Aug 26, 2021
A working group organized by BPA Worldwide has come up with a solution for a pressing need that surfaced after one of the biggest pandemic pivots. An industry standard for reporting metrics was sorely needed for BPA-audited in-person shows that switched to virtual or hybrid events, along with maintaining status as an event approved by UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry.
BPA iCompli Events provides verification of compliance with UFI industry standards for the measurement of trade show attendees and exhibitors.
“During the pandemic, priority one was to establish a digital… more
Aug 23, 2021
The Events Industry Council (EIC), the global voice of the business events industry on advocacy, research, professional recognition and standards, has joined The Tourism Child-Protection Code of Conduct (The Code), a multi-stakeholder initiative to prevent the sexual exploitation and trafficking of children in travel and tourism throughout the world.
As a voluntary set of six criteria to keep children safe that its members commit to, The Code provides awareness, tools and support to the travel and tourism industry to protect children against sexual exploitation. As the world’s first and only… more
Aug 20, 2021
After 16 years as an extraordinary leading advocate for all segments of the travel industry, including meetings and events, U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow recently announced his plan to retire in July 2022.
U.S. Travel’s board of directors extended Dow’s contract after he agreed to stay for one more year, continuing to advocate for the industry as it recovers from the financial devastation of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The board is very grateful to Roger for his steadfast leadership and profound influence on this industry and for strengthening U.S. Travel as a key… more
Aug 17, 2021
Global cloud-based, technology-enabled services leader Intrado has acquired Hubb, a leading provider of hybrid event management technology. Finalized Aug. 13, the acquisition opens the door for Intrado Digital Media to expand its leadership position as the world’s largest technology platform built for the omnichannel event marketplace.
According to Intrado officials, the combined capabilities of Intrado Digital Media and Hubb will offer event planners a single source for unified on-site and online events, providing data and analytics across the entire event portfolio that offers valuable… more
Aug 16, 2021
As the meetings, conventions and exhibitions industry dusts itself off and emerges from the pandemic, the need to continue envisioning innovative ways of doing business has never been greater. To help event organizers rethink their offerings and operations, the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) and UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, teamed up to launch a white paper titled “Reimagining Business Events—Through COVID-19 and Beyond.”
“The pandemic has emphasized the need to innovate and be nimble in the business events… more
Aug 06, 2021
In an effort to expand its catering presence in South Florida, Coconut Grove-based Bill Hansen Catering & Event Production acquired Eten Catering, a full-service catering and event company based in Fort Lauderdale. The merger not only brings two South Florida food and events brands together under one umbrella but also adds a new level of service to Hansen’s 41-year platform as an events vendor in the region.
The acquisition will expand the Hansen brand’s presence to an even larger market, specifically on large-scale yachts in South Florida, thus allowing the company’s services to span… more
Aug 05, 2021
While many entities have been stumbling over major hurdles with employee retention and engagement throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, New Orleans’ Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (ENMCC) strode forward—by leaps and bounds.
The center, already decorated with several “Top Workplaces” awards, including two this year, launched the Innovation Lab in July, aimed at even further improving company culture and, ultimately, customer satisfaction by placing ownership of the initiative in the hands of employees.
Employees will set goals, provide timelines and drive strategy and content for the… more
Aug 03, 2021
While leisure travel is starting to make a comeback, the U.S. hotel industry’s road to recovery from the pandemic is forecasted to be a prolonged and uneven one, with urban markets disproportionately impacted, according to a new report and state-by-state job loss breakdown released last month by the American Hotel & Lodging Association.
The uptick in leisure travel has improved industry projections that were made at the beginning of this year, but the hospitality industry overall still remains well below pre-pandemic levels, according to Chip Rogers, president and CEO of AHLA, the sole… more
Jul 30, 2021
The Events Industry Council (EIC) recently launched an interactive, self-paced online version of its in-person Sustainable Event Professional Certificate Program (SEPC), putting educational opportunities within easier reach for event planners, suppliers and sustainability professionals seeking to improve the environmental performance of their events and services.
Developed by a globally diverse group of business events industry leaders and experts in sustainability, social impact and event management, the course covers 16 modules that include understanding the business value of… more
Jul 29, 2021
With the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reversing its stance on mask-wearing for fully vaccinated people July 27, Roger Dow, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association said that adhering to the new recommendations allows people to continue to safely return to their professional lives, including in-person meetings and events.
“From the onset, we have said our industry will follow the guidance of public health authorities,” Dow said. “The last thing we want is a backslide in the nascent recovery of travel, particularly as business travel slowly begins to rebuild.”
He added, “The… 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