Feb 20, 2020
When I first learned about Chicago Planner Master Class, I was intrigued. Put on by Ateema Media & Marketing, this series of events designed specifically for professional event planners and event marketers isn’t a typical talking-head education session or a loose networking opportunity. Instead, events (which take place several times a year) are structured as a brief introduction from a partner sponsor followed by 10 roundtable discussions on topics pre-selected by attendees.
I attended my first one this week and not only did I learn a lot, I was also impressed with the layout and flow… more
Feb 19, 2020
We recently wrote about why event industry organizations should implement green teams — cross-functional groups that identify and implement ways to help the organization operate in a more environmentally sustainable fashion.
While a green team might typically be internal to one specific organization or venue, in the events world, the best results come from extending those teams to encompass all key stakeholders responsible for executing a specific event. In many cases, while these green teams are still voluntary, the responsibilities are seen as being part of the job function and may not… more
Feb 12, 2020
Lisa Sommer Devlin, owner of Phoenix-based Devlin Law Firm which specializes in hospitality law, has received about a dozen phone calls from hotels in the past week. They’re reaching out to her as a result of groups wanting to cancel events without penalties, due to the coronavirus.
The virus is having an impact on events around the world, not just in Asian markets. Within Asia, especially China, many events have been canceled or postponed. Money20/20 Asia, originally slated for March, has been postponed til August. And today, it was announced that Mobile World Congress, the world's largest… more
Feb 11, 2020
Sustainable practices are fast becoming a must for events. According to the Eventbrite 2020 Event Trends report, 59 percent of North American event professionals are taking steps to improve the environmental impact of their events — up from a mere 6 percent in 2019.
Additionally, an overwhelming majority — or 93 percent — of hosted buyers and visitors who attended IMEX 2018 said they are interested in planning events in a more sustainable matter, according to post-event survey results.
One of the ways corporations, associations, event venues and suppliers are codifying those intentions is… more
Jan 29, 2020
Haute Dokimazo held its first-ever Secret Family Reunion in November 2019, bringing together more than 80 senior event, marketing and business professionals for a conference unlike any other. In a private screening at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival this week, The Aperture Pill debuted a short documentary film chronicling the event.
For those who aren’t familiar with the event, here’s a recap.
The Concept
Haute Dokimazo co-founders Nicole Osibodu, Liz Lathan and Tom Spano say that they were inspired to create an event that would show the possibilities inherent through human connection.
“… more
Jan 07, 2020
Philadelphia’s walkability, history and culinary ingenuity make the city appealing to corporate groups. Not just a historic meeting location, it’s also a foodie’s paradise, perfect for hosting memorable group meals.
The city is known for having one of the top restaurant communities in the U.S. In 2019, Israeli small-plate-driven Zahav took the James Beard Award for outstanding restaurant. And Cadence, an upscale American prix fixe BYO eatery, was named best new restaurant by Food & Wine magazine.
“Philadelphia has been a captivating destination for meetings, conventions and events for… more
Dec 18, 2019
Every city has its own iconic treats, and St. Louis is no exception. On a recent trip there for the Ungerboeck United conference, we scoped out the best local foods that you can only get in “The Lou.” If you’re meeting in St. Louis in 2020, here are some delicious items to consider including on your menus. They’re sure to give your attendees a true taste of the city.
Gooey Butter Cake
Bakeries around town all have their own version of this decadent treat, which tastes as delicious as the name implies. Legend has it the cake was invented by mistake in the 1930s when a baker got the butter… more
Dec 17, 2019
There’s a whole new component coming to face-to-face events, with “face” being the key factor. Facial recognition for on-site check-in is slowly gaining traction, with more registration suppliers adding the technology to their portfolios.
Launched at IAEE’s Expo! Expo! in Las Vegas in Dec. 2019, registration and housing provider Streampoint Solutions’ FaceReg promises to reduce wait times for on-site check-in.
Dharmesh Dayabhai, Streampoint Solutions’ co-founder, says that the time from face detection to badge print is around 3-5 seconds. “The time savings is due to not trying to locate… more
Dec 04, 2019
Experiential marketing and live event production agencies Gravel Experiential and GES Events are teaming up. The two companies will work together to broaden their existing client base with a focus on corporations searching for top-notch event production in new and emerging markets.
While both GES Events and Gravel XP offer similar services, the two are also complementary in many ways. Gravel XP has a long history supporting U.S.-based events in specialized industries including consumer packaged goods, alcohol and spirits, pharmaceutical, technology and consultancies. Its services are… more
Nov 04, 2019
Imagine chartering a plane to your event destination. You get to choose the plane size, configuration, even food and beverage service. Picture your attendees’ excitement at this extra-special treatment.
Freespeed Aviation serves as an agent in obtaining air charter services. The company sources its aircraft from 3 different charter operator platforms, utilizing a fleet of jets from qualified and carefully selected FAA and EASA Certified Air Carriers. This includes thousands of jets and turboprops that may not normally be based at your local airport, but can be made available for your special… 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