Mar 25, 2025
"Accessibility is a mindset," said Kyle Shearer, director of Event Operations at TED, from the main stage at the recent Connect New York 2025. He stressed to the audience of event planners that accessibility must be integrated into the early design process.
With years of experience under his belt, Shearer shared invaluable strategies for making events more inclusive, drawing from personal experiences and industry practices. Accessibility is an opportunity, not a burden, he said.
"The goal is progress, not perfection," he added.
Context: Shearer has worked at TED for more than 14… more
Mar 24, 2025
Food waste is a massive issue in the U.S., with 51% of food waste from retailers like convention centers and hotels ending up in landfills, contributing to methane emissions that make landfills the third-largest source of methane in the country, said Nancy St. Pierre, director of communications for Denali, an organic waste disposal and recycling services company.
To combat this growing problem, Denali is partnering with convention centers across North America to divert food waste from landfills and turn it into compost and other reusable materials. One of its latest collaborations is with… more
Mar 21, 2025
The next generation of event attendees isn’t just looking for networking or education—they’re searching for connection. Gen Z and Millennials are forging new pathways between their digital lives and in-person experiences through "Fourth Spaces”—events that turn online interests into in-person engagement opportunities, according to a new cultural intelligence study by Eventbrite. For corporate event organizers, this shift presents a unique opportunity to rethink event design and programming to better meet evolving attendee expectations.
Backstory: Eventbrite, a global events marketplace that… more
Mar 20, 2025
Did you know that incorporating wellness into events can significantly improve attendee satisfaction and net promoter scores without necessarily increasing budgets? By weaving tailored wellness experiences into events, planners can not only create more engaging and impactful event experiences that drive engagement, elevate attendee wellbeing, and foster a greater sense of community but also address the growing demand for wellness in professional settings. After all, when attendees feel physically and mentally balanced, they are more engaged, focused, and open to new ideas.
Possibly no… more
Mar 19, 2025
Ulta Beauty, a specialty beauty retailer that operates more than 1,400 stores across 50 states, is launching Ulta Beauty World, an experiential beauty consumer event debuting in San Antonio this spring. Scheduled for April 26 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, the one-day immersive beauty experience priced at $160 will allow ticketholders to discover the best in makeup, skincare, hair care, and wellness. Ulta anticipates 1,500 guests to attend Ulta Beauty World, according to Ulta officials.
From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. CT (doors open at 8 a.m. CT), Ulta Beauty will offer beauty… more
Mar 18, 2025
The historic Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort and Spa in Waikiki, Hawai’i’, has kicked off a major renovation that features a refreshed lobby, guestrooms, and suites, a new oceanfront event space, and curated works from local artists. The project is expected to be completed in phases from summer 2025 through spring 2026, just in time for the 125th anniversary of the Victorian-style hotel, also known to locals as the “First Lady of Waikiki.”
Thomas Foti, biplex general manager of the Moana Surfrider and Sheraton Princess Kaiulani, said: “As Hawaii’s most iconic hotel, the Moana Surfrider’s… more
Mar 17, 2025
"We're the music makers,” said PEI Global Head of Value Creation & Strategy Lawrence Dvorchik during a recent keynote at Connect NYC. “We're the dreamers of dreams."
As Dvorchik indicated, today’s event planners must craft journeys that are not just experiences but also immersive and memorable paths that attendees and sponsors will cherish and talk about long after the event ends. Easier said than done.
Context: PEI produces more than 50 meetings annually for financials communities who are part of its subscriber-member network. The company runs peer-to-peer networking events for… more
Mar 14, 2025
Heather Larson’s journey into the hospitality, tourism, and events industries began at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she developed a strong passion for service, relationships, and travel. After graduating and falling in love with Chicago’s stately old grand hotels, she began her career honing her skills at iconic Windy City properties including The Allegro Royal Sonesta Hotel Chicago (formerly The Bismarck), The Whitehall Hotel, The Drake, and the Fairmont Chicago.
“I started working in hotel sales, where I quickly realized that I thrived in the fast-paced, people-driven nature… more
Mar 13, 2025
This month, several event marketing agencies and DMCs have announced major mergers and acquisitions as they seek to increase their market share, expand their global reach, strengthen their capabilities, and broaden their client services.
360 Destination Group and CSI DMC Announce Strategic Merger
360 Destination Group (360DG) and CSI DMC are joining forces to create one of the largest destination management companies (DMCs) in the U.S. Both companies will continue operating as separate entities and unify under a single brand before the end of 2025.
Through this merger, the two companies… more
Mar 12, 2025
Splash, an event marketing technology company owned by Cvent, introduced the Event-Led Growth (ELG) Masterclass & Certification, a new online educational program designed to provide marketing and event professionals with the tools they need to make events their most powerful marketing channel.
Created to equip participants with strategies and techniques used by industry experts and leading organizations to create revenue-generating event programs, the ELG Masterclass teaches participants how to develop effective event strategies that drive business growth, optimize event budgets for… 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