Jul 27, 2023
Following an extensive and competitive RFP process, the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (MPEA) has selected global sports and live entertainment company Oak View Group (OVG) as the new private management and food service partner for Chicago’s McCormick Place, Wintrust Arena and Arie Crown Theater.
Beginning Oct. 1 and running through Sept. 2028, the management and F&B contracts were awarded to OVG360 and OVG Hospitality, respectively, following a unanimous vote by the MPEA Board.
“I am thrilled to welcome OVG360 and OVG Hospitality to our campus,” said Larita Clark, CEO of… more
Jul 24, 2023
Destinations International (DI), the leading global resource for official destination organizations and convention and visitors bureaus (CVBs), recently announced significant growth in its membership. The organization now represents 26 countries and territories, with more than 700 members worldwide.
The announcement was made on July 18 at the Destinations International Annual Convention by DI President and CEO Don Welsh, who highlighted the importance of a strong member community and the power of travel in fostering connections across the globe.
“Destinations International exists for the… more
Jul 18, 2023
The Overland Park Convention Center in Overland Park, Kan., has launched a full-service program designed to show appreciation, reduce costs and elevate the live event experience for convention and trade show producers, exhibitors and general service contractors.
Aptly named the OPCC Exhibition Advantage, this first-of-its-kind, industry-leading initiative features a cashback loyalty program, 50% discount at concessions, free internet access and digital content displays, live camera feeds in the show office, time-lapse video, equipment and tool sharing, swag bags, complimentary coffee and… more
Jul 17, 2023
The Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) signed an agreement with Walt Disney World to offer a new Gold Key Partnership, which provides exclusive benefits for trade shows, corporate events, exhibitors and attendees at OCCC.
Walt Disney World was a Gold Key Partner with OCCC prior to the pandemic, and the venue has existing partnership agreements with Universal and SeaWorld.
“In June, one [event] had a buyout at Universal and hosted all its attendees for a reception at the park,” OCCC Deputy Director Eric Blanc told Corporate Event News. “We encourage clients to embrace being in Orlando… more
Jul 11, 2023
The Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center in Downtown Jacksonville, Fla., is currently undergoing extensive renovations designed to improve the appearance and functionality of its meeting and convention spaces while elevating the event experience for planners and groups attending events in Jacksonville.
The renovation project, which began in April, includes a full facelift of the historic venue’s more than 200,000 square feet of meeting and exhibition spaces, including the main Exhibit Hall featuring 78,000 square feet of exhibit space, 33-foot ceilings and 22 meeting rooms of various sizes… more
Jul 07, 2023
Event organizers who produce shows at the Las Vegas Convention Center and Allegiant Stadium will be able to better understand their carbon footprint and identify efficiencies that could lower costs, thanks to a new partnership with nZero.
The tech platform is providing near real-time tracking and management of carbon emissions and water consumption data, helping these event venues gather and analyze granular data 24/7. nZero’s analysis will inform operational decision-making, maximize decarbonization efforts across all facilities and create efficiencies that will ultimately improve their… more
Jul 03, 2023
Skilled trade unions are critical to the successful execution of meetings and trade shows at convention venues across the U.S. While working with organized labor such as teamsters, carpenters, electricians, stagehands and sound technicians at event venues can come with their fair share of complexities, these groups of skilled professionals can also serve as valuable partners in ensuring a successful event experience for exhibitors and attendees alike.
In its ongoing mission to be a leader in the meeting and convention venue space, Detroit’s Huntington Place has been busy launching proactive… more
Jun 29, 2023
Located near the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park about 50 miles west of the Asheville Regional Airport, Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort in North Carolina opened the Cherokee Convention Center in 2021, adding 85,000 square feet of exhibition and meeting space. Owned by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, Harrah’s Cherokee is managed by Caesars Entertainment.
In May, Corporate Event News joined Caesars Entertainment for a trip to the property to find out what Harrah’s Cherokee has to offer corporate event planners. Here are some of the highlights in this photo recap.
A… more
Jun 26, 2023
On June 15, the uniquely luxurious Hôtel Swexan opened its doors in the heart of Dallas’ popular Harwood District, a flourishing walkable art, entertainment and culinary neighborhood. Fusing its Swiss heritage with Texas hospitality, the 134-room boutique, family-owned hotel was designed to offer the myriad amenities corporate meeting and event planners seek in a high-end hotel, including world-renowned design, five independent food and beverage concepts, a private social club, an expansive rooftop infinity pool, panoramic rooftop views and high-end meeting and event space.
Exuding European… more
Jun 20, 2023
Nashville, Tenn.-based Ryman Hospitality Properties Inc. has entered into a definitive agreement to purchase the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa in San Antonio, Texas, from Blackstone Real Estate Income Trust (BREIT), a perpetual-life, institutional quality real estate investment platform, for $800 million.
According to officials from Ryman, a leading lodging and hospitality real estate investment trust that owns the Gaylord-branded hotels and resorts across the U.S., Ryman’s acquisition of the meetings and leisure resort property gives the hospitality and entertainment… 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