News

May 17, 2019
Technology company Chili Piper has launched a new event scheduling tool designed to improve how B2B event managers and field marketing managers book, manage and track individual and group meetings on-site at events. Besides delivering a broader feature set that can be deployed in just hours, the platform is also designed to help event managers improve and measure their event ROI. “The expertise we developed from creating our scheduling platform led us to launching a first-of-kind solution specifically for event managers that meets all their goals,” said Nicolas Vandenberghe, CEO and co-… more
May 16, 2019
Hard on the heels of Uber’s vouchers offering launch, Hilton has announced a new travel and hospitality partnership with rideshare provider Lyft. Now, Hilton Honors members will be able to earn points for riding with Lyft within the United States and Canada. This partnership may make Hilton even more attractive for planners looking to keep their attendees within the host hotel or room block. Hotel brand loyalty is a powerful tool, as meeting attendees will often choose where to stay based on loyalty status and points earned. “What makes this partnership unique and different is the… more
May 15, 2019
The 671-room Encore Boston Harbor was scheduled to open its doors on June 23, but that opening may now be delayed until July according to Wynn Resorts CEO Matthew Maddox. The $2.6 billion resort and casino, which is located four miles from downtown Boston in Everett, Mass., is reportedly the country’s most expensive resort development of 2019. The casino was in question for a time due to the sexual misconduct scandal involving former CEO and chairman Wynn Resorts owner Steve Wynn, but in late April the Massachusetts Gaming Commission ruled that Wynn Resorts could keep its gaming license.… more
May 13, 2019
Colossal events, such as Oracle OpenWorld, Dreamforce and CES, can attract upwards to 200,000 attendees and cost millions to produce. But….are these events worth all the time, effort and money poured into them? The goal for most events is to drive new business. But without a forum for holding discussions with attendees about their business challenges and ways you can help them overcome these challenges, it’s often impossible to build quantifiable connections that provide the ROI your event needs. Many event marketers and CMOs are constantly looking for ways to quantify results. Do any of… more
May 13, 2019
The city of Madison, Wisconsin, while less than half the size of Milwaukee, has a lot of things going for it. For one, it has one of the best farmer’s markets in the United States (visit in July and you’ll see what we mean). It also sits right on Lake Mendota, making it a prime spot for water recreation; ranks among the top five healthiest cities in the country; and has a creative, energetic vibe thanks to University of Wisconsin-Madison. It makes sense that many trade show organizers and meeting planners want to capitalize on all of those amenities by hosting events in Madison (among the… more
May 10, 2019
The new “State of Inclusion in Meetings & Events” research report from Meeting Professionals International shows that improvement is needed across all facets of event planning. The report discusses how event professionals plan for inclusivity and diversity, highlights knowledge gaps and offers best practices for planners to create inclusive experiences. Driven by MPI’s inclusion initiative, which involves offering education and tools to make meeting experiences more welcoming, the association partnered with New York University’s Jonathan M. Tisch School of Hospitality to conduct a… more
May 09, 2019
End-to-end event success platform Bizzabo has released its next-generation, all-in-one suite of onsite technology designed to foster a more rewarding and less stressful check-in process at trade shows and events of all sizes. The launch comes on the heels of Bizzabo’s $27 million Series D financing round. Developed in response to the rising demand for ways to improve and elevate the event check-in experience, the new custom-tailored software includes everything from innovative kiosks to lead collection tools and white glove onsite service, according to Bizzabo officials. “Thanks to research… more
May 08, 2019
MGM Springfield, Massachusetts’ first resort and casino, opened in August 2018. The 250-room, $960 million resort takes up three city blocks in downtown Springfield and blends in with the surrounding real estate and overall feel of the city. Like its Las Vegas brethren, MGM Springfield offers far more than just a casino experience. If gambling isn’t your thing, not to worry: in the sleeping rooms and meeting space, it’s almost possible to forget that there is a casino floor (and a good-sized one, at that) nearby. Kimberly Altobelli, national sales manager for MGM Springfield, says that the… more
May 06, 2019
As publicly funded destination marketing organizations across the country face increased scrutiny over budgets and spending issues, some agencies are finding themselves under the microscope of state and local legislators questioning their ROI and very reason for existing. Case in point: Visit Florida, which faced what appeared to be its imminent demise in the state legislature before receiving a nine-month reprieve earlier this week. The state’s tourism marketing agency will receive a $50 million budget through June 30 at the request of Governor Ron DeSantis, who asked that the agency stay… more
May 03, 2019
Cincinnati USA has become known in the DMO world for making strides in diversity markets over the last few years, notably with the appointment of Jason Dunn as vice president, multicultural sales and community development. This spring, he was promoted to group vice president of diversity sales and inclusion — and is stepping into a role that’s quite novel in the industry. Corporate Event News sat down with Dunn to learn more about what changes he’s striving to make, and where the industry stands as a whole on diversity and inclusion efforts. Kelsey Ogletree: In your newly expanded role, how… 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