Mar 27, 2025
Nvidia, the world's third-most valuable company by market cap at $2.871 trillion, fulfilled its promise that its 2025 GTC event would be bigger and better than ever, prompting its CEO, Jensen Huang, to call it "the Super Bowl of AI." After all, the five-day conference was packed with 1,000 on-stage sessions, 400-plus exhibits, hands-on training workshops, and no shortage of networking opportunities for the greatest minds in tech.
AI chip developer Nvidia hosted its annual global artificial intelligence conference, Nvidia GTC (short for GPU Technology Conference), March 17–21 at the 520,000-… more
Mar 26, 2025
The Events Industry Council (EIC) unveiled its Futures Landscape Report 2025, which offers a comprehensive analysis of the factors poised to shape the global business events industry in the coming years. Released on March 10, this forward-looking report synthesizes insights from a global survey of business event stakeholders, as well as a series of think-tank workshops consisting of leaders from EIC’s more than 60 members, strategic partners, and volunteer leaders sharing their unique insights and perspectives.
Developed in collaboration with the Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (… more
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
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