News

Dec 15, 2021
Event experience leader Bizzabo recently acquired two new companies, Klik and TeeVid, and debuted the Ultimate Video Production Suite to further invest in innovative, experiential technology for virtual, hybrid and in-person events. Klik is a pioneer of smart wearables technology to power onsite experiences at live events. Its technology helps event professionals elevate and measure attendee engagement, participation, and networking. Bizzabo believes event organizers have established appetites for the rich behavioral and intent data that virtual events have captured for the past 18 months… more
Dec 14, 2021
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts recently debuted The Meetings Collection, a new element of the brand’s Wyndham Business program comprising a network of premium meetings-focused hotels offering meeting planners new incentives in desired markets and streamlined multi-year bookings.  Initially launched with eight U.S. hotels and resorts in highly sought-after meetings destinations and with plans to expand in the future, the collection was specifically designed to meet the needs of planners and offers rewarding solutions and a simple, streamlined way to book multi-year meetings at different hotels… more
Dec 10, 2021
Your sales reps' expectations from sales kick-offs (SKOs) have changed. They no longer want boring business strategy monologues. They want to network, get energized, and figure out how they’re going to be successful that year. There is also the added challenge of meeting these expectations virtually. Here are 3 mistakes you could be making at your virtual SKOs that are affecting your sales results. Mistake #1 - Packing it all into 48 hours A typical SKO is an annual mega-event where sales reps are crammed into their seats all day and given one presentation after another. This drains their… more
Dec 10, 2021
Talk to Chef Mike Mantia about how he found his way into the culinary world and he’ll tell you the story of a young teen who loved the hustle and bustle of a kitchen so much, he never looked back once he fell into the profession.  Born in the U.S. to Sicilian parents, Mantia’s culinary training started early at his grandmother’s side, learning to roll meatballs at the ripe old age of five. His burgeoning passion for food became further cemented once he discovered the wonder of cultivating herbs, greens, vegetables and fruit in grandfather’s garden, an experience that instilled in him a… more
Dec 09, 2021
As 2021 winds to a close, hotel companies far and wide are opening new properties, finishing up remodel projects or finalizing expansions in preparation for a busier 2022. Here are some of the most recent developments to keep on your radar: New Properties and Spaces Virgin Hotels New Orleans As the latest lifestyle brand to open its doors in New Orleans’ artsy Warehouse District, Virgin Hotels New Orleans features 238 “chambers” (aka guest rooms), two penthouse suites, multiple outlets for dining, drinking and gathering, a 24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center and 5,000 square feet of… more
Dec 08, 2021
Destinations International, the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) and the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) will launch Business Events Industry Week, aimed at bringing the global events industry to the U.S. Capital region and consolidating several important annual gatherings into one week. The inaugural Business Events Industry Week, taking place March 23-25, 2022, at Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Md., will be dedicated to community, commerce, content, awards and advocacy in order to unite the global business… more
Dec 06, 2021
Knowland, a leading provider of data-as-a-service insights on meetings and events for hospitality, released the U.S. Meetings Recovery Forecast (MRF) with predictive insights into event recovery over the next three years. The company will update the model quarterly. “Knowland’s Meetings Recovery Forecast model is the foundation for future predictive forecasting," said Jeff Bzdawka, CEO of Knowland. "It applies the intelligence of machine learning to Knowland’s expanding meetings and events database to generate thoughtful, actionable AI-driven insights." The MRF demonstrates projected… more
Dec 03, 2021
New tech solutions for events of all types continue to rapidly take shape in the industry, from platform upgrades and additions to mobile apps and measurement tools. Check out some of the latest new developments! Bizzabo Bizzabo recently launched its Event Experience category and Event Experience Operating System (OS) to help companies “future-proof” events for a hybrid world. The Experience OS, built from the ground up to lead the new category of Event experience was designed to give event organizers the tools they need to deliver personalized experiences, create magical moments that… more
Dec 02, 2021
The iCompli Sustainability division of global assurance provider BPA Worldwide has become an  official member of the new Maritz Global Events Wellbeing Network. The alliance is designed to provide a custom tool for clients to measure the carbon footprint of an event and then provides guidance to improve it. Three phases will consist of measurement, improvement and implementation through the BPA iCompli Sustainability Carbon Footprint Measurement Tool and Maritz Global Events: For phase 1, Discovery & Assessment, participating organizers are educated on the information required to… more
Dec 01, 2021
The Events Industry Council (EIC), the global voice of the business events industry on advocacy, research, professional recognition and standards, has extended the benchmarking survey for the first phase of its recently launched Equity Acceleration Plan. The landmark plan aims to provide a framework to turn its vision to action and lead the challenge against discrimination and systemic racism in the events industry. The first phase was designed to focus on establishing a benchmark by which to measure progress for the industry through a survey that determines the current state of diversity,… 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