Nov 19, 2021
The Golden State’s official marketing organization was popping plenty of Mumm Napa cuvee at IMEX America 2021 in Las Vegas earlier in November, as it officially unveiled a $4.5 million initiative to invest and market in the professional meetings and events space for the first time in its history.
“We're here today to celebrate that California has reopened and is ready for business, and we really feel like 2022 is going to be a monumental year for the state, said Caroline Beteta, president and CEO of Visit California, before revealing the state’s new “Meet What’s Possible” campaign, which… more
Nov 17, 2021
Organizing a safe, productive and memorable event for thousands of attendees in a new pandemic world is one thing—doing it for your industry and proving it was a testament to its resiliency and ability to successfully recover is another.
The energy and excitement were palpable at IMEX America 2021, held at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas Nov. 9-11, as attendees disembarked from shuttle buses and eagerly proceeded into the event. They happily showed proof of COVID-19 vaccination on their smart phones before heading onto the show floor to reunite with industry colleagues, build… more
Nov 12, 2021
The Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) has partnered with software company JUNO to offer an enhanced platform for its audiences to experience content and connect with each other year-round.
“This platform enables PCMA to extend our digital strategy beyond events and connect our global community to continue conversation and learning,” said Sherrif Karamat, PCMA’s president and CEO, during the announcement on Nov. 10 at IMEX America in Las Vegas. “We are excited to partner with JUNO to offer an enhanced experience for our audiences to connect and engage with one another.”… more
Nov 10, 2021
Connect teamed with World Meetings Forum (WFM), one of the most important events linking qualified hosted buyers with suppliers for the MICE industry, as part of its ongoing mission to present event planners with a diverse group of impressive destinations.
WFM has nearly 10 years of presence in Mexico, Latin America and the Caribbean and was the first event in the region to return face-to-face in 2020 in Los Cabos.
Rafael Hernandez, chair of the WFM, will act as a liaison to Latin American, Central American and Spanish-speaking Caribbean DMCs to attend future Connect events.
“We are… more
Nov 05, 2021
The event and hospitality industries are rallying behind a new bill that would help restore communicable disease coverage within event cancellation insurance and keep jobs and businesses protected during future pandemics and public health emergencies. Reintroduced in Congress on Nov. 2 by U.S. Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY), the Pandemic Risk Insurance Act of 2021 (PRIA), a version of which she first proposed in May 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, is music to the ears of those in industries still reeling from billions in pandemic-related financial losses.
If passed, the bill… more
Oct 28, 2021
Leave it to the IMEX Group to always make you feel like you’re part of their great big family. Event professionals unable to attend IMEX America in person this year are in luck. The group announced plans to debut IMEX BuzzHub Live, offering a unique virtual window into the world of the show, which takes place Nov. 9-11 at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.
“'There’s always a seat at our table’—this is our mantra, and we’ve worked to ensure IMEX America remains inclusive and available to all,” said Carina Bauer, CEO of the IMEX Group. “As part of this, we’re launching our first-… more
Oct 27, 2021
Creating community around events has become an increasingly important way to build awareness, boost engagement, drive attendance and deliver on ROI goals. 365 Media, a leading expert in virtual and hybrid events and online community consulting, recently debuted a completely free resource that helps industry professionals create, build and grow online communities year-round while continually advancing their careers: the Community Leaders Institute (CLI).
The platform was designed to unite a global network of community leaders, founders, managers and launchers in various industries (including… more
Oct 20, 2021
The Biden Administration has set Nov. 8 as the official date the U.S. will reopen its borders to fully vaccinated international visitors arriving by air, land and sea. The news was met with enthusiastic praise from officials throughout the tourism, trade show and event industries.
The original announcement in September of the intention to lift the travel ban in November for international visitors flying into the country was followed with an announcement last week by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that the Canada and Mexico borders would also reopen to international arrivals by land… more
Oct 19, 2021
Sodexo Group recently launched Sodexo Live!, a new global brand dedicated to the hospitality space. Designed to unify and leverage the company’s extensive expertise in the sports, events and hospitality sector, the fresh identity reaffirms the company’s commitment to being a market leader in a space on the verge of rebounding, according to Sodexo Live! officials.
“We are thrilled to unveil Sodexo Live! for meeting planners, show organizers and the space as a whole,” said Steve Pangburn, CEO of Sodexo Live! North America. “Those in the meetings and events industry can expect a continued… more
Oct 15, 2021
As the industry returns to face-to-face events, rest assured there will be no shortage of spectacular spaces in which to convene. With the array of new and expanded convention centers that have opened this year and are on track to debut in the near future, this seems to be one of the most prolific periods of new construction the industry has seen.
Here are four upcoming convention centers to keep on the radar, all of which are making dynamic architectural and design statements.
The Summit, Seattle
The home of the Space Needle knows a thing or two about bringing awe-inspiring icons to its… 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