency Impact XM recently expanded its large-scale meetings and event management capabilities and expertise, as well as launched a valuable new service for its clients.

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month in the U.S., a time to honor and recognize the contributions and influence of those in the AAPI community to the history, culture and achievements of the U.S., in addition to the industries in which they work. It’s also an ideal opportunity to learn about the AAPI community through their valuable insights.

The U.S. Travel Association, which has been diligently advocating for the end of COVID-19 restrictions along with several other tourism and events industry entities, overwhelmingly welcomed the Biden-Harris Administration’s announcement May 1 to repeal the COVID-19 vaccine mandate for inbound travel to the U.S.

“[The] action to lift the vaccine requirement eases a significant entry barrier for many global travelers, moving our industry and country forward, said Geoff Freeman, president and CEO of U.S. Travel.

Live events are a key driver for building brand trust, according to the Freeman Trust Report 2023, a research study on the impact of face-to-face interactions

Global DMC Partners (GDP), the largest global network of independent destination management companies (DMCs) and specialized event service providers, and DMI Hotels, an authorized global sales office for a curated collection of independent hotels and resorts, have joined forces to better serve their meetings clients seeking on-the-ground support and expertise from local DMCs, hotels and event service providers. 

Global live event leader Freeman recently acquired Denver-based Impact Point Group, a technology-focused, boutique consultancy firm offering a full suite of strategic advisory and event management services. A nationally certified women-owned business, Impact Point Group’s client roster boasts market-leading tech brands, including Cisco, Atlassian and DocuSign, to name a few.

As the world gets ready to celebrate Earth Day on April 22, Corporate Event News caught up with the Joint Meetings Industry Council (JMIC) Executive Director Alexander Alles

On March 30, the industry came together with record-breaking participation to celebrate Global Meetings Industry Day (GMID), an international day of advocacy that showcases the undeniable value that business meetings, trade shows, incentive travel, exhibitions, conferences and conventions bring to people, businesses and communities.

This year’s activation carried the theme #MeetingsMatter and created 45 million impressions worldwide on social media, with 70 events held in 35 countries.

The demand for face-to-face meetings and events is continuing to grow, pushing the industry beyond the darkest days of the pandemic and revealing the strong, enduring need and desire for in-person gatherings, according to Meeting Professionals International’s (MPI) recently published Winter Meetings Outlook (winter 2022/2023) report.

The Kentucky General Assembly has passed legislation that includes a revision (from 6% to 0%) to the commonwealth’s sales tax on exhibit and sponsor space rental for face-to-face business events. Signed into law by Governor Andy Beshear on March 24, it states that business event organizers will be exempt from charging sales tax to their exhibitors and sponsors, essentially reversing a new 6% tax that went into effect on Jan. 1.