News

Dec 15, 2022
Starting a new job in a difficult business climate can be challenging enough, but what about during the height of a global pandemic? That’s exactly where Claude Molinari found himself when he took the helm of Visit Detroit as its new president and CEO in January of 2021 as the global events industry was reeling from the impacts of COVID-19. A self-proclaimed extrovert by nature, Molinari’s outgoing and positive attitude certainly came in handy as he worked tirelessly to guide the CVB and its team through one of the biggest challenges travel and tourism has ever faced. “It is important to… more
Dec 14, 2022
In order to increase the selection and availability of sustainable, vegan menu options throughout its extensive network of arenas, stadiums, theaters and convention centers, ASM Global recently formed a multi-year partnership with plant-based global food provider Wicked Kitchen. The new partnership establishes Wicked Kitchen as the “Preferred Plant-Based Food Partner” of ASM Global venues as well as “Exclusive Plant-Based Food Provider” across all catering, suite and concessions managed by SAVOR, the chef-driven culinary division of ASM Global.  With this announcement, Wicked Kitchen also… more
Dec 13, 2022
While the hiring craze that has consumed the corporate events industry over the past 18 months is beginning to slow, event-related organizations far and wide are still welcoming new and experienced talent to their teams, including established industry veterans, as they set their focus on success and growth in 2023. Take a look! SITE  Just in time for its 50th anniversary, the Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE) has tapped business events industry veteran Annette Gregg as its new CEO, serving both SITE and the SITE Foundation. She takes the helm from Rebecca Wright, who served as… more
Dec 12, 2022
The Las Vegas Convention Center has become the second facility following Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) where unionized Sodexo food service workers have voted 100% to authorize a strike if a contract is not reached through ongoing negotiations.  The announcement was made late Friday, Dec. 9 by Culinary Workers Union Local 226, affiliate of UNITE HERE!, following two days of voting by cooks, dishwashers, banquet servers, concessions cashiers and other workers employed by Sodexo and working at the LVCC, claiming that their wages are not enough to keep up with the cost of… more
Dec 09, 2022
Event Leaders Exchange (ELX) has partnered with Hubilo, a world-class leader in virtual and hybrid event management technology, to host the ELX Community by providing the premier virtual place for event leaders to come together. ELX is a professional community that brings together the most senior corporate event leaders of large global organizations and convenes to share ideas, receive industry insights, solve problems and engage in powerful, actionable conversations. “As soon as I heard about the ELX community I was excited to learn more,” said Sophie Ahmed, senior vice president of market… more
Dec 09, 2022
  Webinars are a great way to host internal meetings, conduct team training and deliver unique brand experiences to existing and potential clients. While some brands use webinars as a part of demand gen strategy, others vouch for their effectiveness in lead generation. Studies suggest that the average webinar generates 500-1000 leads and has a 55% conversion rate. This looks great in numbers, but it takes a lot of effort to achieve these results in practicality. Promotions Emails, custom landing pages, social media promotions, and branded communities are some ways to promote your webinar.… more
Dec 08, 2022
Philadelphia's Pennsylvania Convention Center (PCC), managed by ASM Global, and its trade show labor partners unveiled “Safety, Skills and Smiles,” a workforce training initiative—believed to be the first of its kind in the country—to further solidify the already strong working relationship between all parties and further enrich the client experience. The joint management program is dedicated to expanding and building upon existing training programs in three areas: safety, technical skills and customer service and hospitality. The program will be financed through the new Hospitality Industry… more
Dec 06, 2022
As the meetings and trade show industry continues its post-pandemic rebound, Sodexo convention center workers in five major convention markets are warning of looming labor disputes over what they describe as poor working conditions and stagnant wages. The potentially impacted venues include the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) in Orlando, Fla., the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC), the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, Huntington Place in Detroit and the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center in Sacramento, Calif. On Nov. 21, cooks, dishwashers, banquet servers, concession… more
Dec 05, 2022
The recovery of the meetings and events industry is moving forward on a positive trajectory, with venues reporting continued growth in event volume levels, according to the latest IACC Meeting Room of the Future Barometer (MRoTF). Released on Nov. 28, the barometer is the latest in an ongoing series of IACC quarterly reports combining research and insights into the recovery of IACC venues, demand cycles, staffing influences and important trends being seen as venues work to return to 2019 operating levels. Research for the MRoTF was accessed via a survey, conducted in Oct. 2022, and includes… more
Dec 02, 2022
After being introduced to trade shows 40 years ago during his first job in public relations for the Netherlands Chambers of Commerce, Jimé Essink has had a prolific career in the trade show and conference industry, and his enthusiasm for events has never waned.   “I am passionate about the teamwork and what goes behind the organization of events, the anxiousness and anticipation if all will go well, and the shared excitement when the event is a success,” Essink said. “I will, for example, never forget the joy we had with the Hong Kong jewelry team, when we split the show successfully over… 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