Apr 26, 2021
Want to see the progression of corporate events in the past six months? Just track what LeAnn Koenig, vice operations of operations at Vertical Xchange, has experienced.
Primarily an organizer of boutique events across myriad industries, Koenig was hosting groups during the pandemic as early as last September. As you might expect, the audience was split about 50-50 between in-person and virtual. The ratio has gradually tilted more toward face-to-face, reaching 90% for Vertical Xchange’s Row Corp Exchange at The Westin Cape Coral Resort in Cape Coral, Florida, in January. In March, the… more
Apr 21, 2021
Even though big gatherings still aren’t allowed in most U.S. cities, that hasn’t stopped sustainably minded event organizations, hospitality companies and venues from finding ways to celebrate the 51st edition of Earth Day. Held on April 22, the event’s theme this year is “Restore Our Earth.”
The global event will be primarily digital for the second year in a row but will offer a plethora of Earth Day activities available to those wishing to participate. Take a look at how our industry is celebrating and who knows, maybe you’ll feel inspired to create your own eco-friendly event or join one… more
Apr 19, 2021
Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak is aiming for the state’s many hospitality and events venues to allow 100% capacity by June 1. The welcome news is well-timed, as Las Vegas has an increasingly full slate of events scheduled starting this summer, many of which were predicated on allowing large crowds indoors.
“Our state health officials are comfortable setting a goal for a full reopening to 100% capacity on June 1,” said Sisolak during an April 13 press conference. “A safe and responsible reopening is a path forward to bringing back conventions and getting Nevadans back to work.”
The governor… more
Apr 13, 2021
Las Vegas is back with a vengeance. That was the message at the conventions and hospitality industry panel held March 8 at the brand new West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center, marking Global Meetings Industry Day.
After a devastating year, there’s pent-up demand for a return to live face-to-face meetings events, and Las Vegas is already seeing record gains in bookings through the end of the year and into 2022, according to industry executives who attended the event.
“We’re making great strides and I think things will continue to move quickly,” said Steve Hill, president and CEO of… more
Apr 07, 2021
Always a great opportunity to celebrate the importance of face-to-face gatherings big and small, Global Meetings Industry Day takes on added significance this year. Just as last year’s all-virtual celebration was a reflection of the pandemic’s beginnings, planned meetings this Thursday, April 8, offer a preview of the future.
Created by the Meetings Mean Business Coalition in 2016, GMID 2021 “represents a milestone in the safe return of major in-person events and for the people, communities and cities who rely on them,” according to Coalition representatives. Events will occur on three… more
Apr 02, 2021
Caesars Entertainment is converting Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino into a vaccination site for thousands of its employees in April. The hotel and gaming giant announced a partnership with Albertsons to administer between 1,000 and 2,000 Pfizer shots during large-scale vaccine events. Free vaccinations will be scheduled online by appointment only and are open to all Caesars Entertainment Las Vegas team members.
In total, 10,000 vaccinations will be distributed exclusively to Caesars employees through the initiative.
The move is the latest in a long line on initiatives undertaken throughout… more
Mar 29, 2021
On March 24, New York’s Javits Center hit an important milestone for the health of its community. Since opening its doors on Jan. 13 as a mass COVID-19 vaccination site, the Manhattan convention center has distributed more than 250,000 vaccines at the record rate of more than 14,000 per day.
Considered the largest vaccination center in the U.S., according to Javits officials, the site is a massive effort carried out in conjunction with the New York State Department of Health and the New York National Guard. Hundreds of medical, military and civilian teams have worked in tandem to establish… more
Mar 19, 2021
Add Oahu to the destinations ready to welcome groups back. Days after the island’s gathering restrictions were eased on March 11, Hawaii Convention Center in Honolulu launched a campaign alerting events professionals that it is open for business.
As is the case with meeting facilities on the mainland, the center has implemented health and safety protocols for meetings and events, led by ASM’s Global’s Venue Shield program. These include:
Enhanced cleaning and sanitation and the use of electrostatic sprayers;
The installation of thermal cameras and touchless temperature checks;
The use of… more
Mar 18, 2021
As the events industry readies to turn the page on the COVID-19 dark times with a seemingly speedy recovery, a final chapter recording the final ugly numbers from 2020 is coming together.
The U.S. Travel Association released a report on Wednesday indicating the U.S. economy lost out on $1.1 trillion dollars from travel. Along those same lines, the data shows travel-supported jobs fell by 5.6 million in 2020 (16.7 million to 11.1 million) while the industry’s footprint shrunk by 42%. As proof that the pandemic disproportionately hurt the travel and hospitality world, 65% of all lost American… more
Mar 17, 2021
Awaiting a renaissance of the events industry, Explore St. Louis turned to Michelangelo to drive customers to the America’s Center.
The international touring exhibit, Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition, adorned the ceilings of a 27,625-square-foot. ballroom inside the convention center. Open Thursday-Sunday between Nov. 6, 2020-Jan. 17, 2021, the attraction sold 15,457 tickets and generated $210,000 in revenue at a time when meetings and conventions were not operating inside the facility.
“We made productive use of American’s Center,” said Brian Hall, chief marketing officer at… more
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is renowned for its exceptional service and diverse venue options across Las Vegas, Detroit, Springfield, National Harbor, Biloxi, and Atlantic City, providing flexible spaces for meetings of any size. Beyond these offerings, MGM Resorts distinguishes itself through a strong commitment to social responsibility and sustainability, making it an ideal choice for your next meeting.
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