Nov 22, 2024
Fal.Con, cybersecurity platform CrowdStrike’s annual conference, has seen some impressive growth over the last few years. In 2022, the show welcomed 2,800 attendees; then 4,000 attendees in 2023; and now 6,000 attendees at this year’s show, which took place in September at ARIA Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.
The 2024 iteration of the show was a master class in creative problem-solving, especially in terms of spatial design. Experiential agency VDA led the production of the event, which featured a trade show floor of customer booths from the likes of Mercedes and Mattel, a dome-shaped… more
Nov 21, 2024
Currently under construction with a $1 billion investment, the new VAI Resort in Glendale, Ariz. is on track to open its initial phase in Q4 2025, redefining the concept of meetings and hospitality by integrating luxurious accommodations with cutting-edge entertainment and versatile event spaces.
For event professionals seeking something fresh and groundbreaking, the upcoming opening of VAI Resort presents a new option that promises to elevate the guest experience through innovative design and entertainment.
At IMEX America in the Visit Phoenix booth, we caught up with VAI Resort Senior… more
Nov 20, 2024
Whether you are celebrating the results of the U.S. election or not, the incoming administration and the governing dynamics of the 118th Congress are certain to have an impact on the trade show and business events industry in 2025 and beyond.
As the Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (ECA) works to advocate for initiatives that enhance the event industry’s growth and resilience to ensure it remains a vital component of the economy in the coming years, the organization has been closely monitoring the implications of the election, said ECA Vice President Tommy Goodwin.
“[The]… more
Nov 19, 2024
The meetings and events industry is approaching advancing sustainability on multiple fronts.
For example, in the past few weeks the Professional Convention Management Association launched the Convene 4 Climate conference while Marriott International rolled out a new program called Connect Responsibly that provides groups with post-event impact reports.
Sustainability-focused education, certifications, tech tools, and merchandise are all helping to improve events’ environmental impact. But there may be no effort more comprehensive than Net-Zero Carbon Events—an initiative launched in 2021… more
Nov 18, 2024
As one of the fastest-growing U.S. cities in terms of population (according to an analysis by Exploding Topics), Nashville continues to develop and enhance its event offerings, and the city presents a dynamic landscape for event producers.
Whether it's hosting massive conventions in the new stadium, leveraging its musical heritage, or tapping into international markets, Nashville offers a vibrant and diverse stage for unforgettable events. With opportunities as endless as the music-filled air, Nashville remains a city that promises and delivers excitement.
As event industry professionals,… more
Nov 15, 2024
In October, meeting and conference organizers, and suppliers welcomed new talent and promoted seasoned professionals as the corporate event industry continues a bustling fall and turns its attention toward a strong finish to a busy year. In addition to the news that Julie Coker has been tapped to lead NYC Tourism + Conventions, here’s our recap of corporate event moves in the last month.
CEN’s take on the biggest move in October: Conference producer TED promoted Sabina Osorio from director of marketing and customer engagement to senior director acquisition and growth marketing.
The big… more
Nov 14, 2024
Organized by Informa Markets with Informa Connect as co-organizer, Connect Marketplace Hong Kong is launching March 19-21, 2025, at AsiaWorld-Expo. The inaugural Asia Pacific event for the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Events (MICE) community marks the debut of Connect Marketplace in Asia, aiming to elevate experiences and shape the future of the industry.
With the theme “Your Bleisure, Our Pleasure,” the event will serve as a platform for the global meetings industry, tourism authorities, and related stakeholders to connect, collaborate, and build relationships that will redefine… more
Nov 12, 2024
With marketing events becoming ever more important to companies’ customer-acquisition and -relationship efforts, Liz Lathan, CMP saw a need for focused, substantive conversations among the professionals who create those events—not just brief encounters during the big conventions for the wider meeting-planning industry.
So, the former global events manager for Dell and IBM teamed up with meeting-design veteran Nicole Osibodu to create Club Ichi, which they market as “a refreshing new way to expand your network and advance your career in B2B event marketing.”
With an official kickoff in… more
Nov 11, 2024
Look up “bad-ass event professional” and you’ll likely see a photo of Monique Ruff-Bell next to it. As the chief program and strategy officer for TED, producer of world-renowned TED conferences, Ruff-Bell isn’t afraid to push boundaries and disrupt TED’s winning formula to keep its events compelling, engaging, memorable, inclusive, and always on-trend.
Since joining TED almost three years ago as its head of events, following a transformative tenure at leading FinTech event Money 20/20, this seasoned event strategist has found ways to leverage TED’s leading platforms and legacy of… more
Nov 08, 2024
PCMA and event technology solutions provider Gevme recently rolled out new enhancements to Spark, a generative AI tool built by event professionals for event professionals. Introduced to the global business events community nearly 17 months ago, Spark now boasts more than 9,000 users. The tool offers the ability to identify viable destinations and venues.
Back story: Spark’s new offerings are the result of a partnership with Tempest.im, a multifaceted agency specializing in destination marketing solutions that include customer relationship management (CRM), website development, and digital… 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