Apr 09, 2024
Three travel, tourism and event organizations and two leading hospitality companies recently announced strategic alliances and partnerships to benefit their members and audiences. Take a look!
Destinations International Forms New Partnerships
Destinations International (DI), a leading resource for destination organizations, has been establishing collaborative relationships with event and tourism organizations to spearhead business development efforts for its members.
Connect
The organization recently formed a multi-year partnership with Connect, a leading business-to-business events… more
Apr 05, 2024
After a nearly 10-year tenure at NYC Tourism + Conventions, Fred Dixon has been appointed president and CEO of the U.S.’s official destination marketing organization, Brand USA, effective July 15. He is succeeding Christopher Thompson, who announced his retirement in July 2023 and has held the role of president and CEO since 2012.
Bringing more than 30 years of experience along with a proven track record of leadership in the travel industry to his new role, Dixon currently serves as president and CEO of NYC Tourism + Conventions, New York City’s official destination marketing organization, a… more
Apr 02, 2024
As an annual international day of advocacy that showcases the incredible and undeniable value that business meetings, trade shows, incentive travel, exhibitions, conferences and conventions bring to people, businesses, communities and the global economy, Global Meetings Industry Day (GMID) will once again gather event industry professionals virtually and in person on Thurs., April 11 to communicate and celebrate the importance of the events industry.
An initiative of Meetings Mean Business (a division of U.S. Travel), the event is again being hosted virtually by Meeting Professionals… more
Apr 01, 2024
As wellness comes to the forefront for some corporate leaders, planners may be tasked with producing a retreat for their organization.
In fact, the corporate wellness market was valued at an estimated $61 billion in 2023, and this number is expected to rise to $85 billion by 2030, according to Fortune Business Insights.
Where are companies spending on wellness?
In 2024, employers are anticipating a greater investment in mental health solutions (91%), stress management and resilience tools (66%), telemedicine (65%), mindfulness and meditation programs (55%) and lifestyle spending accounts… more
Mar 29, 2024
For organizers who are truly serious about sustainability and lowering the environmental footprint of their trade shows, meetings and events, incorporating plant-forward menus is more than a culinary trend — it’s a strategic choice that aligns with broader societal shifts, especially among younger generations. By making this change, event organizers can not only enhance the attendee experience but also cut carbon and costs while contributing to a more sustainable and equitable world.
The demand for plant-based options is growing steadily, driven by a combination of health concerns,… more
Mar 28, 2024
Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) President and CEO Antonio Neri will be the first corporate leader to deliver a keynote address at Sphere in Las Vegas during HPE Discover 2024. On June 18, Neri will take the stage for the company’s gathering that kicks off on June 17 at the Venetian Convention and Expo Center.
Backstory: Since opening in Las Vegas in September 2023, Sphere has hosted concerts like U2 and Phish, as well as films like Postcards From Earth. Since then, UFC announced plans for the first sporting event inside the Sphere in September. HPE’s session will be the first corporate… more
Mar 28, 2024
Connect is building upon its reputation as a leading provider of experiences, business opportunities and inspiration through an enhanced media coverage offering. Effective immediately, Connect’s portfolio will expand to include:
• Trade Show News Network (TSNN), the prestigious online news outlet covering the exhibition, trade show, and events industries since 1996
• MeetingsNet, the award-winning publication for market-segmented meeting decision- makers planning meetings
• Corporate Event News, the media brand that reaches corporate event… more
Mar 25, 2024
Celebrated every March, Women’s History Month is an opportune time to celebrate the female achievers of the trade show and events industry. In this third in a series of exclusive interviews with outstanding female industry professionals, we had the pleasure of speaking with Freeman President Janet Dell and beMatrix CEO Tara Ericson to find out how their organizations are supporting women, how the industry can accelerate gender equity and inclusion and what advice they can offer women to reach the C-suite.
Janet Dell, President, Freeman
Current role: Dell oversees Freeman’s long-term… more
Mar 22, 2024
Gerilyn Horan’s journey into the hospitality industry began unintentionally when the insurance company she was working for part-time while in college phased out its entire department. However, the unfortunate experience turned out to be a serendipitous one for the young student.
“Fortunately, a new Hilton had just opened nearby, and through a friend, I secured a role as a cashier in the coffee shop,” Horan explained. “I fell in love with the business, and out of a desire to create impactful experiences, I evolved through a series of front-of-the-house, commercial and leadership roles.”… more
Mar 21, 2024
Celebrated every March, Women’s History Month is an opportune time to celebrate the female achievers of the trade show and events industry. In this second in a series of exclusive interviews with several outstanding female industry professionals, we had the pleasure of speaking with Maverick Payments Creative Director Jessica Reinhardt, who will oversees exhibits at 10 events in 2024, to find out how her company is supporting women and what we as an industry can do to accelerate gender equity and inclusivity.
Jessica Reinhardt, Creative Director, Maverick Payments
Current role: Reinhardt is… 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