Nov 07, 2023
If you attended Connect Marketplace in August in Minneapolis or the Events Industry Council (EIC) Global Awards Celebration at IMEX America in October, you may have received photos in real-time via SpotMyPhotos, an AI-powered, automated private photo sharing technology that goes beyond facial recognition to let people’s photos find them.
Attendees who opt-in to experience this next-gen photo delivery platform at events can enjoy the convenience of having all photographs taken of them instantly delivered to their smartphones, eliminating the need to scroll through hundreds or even thousands… more
Nov 02, 2023
Global Diversity Alliance (GDA), a new global LGBTQ+ community association committed to fostering a world that celebrates and embraces diversity in all its forms, released its whitepaper, “Banning the Boycott – How to Do Business in Times of Discrimination (BTB).”
The new resource, a comprehensive guide for meeting planners, hospitality and destination professionals to build more inclusive and diverse events for all stakeholders, offers pathways to navigate through the challenges of planning events in destinations with discriminatory legislation. The resource-rich, data-driven document also… more
Oct 17, 2023
The buzzing no-alcohol movement is as strong as ever, and it doesn’t appear to be slowing down anytime soon.
Research from Nielsen IQ (NIQ) underscores the fact that consumers are either ditching booze altogether or enjoying alcohol in moderation as part of a “sober curious” or “mindful drinking” lifestyle. Non-alcoholic beer, wine and spirits sales have steadily grown over the past several years, while alcoholic beverage sales have dropped, according to a recent NIQ trends report.
As demand grows and new non-alcoholic brands continue to flood the market and rise in popularity, the events… more
Sep 12, 2023
Corporate event planners and trade show organizers now have a new service that can assist them in their quest to achieve net zero carbon events: Reduce 2, Saving the Planet by Degree, an independent third-party sustainability assurance practice.
Founded and launched in August by Glenn Hansen, who served as president and CEO of auditing organization BPA Worldwide for more than 40 years, Reduce 2 focuses on standards writing, carbon footprint calculating, certifying companies and events to industry and international standards (such as ISO 20121, 14001 and 14064), as well as assuring companies… more
Sep 06, 2023
The Net Zero Carbon Events initiative has published "Best Practices for Decarbonization Pathways" to provide actionable insights and strategies that can be implemented immediately by event organizers, venues, exhibitors and suppliers. The document is available free to download here.
The interim document provides best practices for venue energy, smart production and waste management, food and food waste, logistics and travel and accommodation. The document highlights actions to help event organizations gain a head start on their decarbonization journey. Full guidance documents are set for… more
Aug 31, 2023
Choosing to eat a more plant-based diet has been one of the biggest trends among consumers in recent decades, as it’s been proven to have health benefits and be better for the planet, offsetting the carbon emissions generated by the meat and dairy industry.
As event professionals grapple with catering to the various dietary needs and restrictions of attendees, one of the best perspectives to take is a plant-forward yet balanced view that is nutritious and inclusive to all attendees while also being sustainable and leaving the planet in a healthier place, according to Tracy Stuckrath,… more
Aug 28, 2023
While leisure travel rebounded at a much faster pace coming out of COVID, business travel has picked up momentum in 2023, according to the 9th CWT Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) Travel Price Forecast 2024.
The report helps businesses understand market pricing for airfares, hotel room rates, ground transport and meetings and events. The forecast also explores where prices are heading, as well as the drivers of change.
“For business travelers as well as for the travel industry, 2023 and 2024 will present a dynamic environment characterized by economic uncertainty and heightened… more
Aug 24, 2023
Google has introduced sensory event kits for its own corporate events, and the company is making them available for purchase to other events through the Google Merch Shop.
“As we rolled these out internally in a series of other efforts, we wanted to make them accessible to other event professionals who want to be more inclusive for more than 20% of attendees who are neurodivergent or experience sensory sensitivities,” said Megan Henshall, global events strategic solutions lead for Google.
Henshall is the force behind Neu Project, a community that began at Google, working to inspire safe,… more
Aug 15, 2023
Held Aug. 6-8 at the Hyatt Regency Salt Lake, the 2023 Corporate Event Marketing Association (CEMA) Summit drew more than 500 attendees, up from 455 in 2022. Here are 10 trends we saw and heard at #CEMASummit2023, powered by PCMA.
Peer-to-peer learning. Even during sessions with panels, attendees were encouraged to discuss scenarios, as well as share challenges and solutions. For example, during the session, “Design Lab: Guiding Principles in Experience Design,” attendees shared ideas about event strategies for awareness, registration, anticipation, arrival, content, connection, activation… more
Jul 22, 2023
Promoting diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) has become a vital aspect of organizing events – from hiring speakers to creating event content to securing sponsors and more. But what about designing the food and beverage offerings at events?
We checked in with Tracy Stuckrath, founder and president of thrive! meetings & events and host of the Eating at a Meeting podcast, who offered some keen insights on the importance of DEI in event catering.
Inclusivity is what inspired Stuckrath to start her business in 2010, when a personal health journey changed the course of her career.
“I was… 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