News
Feb 21, 2025
Think event email marketing is dead? Think again, said Jay Schwedelson, founder of GURU Media Hub and podcast host of Do This, Not That: For Marketers, during a recent Women in Exhibitions Network (WIEN) North America meeting in January.
Back story: In the last 12 months, Schwedelson has participated in or hosted more than 2,000 webinars and 157 in-person events. His company produces the Guru Conference, which attracted more than 24,100 marketers, and the Delivered Conference that drew more than 7,400 marketers. In June, he’s launching Eventastic, which is touted as the largest event about… more
Feb 20, 2025
Nashville’s Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center recently unveiled plans to add approximately 108,000 square feet of meeting space to the resort via a $131 million expansion. Already underway, the project is expected to be completed in Spring 2027, just in time for the resort’s 50th anniversary.
The massive project includes a new ballroom (approximately 31,000 square feet), breakout space (approximately 38,000 square feet), and pre-function space (approximately 39,000 square feet). Once completed, the expansion will bring Gaylord Opryland’s total exhibit and meeting space to 756,… more
Feb 19, 2025
Black History Month marks a significant moment to celebrate Black leaders in the business events industries as well as spotlight the strategies, experiences, and insights of Black industry professionals—especially during a time when attacks on DEI programs are becoming more prominent across various business sectors.
Eric Kincaid, Vice President, Sales, Choose Chicago, is a travel and tourism industry leader who not only oversees the city’s convention market sales—he’s also a DEI advocate who makes it his mission to celebrate Chicago’s diverse history and offerings, as well as infuse a… more
Feb 18, 2025
Listen to the Prof G and Pivot podcasts and you’ll know what to expect from a keynote by Scott Galloway. The brass, outspoken, liberal professor and podcaster, who describes himself as a narcissist, presents at dozens of engagements annually – ranging from intimate fireside chats to global audiences of 10,000 marketers and business leaders.
During the eagerly anticipated opening keynote to kick off the 2025 PCMA Convening Leaders in January, marketing professor and serial entrepreneur Scott Galloway captivated the audience with his insights into the future of technology, finance, and… more
Feb 17, 2025
Concerned about pressing issues currently facing the industry, such as tax reform, the next-gen workforce, inbound travel restrictions, and decarbonization? Then it’s time to make your voice heard at Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (ECA)’s 2025 Legislative Action Day, taking place on Thursday, May 29 in Washington, DC.
Background: Held annually, ECA’s Legislative Action Day brings together leaders and advocates from across the business and professional events industry to Capitol Hill to meet with their elected officials in support of ECA’s top public policy priorities. Established in… more
Feb 14, 2025
The Events Industry Council (EIC)––the global voice of the business events industry on advocacy, research, professional recognition, and standards––recently released an update to the Certified Meeting Professional International Standards (CMP-IS), the body of knowledge that forms the foundation of the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) program and exam.
Typically updated every three to five years to ensure they remain relevant in the modern event landscape, the CMP-IS Standards define and categorize the skills, competencies, and abilities an individual needs to be successful in the… more
Feb 13, 2025
On February 11, Google announced its annual developer conference, I/O 2025, is set for May 20-21 at the Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, Calif., near the company’s headquarters.
With 98 days from the announcement to its opening, the two-day event, which typically features a mix of both public and developer content, is expected to draw thousands in person (attendance figures are not released publicly) and potentially millions more to its livestream and on demand broadcast. Shoreline Amphitheatre has 6,500 permanent reserved seats and capacity for another 16,000 fans on its lawn,… more
Feb 12, 2025
Looking to up your game when it comes to experiences and activations at your next event?
Recently, we attended Connect North, a regional event for association, corporate, and independent planners and organizers. Held Jan. 27-29 at the Marriott Downtown Kansas City, Connect North brought together planners and suppliers for three days of industry insights, one-on-one meetings and high-impact networking.
Here’s our curated list of 14 engaging event ideas you can adapt, test and try at your next corporate event.
1. Regiception. When registration meets reception, it creates a fun,… more
Feb 11, 2025
A Las Vegas hotel-resort announced a major room and amenities upgrade while a new Marriott property opened its doors in Ohio.
MGM Grand in Las Vegas Upgrades Rooms, Adds Suites
MGM Grand Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas is embarking upon a $300 million remodel of its 4,212 guestrooms and suites within its main tower. The transformation, which is expected to be completed in December 2025, will feature modern, sophisticated design elements joined by a fresh lineup of new dining and entertainment experiences set to open later this year.
A collaboration between Gensler and MGM Resorts… more
Feb 10, 2025
At Connect North in Kansas City, seasoned professional Carla Wheeler, meeting broker for Meetings Made Easy, took the main stage to share her expertise on negotiating contracts—skills she's honed over an impressive 15-year career.
Back story: Some of Wheeler’s top clients have included tech, insurance, and sports marketing firms from across the U.S., so she is familiar with negotiating tough entertainment contracts. During her career, Wheeler she has earned Top Producer awards by Marriott Hotels and Four Seasons Hotels, along with several Presidents Awards during her nine years with… more
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is more