News

Dec 07, 2020
With virtual elements taking an increasingly prominent role in the events industry, new digital technologies continue to emerge to aid planners with the various components involved in a meeting or exhibition. Here are four recently launched tools that help organizers in everything from site selection and exhibit booth design to networking and awards. IFEMA Virtual Site Tour Madrid-based IFEMA launched a new digital tool that offers a 360-degree virtual tour of the indoor and outdoor spaces, rooms and halls at its Feria de Madrid and IFEMA Palacio Municipal meeting venues. The new… more
Dec 07, 2020
Trade Show News Network (TSNN) a thrilled to welcome Matt Swenson on board as editorial director. Swenson will be overseeing TSNN, the top online news source in the trade show industry, as well as Corporate Event News, for corporate event planners. “Matt has a strong background in not only journalism, but also the meetings and events industry,” said EVP of Business Development, Tarsus US and Tarsus Media President Rachel Wimberly. She added, “The TSNN and Corporate Event News teams are excited to work with Matt and look forward to providing high-quality content to our extensive audiences… more
Dec 07, 2020
In an effort to speed the pace of recovery in Indianapolis, Visit Indy has pooled together its tech partners to offer discounted prices for citywide hybrid meetings. The CVB says it is the first in the nation to present citywide discounts on audiovisual and WiFi. Planners who take advantage of the offer can receive 25 percent off WiFi and 10 percent off AV equipment. Thirteen venues, including Indiana Convention Center and a mix of hotels, are participating. Visit Indy’s discount is available for events booked by the end of next year and held by Dec. 31, 2022. As a destination designed… more
Dec 03, 2020
Destinations International has released two studies that look at key issues facing the travel industry. The first focuses on the role destination organizations play in advancing equity, diversity and inclusion, while the second—conducted with Longwoods International—examines the perception of the travel industry by U.S. residents. Equity, Diversity and Inclusion A follow-up to the baseline data compiled in 2019, DI’s 2020 Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Study on Destination Organizations found a need and desire for destination organizations to drive growth in diverse leadership… more
Dec 01, 2020
The slow-moving transition of power in Washington, D.C., is causing far more damage than anguish and partisan bickering.  With hopes dimming on a new stimulus package before the new year, the American Hotel & Lodging Association reports stalled negotiations are endangering properties that have survived the pandemic so far. A new survey shows dim health predictions before a vaccine is released, combined with economic hardship, point toward closures and significant layoffs within six months. That is, unless the federal government passes new relief measures. “Every hour Congress doesn’t… more
Nov 24, 2020
It isn’t easy being green, but convention centers that remain steadfast in their commitment to sustainability can certainly reap the rewards from time to time. Case in point: Detroit’s TCF Center, which received a 2020 U.S. Green Building Council Leadership Award during the closing event of the annual Greenbuild International Conference and Expo, held Nov. 10-12 in a virtual format this year. Awarded annually, the USGBC Leadership Award recognizes exceptional work advancing sustainable, healthy, resilient and equitable buildings, cities and communities. According to USGBC officials, the 2020… more
Nov 23, 2020
With winter approaching, the appeal of holding meetings in the Desert Southwest only increases — especially for groups wanting to take advantage of the area’s abundant sunshine to host outdoor gatherings. Even better for event planners, a number of hotels and resorts in the desert region that runs from Southern California to Arizona to New Mexico have recently completed major renovations or in other ways added to their offerings for groups. Greater Palm Springs, California With the recent opening of a new water park featuring dueling 30-foot-tall water slides and a lazy river, the 530-room… more
Nov 19, 2020
Nearly three-quarters of the meeting professionals surveyed in the most recent Meetings & Events Pulse Survey conducted by Global DMC Partners (GDP) expect their events to be held in a virtual or hybrid format in 2021. The surveyed planners also see having a vaccine in place as the most important factor in bringing back face-to-face events.  Conducted Sept. 14-30, the Q3 survey polled 447 people in the meetings and events industry. Respondents included third-party/independent planners and those from the pharmaceutical industry, associations, technology, finance, insurance and law. More… more
Nov 17, 2020
With its convention center expansion on track for completion by the end of the year and hotels continuing to open, Las Vegas keeps improving its ability to host events. This fall, the city debuted two adults-only properties, Circa Resort & Casino and The Cromwell, with the new Virgin Hotels Las Vegas scheduled to open in January. Here’s what to expect from each. Circa Resort & Casino The first new resort-casino to be built from the ground up in downtown Las Vegas in four decades, the 1.25 million-square-foot Circa Resort & Casino opened its first five floors and parking hub —… more
Nov 16, 2020
The city of Grapevine, Texas, played host to Meeting Professionals International’s World Education Congress, held in hybrid format Nov. 3-6. “Reunite for Recovery” was the theme of the event, which took place at Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center and drew nearly 700 in-person attendees and 1,000 virtual participants. Grapevine CVB partnered with MPI in developing Duty of Care procedures that allowed for safe general sessions, breakout sessions and one-on-one appointments. The goal was to demonstrate the new standards for a safe return to live, in-person meetings and conferences. In… 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