Feb 27, 2024
What experiences do event attendees value most? During the Women in Exhibitions Network North America session, “New Audience Insights From Freeman,” on Feb. 16, Freeman Senior Vice President of Strategy Ken Holsinger provided a deeper dive into the 2024 Attendee Intent and Behavior, which garnered 3,200 respondents across a blend of events.
The one-hour online meeting covered the full report, but here are the top 11 things that attendees want from in-person events, according to the Freeman survey. When planning your event or exhibit and budgeting your spend, it’s helpful to know what… more
Feb 26, 2024
Online corporate events are here to stay, so how do event organizers make them more effective and enjoyable? Priya Parker, author of The Art of Gathering, published the Virtual Gathering Guide, which offers seven steps for meeting hosts to create moments of connection in the online event space.
Here are excerpts from the guide that are most relevant for corporate event managers.
1. Clarify the purpose of your virtual gathering. “Don’t assume your digital gathering shares the same purpose as your in-person one,” she advised. Ask: “What is the most important need for this group and how might… more
Feb 13, 2024
While meeting planners are feeling optimistic about 2024, delivering high-quality events and attendee experiences while staying within budget continues to pose a major challenge. Rising costs coupled with inexperienced hotel staff are changing how and where planners book events, resulting in smaller gatherings, a move to secondary markets and modified in-person experiences.
These insights were unveiled in the 2024 State of the Meetings Industry report, a collaborative industry research report conducted by Knowland, a provider of data-as-a-service insights on meetings and events for… more
Feb 06, 2024
Last August, Freeman announced a rigging safety initiative that impacted exhibitors and event organizers with hanging signs, video walls that have overhead support and all other tie-offs. The rigging rule could have potentially affected thousands of exhibiting companies and events across the U.S. with higher costs and longer timelines.
In response, Exhibition Services & Contractors Association (ESCA), The Exhibitor Advocate and Experiential Designers & Producers Association (EDPA) collaborated with Freeman to roll back some of the requirements, making it faster, easier and cheaper… more
Feb 01, 2024
U.K.-based creative communications agency DRPG has expanded its global footprint with the acquisition of The Special Event Company (TSEC), a live and virtual event agency based in Apex, N.C., near the bustling Raleigh and the Research Triangle Park area.
Founded in 1987 by Sally Webb, TSEC designs and produces myriad types of corporate events, including conferences, sales and leadership meetings, trainings and continuing education events, galas and award ceremonies, incentive trips, appreciation events, ground breakings, grand openings, expos and trade shows, product launches and town halls… more
Jan 29, 2024
Have you ever considered sponsoring restrooms at an event? At PCMA Convening Leaders 2024 (CL24) in January, Montreal Business Events worked with Les Cabinets for the fourth year in a row to deliver a unique and memorable activation in one of the women’s and men’s bathrooms at the San Diego Convention Center.
We caught up with Les Cabinets Co-Founder Patrice Marier to get an inside look at the women’s bathroom activation to find out more about how his team manages the sponsorship and optimizes the attendee experience for events.
Here’s what you need to know:
How it worked: Montreal… more
Jan 17, 2024
What do attendees want in 2024? The good news: More events, according to the latest Freeman Trends Report, “2024 Attendee Intent and Behavior.” In fact, 92% of respondents said they will attend more in-person events in 2024 than in 2023, according to a comprehensive behavioral assessment of B2B events by global events company Freeman.
Building on the findings and insights of Freeman’s Q1 2023 Trends Report that identified attendee gaps, analyzed sentiment and revealed expectations, the 2024 report surveyed attendees to find out what’s changed, what’s remaining the same and what to expect… more
Jan 09, 2024
What’s trending in group food and beverage (F&B) as 2024 begins? We asked Eric Vaughn, executive director of culinary operations for CAESARS FORUM and the Las Vegas region, to share what his F&B team is preparing for events at Caesars Entertainment venues in Las Vegas this year.
Vaughn is responsible for banquet and culinary operations at all Caesars Entertainment Las Vegas properties, which include Caesars Palace, Planet Hollywood, Paris, Horseshoe, Cromwell, Flamingo, LINQ hotel, LINQ promenade and CAESARS FORUM. Bringing more than 18 years of experience with Caesars Entertainment… more
Jan 05, 2024
How does the event industry compare against other industries? In part one of our series, we shared an analysis of the KPMG 2023 CEO Outlook — the annual survey of 1,300 CEOs of the world’s largest businesses conducted by KPMG International.
What is the current mindset of CEOs in the event industry? In part five of our series, general service contracting leaders shared what their top business concerns are now and moving into 2024, and how they and their organization are addressing them.
Did you miss any part of our series? Catch up on critical insights from thought leaders who represent the… more
Nov 16, 2023
Corporate event organizers now have a new way to tap into the increasing popularity of blended travel while elevating their in-person events with Jampack, a new bundling platform that curates unique and memorable host-city experiences for attendees and exhibitors.
Using the Jampack platform, event-goers can explore and purchase exclusive destination experiences, such as networking-focused dining events, excursions or golf outings, hotel accommodations and stay-the-weekend packages before, during and after trade shows and conferences — setting the stage for elevated networking and group… 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.
At the core of MGM Resorts' company values is its platform, "Focused on What Matters," dedicated to meeting customer needs while advancing socially responsible practices. This commitment is evident more