News

May 10, 2019
The new “State of Inclusion in Meetings & Events” research report from Meeting Professionals International shows that improvement is needed across all facets of event planning. The report discusses how event professionals plan for inclusivity and diversity, highlights knowledge gaps and offers best practices for planners to create inclusive experiences. Driven by MPI’s inclusion initiative, which involves offering education and tools to make meeting experiences more welcoming, the association partnered with New York University’s Jonathan M. Tisch School of Hospitality to conduct a… more
May 09, 2019
End-to-end event success platform Bizzabo has released its next-generation, all-in-one suite of onsite technology designed to foster a more rewarding and less stressful check-in process at trade shows and events of all sizes. The launch comes on the heels of Bizzabo’s $27 million Series D financing round. Developed in response to the rising demand for ways to improve and elevate the event check-in experience, the new custom-tailored software includes everything from innovative kiosks to lead collection tools and white glove onsite service, according to Bizzabo officials. “Thanks to research… more
May 08, 2019
MGM Springfield, Massachusetts’ first resort and casino, opened in August 2018. The 250-room, $960 million resort takes up three city blocks in downtown Springfield and blends in with the surrounding real estate and overall feel of the city. Like its Las Vegas brethren, MGM Springfield offers far more than just a casino experience. If gambling isn’t your thing, not to worry: in the sleeping rooms and meeting space, it’s almost possible to forget that there is a casino floor (and a good-sized one, at that) nearby. Kimberly Altobelli, national sales manager for MGM Springfield, says that the… more
May 06, 2019
As publicly funded destination marketing organizations across the country face increased scrutiny over budgets and spending issues, some agencies are finding themselves under the microscope of state and local legislators questioning their ROI and very reason for existing. Case in point: Visit Florida, which faced what appeared to be its imminent demise in the state legislature before receiving a nine-month reprieve earlier this week. The state’s tourism marketing agency will receive a $50 million budget through June 30 at the request of Governor Ron DeSantis, who asked that the agency stay… more
May 03, 2019
Cincinnati USA has become known in the DMO world for making strides in diversity markets over the last few years, notably with the appointment of Jason Dunn as vice president, multicultural sales and community development. This spring, he was promoted to group vice president of diversity sales and inclusion — and is stepping into a role that’s quite novel in the industry. Corporate Event News sat down with Dunn to learn more about what changes he’s striving to make, and where the industry stands as a whole on diversity and inclusion efforts. Kelsey Ogletree: In your newly expanded role, how… more
May 02, 2019
Last year was a monumental one for Informa, with the purchase of UBM in January 2018 forming the largest exhibition company in the world. Earlier this week, the London-based company announced another big change: a new brand identity for one of its divisions. Going forward, Informa Exhibitions will be known as Informa Markets. This new identity reflects the company’s ongoing development and expansion, along with its focus on enabling the success of its customers and the specialist markets in which they work, from health and nutrition to construction, pharma, agriculture and more. Informa… more
May 01, 2019
The 19-story Hilton Rochester Mayo Clinic Area, located just blocks from Minnesota’s Mayo Civic Convention Center and Mayo Clinic, opened its doors on Apr. 16. Designed to reflect nature, with tile, stone and wood elements, each of the hotel’s 264 guest rooms features Cambria countertops with a custom-designed stone pattern. The focal point of the lobby is a giant master staircase with handcrafted wooden rails and granite stairs. Guests can take advantage of the hotel’s 24-hour fitness center, heated indoor infinity pool, whirlpool, sauna and steam room. For those who prefer outdoor… more
Apr 29, 2019
When websites and web tools are properly designed and coded, people with disabilities are able to use them. However, many sites and tools are developed with accessibility barriers that make them difficult or even impossible for individuals with special needs to use. World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) asserts that the web is fundamentally designed to work for all people, whatever their hardware, software, language, location, or ability. Helping to champion the effort to make its tools more accessible, CadmiumCD has updated Abstract Scorecard, its abstracts, awards and papers submissions and… more
Apr 26, 2019
Event organizers and professionals who want to understand the environmental impact of the events they plan or attend now have a free and engaging new tool to help them do just that: My Event Footprint. Developed by sustainable conference management agency MeetGreen, this web-based app for event organizers, attendees and sustainability professionals generates sustainability facts based on user data, to help drive decisions and quantify data. With just 15 quick questions, a segment of a user’s environmental impact is measured in water, energy and emissions, with data displayed in a fun, easy-… more
Apr 25, 2019
America’s Center Convention Complex in St. Louis is about to get a major makeover. On April 16, the St. Louis City Council joined the City of St. Louis’ Board of Aldermen in approving the AC Next Gen Project, an estimated $175 billion plan that will update, modernize and expand the multi-venue complex to ensure its place as an economic and employment driver for the region.  The ACCC currently comprises the 42-year-old Cervantes Convention Center, St. Louis Executive Conference Center, The Dome at America’s Center and Ferrara Theater. Proposed last fall, the project will include the addition… 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