Philadelphia CVB Gets Animated About Missing Meetings 
Dec 28, 2020
Let’s face it: Not everything about meetings is great. But after the way 2020 played out, event professionals are yearning for even the awkward stuff. Rather than mope about all the good, bad and ugly of face-to-face gatherings we’ve missed, the Philadelphia Convention and Visitor’s Bureau is having some fun with it. The CVB in December launched a series of short animated episodes, “What We Never Thought We’d Miss About Meetings.” The first three episodes—about 30 seconds each—focus on too much swag, close talkers and (too) late-night networking.  Think of it as “Seinfeld” meets “South… more
LVCVA Finalizes Purchase to Keep Las Vegas Monorail on Track
Dec 16, 2020
The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority has acquired the assets of the Las Vegas Monorail Company to preserve an important transportation option along the Las Vegas Strip. The transaction was finalized on Dec. 9, following approval of the sale by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court on Nov. 24. The company was purchased for more than $24 million, according to LVCVA officials. The transaction also allows for other transportation options on the east side of Las Vegas Boulevard by eliminating the non-compete area around the monorail system while also paving the way for the Boring Company’s… 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 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 09, 2020
The Puerto Rico Convention Center hosted its first event since achieving GBAC STAR accreditation — the only Caribbean facility to do so — last month. The meeting of the Puerto Rico Chapter of the Association of General Contractors of America (AGC) on Oct. 17 featured a debate among local governorship candidates as well as the organization’s annual convention. More importantly for tourism officials and event organizers, it served as a testimony to Puerto Rico’s ability to produce a safe and successful gathering.  “We hope that our event will serve as an example for other associations and… more
Nov 04, 2020
With more and more planners looking at a hybrid model for their meetings, Louisville Tourism and its industry partners showcased their ability to host such an event while also highlighting the work they’ve done as a city to welcome guests back safely. Held on Oct. 29, Barreling Ahead brought together 35 attendees at Kentucky International Convention Center, with an additional 103 joining virtually.  Currently, all Louisville hotels are open to guests, and event venues and restaurants are allowed to host groups at 50 percent capacity. “Louisville is ready to welcome business to our city,”… more
Oct 29, 2020
With the launch of its pre-travel testing program on Oct. 15, the State of Hawaii officially began welcoming visitors back to the islands. According to John Reyes, senior vice president and chief meetings, conventions and incentives (MCI) sales officer for Meet Hawaii, the reopening is positive news for groups looking to book meetings and events — even if, at the moment, allowable gatherings are still small. Currently, Hawaii has limited social gatherings to 10 people inside and 10 people outside. In an attempt to increase that number, Reyes says the tourism industry is urging political… more
Oct 27, 2020
On Oct. 21, Miami Beach Convention Center hosted The Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau Annual Meeting, the first event to take place at the venue since it reopened in October after closing due to the pandemic in April.  The facility’s 60,000-square-foot Grand Ballroom was well-equipped to accommodate social distancing for 200 in-person guests. MBCC worked with Smart City Networks and Everlast Productions to also create a seamless livestream for an additional 478 virtual participants. All participants attending in-person were subject to a temperature screening, and facial coverings… more
Oct 22, 2020
Hyatt Regency Seattle, which debuted in December 2018 and is currently the largest hotel in the Pacific Northwest, reopened to the public on Oct. 1 for the first time since closing its doors in March when the pandemic began. Just 15 miles from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and two short blocks from the Washington State Convention Center, Hyatt Regency Seattle and sister properties Grand Hyatt Seattle and the boutique Hyatt Olive 8 are part of what is now called “A Seattle Collection.” Here are the highlights. Property Highlights The design elements throughout the property give it a… more
Partner Voices
Just when it seems like Las Vegas can’t get any bigger, brighter or more exciting for groups, MGM Resorts raises the bar again. The company continues to invest and innovate across its portfolio of Las Vegas resorts, with new attractions and upgraded experiences for attendees of all interests.  Remodeled Guest Rooms MGM Grand is the largest single hotel in the world with over 5,000 guest rooms and an 850,000-square-foot conference center. It is home to the newly remodeled MGM Grand Studio Tower—700 reimagined guest rooms with a fun mid-century vibe. Nearby, the iconic New York-New York Las more