News
Aug 06, 2021
In an effort to expand its catering presence in South Florida, Coconut Grove-based Bill Hansen Catering & Event Production acquired Eten Catering, a full-service catering and event company based in Fort Lauderdale. The merger not only brings two South Florida food and events brands together under one umbrella but also adds a new level of service to Hansen’s 41-year platform as an events vendor in the region.
The acquisition will expand the Hansen brand’s presence to an even larger market, specifically on large-scale yachts in South Florida, thus allowing the company’s services to span… more
Aug 05, 2021
While many entities have been stumbling over major hurdles with employee retention and engagement throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, New Orleans’ Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (ENMCC) strode forward—by leaps and bounds.
The center, already decorated with several “Top Workplaces” awards, including two this year, launched the Innovation Lab in July, aimed at even further improving company culture and, ultimately, customer satisfaction by placing ownership of the initiative in the hands of employees.
Employees will set goals, provide timelines and drive strategy and content for the… more
Aug 03, 2021
While leisure travel is starting to make a comeback, the U.S. hotel industry’s road to recovery from the pandemic is forecasted to be a prolonged and uneven one, with urban markets disproportionately impacted, according to a new report and state-by-state job loss breakdown released last month by the American Hotel & Lodging Association.
The uptick in leisure travel has improved industry projections that were made at the beginning of this year, but the hospitality industry overall still remains well below pre-pandemic levels, according to Chip Rogers, president and CEO of AHLA, the sole… more
Aug 02, 2021
New York City has opened its arms to the world again, ready to host groups with an impressive lineup of recently opened or soon-to-open venues.
“It’s time to return to New York,” said Fred Dixon, president and CEO of NYC & Co., the city’s official destination marketing organization and CVB, pointing to the increasingly vibrant atmosphere prevailing throughout the city. “As we all emerge from the pandemic, keeping an eye on the Delta variant, of course, our venues are prepared with the right safety protocols, and there's so much that has happened over the last year in terms of new… more
Jul 30, 2021
The Events Industry Council (EIC) recently launched an interactive, self-paced online version of its in-person Sustainable Event Professional Certificate Program (SEPC), putting educational opportunities within easier reach for event planners, suppliers and sustainability professionals seeking to improve the environmental performance of their events and services.
Developed by a globally diverse group of business events industry leaders and experts in sustainability, social impact and event management, the course covers 16 modules that include understanding the business value of… more
Jul 29, 2021
With the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reversing its stance on mask-wearing for fully vaccinated people July 27, Roger Dow, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association said that adhering to the new recommendations allows people to continue to safely return to their professional lives, including in-person meetings and events.
“From the onset, we have said our industry will follow the guidance of public health authorities,” Dow said. “The last thing we want is a backslide in the nascent recovery of travel, particularly as business travel slowly begins to rebuild.”
He added, “The… more
Jul 28, 2021
Do you want to leave your event audience stunned just like the last marketing campaign of a brand you fell in love with? Convincing potential attendees to attend your event is a difficult task.
Get these five marketing strategies in place for your next event, and see a flurry of global audiences come your way.
Invite attendees to pre-login and network with peers: Replicate the X factor of a meet-and-greet for your virtual attendees. Invite them to a virtual soiree where they can pre-login onto the virtual event platform to interact with people of similar interests. This marketing tactic… more
Jul 28, 2021
Full-service production company CNTV has been helping clients tell their unique stories through dynamic video coverage experiences for nearly 14 years. To amplify those messages and further boost engagement, attendance and revenue, the company recently launched CNTV Marketing, offering a one-stop solution for the meetings, exhibitions and events industry.
“We’ve consistently heard from clients that they are interested in more holistic offerings from CNTV, and the marketing division will provide just that,” said Carrie Ferenac, co-founder and president of the company. “It’s not only about… more
Jul 27, 2021
Mirroring the red-hot U.S. job market, the meetings and events industry is continuing to experience a deluge of new hires and promotions as it works to get back to normal. Check out who’s moving up the ladder at a host of organizations across the events spectrum:
Fayetteville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
Randy Fiveash has been named interim president and CEO of the Fayetteville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau in Fayetteville, N.C. Charged with leading and directing strategic planning and executing research-based marketing, sales and public relations, he will also work to… more
Jul 21, 2021
The Greater Miami CVB appointed David Whitaker as its new president and CEO following a six-month executive search by a 14-member committee comprised of local business and community leaders who reflect Miami-Dade County’s rich diversity.
The appointment is a homecoming for Whitaker, who worked for the Greater Miami CVB from 1990-2007, most recently as executive vice president and chief marketing officer. He then went on to serve as president and CEO of Tourism Toronto for eight years then president and CEO of Choose Chicago for five years.
“David brings back to us a rare and powerful… 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