With its blend of rich history, vibrant culture, scenic waterfront, diverse culinary offerings, boutique shopping, and walkable neighborhoods, it’s no wonder that Alexandria, Virg., is a popular destination not only for leisure guests, but also meeting and event groups. Founded in 1749 and boasting the nation’s third oldest historic district, this charming port city combines a small-town feel with the amenities of a cosmopolitan city and has been recognized as a “Best Small City in the U.S.” by Condé Nast Traveler readers for the last six years. 

The 13^th edition of IMEX America is a wrap. The booths and signage have come down at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, and the show’s record-setting 15,500 participants, including more than 5,500 buyers, have headed home. Now comes the work of maintaining the connections and acting on the education and experiences delivered at the October 8-10 event.

ConferenceDirect's voyage towards producing a carbon-neutral event wasn't a spur-of-the-moment decision. "This journey started four years ago when we committed to a 30% reduction by 2030," said Larry Hanson, chief marketing and sustainability officer for ConferenceDirect, a meeting and event management firm that manages more than 1,000 conferences globally.

September was another active month for the corporate events industry, especially among industry suppliers, with organizations across the U.S. tapping new leadership, promoting seasoned staff, and welcoming experienced professionals to executive teams. 

As Hurricane Milton, a powerful Category 4 storm, barrels toward Florida’s Gulf Coast, the impact on the state’s business events industry is already being felt. With winds reaching up to 150 miles per hour, Milton is projected to make landfall in the Tampa Bay region, potentially disrupting major conferences, conventions, and trade shows across Florida.  

With 1,350 hotels and all-inclusive properties in 78 countries across six continents already in its portfolio, Hyatt Hotels Corp. is significantly expanding its luxury and lifestyle brand footprint with more than 20 new and planned property openings across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Latin America, and the Caribbean through 2025.  

Asking attendees about their dietary restrictions and preferences—and accommodating them—is part of any F&B 101 curriculum. Delegates’ meals affect their satisfaction with the event and, ultimately, the bottom line, so accommodating dietary needs is part of the job.

But some planners see a further twist coming in this already challenging responsibility.

Dreamforce made headlines last month after the now-viral moment when comedian John Mulaney roasted Salesforce’s “imminently replaceable” workforce for wearing “fleece vests” and embodying all of the other corporate tech bro stereotypes.  

As IMEX America 2024 approaches, IMEX Group CEO Carina Bauer joined CEN’s VP of Group Content Danica Tormohlen for an insightful preview of what attendees can expect at this year's event, which will be held Oct. 7-10 at Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas.  

An array of event technology companies have formed strategic partnerships and added new services to help corporate event planners streamline their events, elevate ROI, and increase attendee inclusivity.