News
Apr 22, 2024
In celebration of Earth Day 2024, we want to share highlights from our latest podcast interview with Honeycomb Strategies CEO and ASM Global Chief Sustainability Officer Lindsay Arell. These 10 takeaways highlight the multifaceted approach to sustainability in events, encompassing operational changes, partnerships, transparency and a broader industry shift towards sustainable practices.
1. Integration of Sustainability Practices: Natural Products Expo West is one trade show that’s leading by example. The trade show has successfully integrated sustainability practices into nearly every aspect… more
Apr 19, 2024
Looking to create high-end, red carpet-worthy videos that event attendees will share?
Companies like Pixperience provide interactive photo booths like no other — using the latest camera technology to capture the moment in vivid detail and engagement with an immersive experience that your brand creates.
Every event attendee can be a glamorous star when they step into a space that seamlessly blends creativity and technology to create unforgettable experiences that attendees can share instantly on social channels.
We tested two Pixperience products at EXHIBITORLIVE 2024 and interviewed… more
Apr 18, 2024
Ask Amy Calvert about her path to the C-suite, and she will share a common thread that has persisted throughout her professional journey: a steadfast love and respect for the human connections that business events can foster.
Calvert started her career in the hospitality sector, gaining experience working for the InterContinental Hotels Group and Loews before transitioning into the destination marketing world, serving in various leadership positions on the Visit Baltimore sales and services team for more than 15 years before taking the helm of the Events Industry Council (EIC) as its… more
Apr 16, 2024
Approximately 2,000 attendees, including 800 hosted buyers gathered at The Venetian in Las Vegas for Connect Spring Marketplace April 2-4. Owned by Informa, the event connects meeting buyers and suppliers for one-on-one conversations, but also weaves in educational opportunities; a trade show featuring destinations and fresh experiential ideas; and after-hours networking events.
Here are some of the fresh ideas and classic events that made Connect Spring Marketplace a success.
More Cowbell!
The eTourism Summit, an event for destination marketers co-located with Connect Spring Marketplace,… more
Apr 15, 2024
While exhibition rates are more broadly aligning with inflation this year, specific areas, such as material handling rates, continue to outpace inflation, according to the findings of the Annual Survey of Exhibition Rates. The Exhibitor Advocate — a non-profit organization dedicated to providing industry stakeholders with expert advice, research and tools to amplify the voice of exhibitors — has released its latest survey that analyzes labor and equipment costs across 24 major U.S. cities.
This year’s report demonstrates that while corporate events continue to be a valuable sales and… more
Apr 12, 2024
What are the top trends expected to have the biggest impact on the meetings and events industry in 2024 and beyond?
Meeting planners are expecting live event attendance to grow over the next three years, but they are also facing rising costs, a wider impact on destination selection due to politics and a growing importance of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) of meeting attendees and speakers, according to the 7th Annual State of the Meetings & Convention Industry.
Conducted by creative insights firm Future Partners in collaboration with travel and tourism strategic marketing… more
Apr 10, 2024
Exclusively sponsored by Honeycomb Strategies.
Thinking of a sustainability certification? Many events and venues are. Certifications legitimize your organization’s efforts, and there are many worthwhile programs to consider. One notable and popular program, the Events Industry Council's (EIC) Sustainable Event Standards assess organizations in detailed, points-based criteria and awards applicants with a Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum rating for their percentage of compliance. Events, venues, general service contractors, vendors/suppliers can certify, with slightly different criteria for… more
Apr 10, 2024
Visit Anaheim, the official destination marketing organization (DMO) for Anaheim, Calif., has appointed Mike Waterman as its new president and CEO, effective April 29. A hospitality industry veteran with more than 30 years of leadership and sales experience, Waterman comes to Anaheim from Visit Orlando, where he previously served as chief sales officer.
Upon assuming the helm of Visit Anaheim, Waterman will be responsible for developing, directing and overseeing the CVB as well as leading its efforts to draw conventions and visitors to the Anaheim area to bring economic growth to the… more
Apr 09, 2024
Three travel, tourism and event organizations and two leading hospitality companies recently announced strategic alliances and partnerships to benefit their members and audiences. Take a look!
Destinations International Forms New Partnerships
Destinations International (DI), a leading resource for destination organizations, has been establishing collaborative relationships with event and tourism organizations to spearhead business development efforts for its members.
Connect
The organization recently formed a multi-year partnership with Connect, a leading business-to-business events… more
Apr 08, 2024
A historic Hawaiian resort nears the completion of a major guest room makeover, while a luxury beachfront Florida hotel unveiled upgraded rooms and curated community experiences for meeting and event groups.
Sandpearl Resort Unveils New “Seaside Chic” Guest Rooms
Just in time for the spring and summer beach-going seasons, Sandpearl Resort in Clearwater Beach, Fla., completed a total makeover of its guest rooms and suites.
The new “Seaside Chic” guest rooms and living spaces have been upgraded with new flooring, carpets and rugs, paint, couches (all pull-outs for extra sleeping space),… 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