Nov 29, 2024
The Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC), which generated more than $500 million in economic impact for Toronto and the Province of Ontario during its 2023/24 fiscal year, appointed Kathy Haley as its new president and CEO, effective November 26. She takes over the position from MTCC Interim President & CEO Ron Pellerine, who held the position for the last year.
Haley, who most recently served as chief customer experience officer for the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey (PANYNJ), makes history as the first woman to hold this position at the MTCC, which is celebrating its… more
Nov 27, 2024
Apple’s AirTag tracking devices have been around since mid-2021, but meeting professionals may be more interested than ever in the button-like units, with a new feature the company announced on November 11 called Share Item Location.
The new feature allows users to share the real-time coordinates of lost or misplaced items with third parties.
Apple is rolling out partnerships with 18 airlines to allow the system to more quickly locate missing luggage. However, meeting professionals might also consider an AirTag for exhibits and boxes of critical event materials that get shipped around the… more
Nov 25, 2024
Cvent flexed its muscles as a global leader in event management during the milestone 25th iteration of its annual meetings, events, and hospitality technology conference, Cvent CONNECT Europe.
Held Nov. 5-7 at the Hilton London Metropole, this year’s Cvent CONNECT Europe was the software giant’s largest yet, with more than 1,500 industry professionals onsite and thousands more tuning in virtually. Rachel Andrews, Cvent’s senior director of global meetings and events, attributed the 15% year-over-year attendance surge (there were roughly 1,300 in person in 2023) to the company’s increased… more
Nov 22, 2024
Fal.Con, cybersecurity platform CrowdStrike’s annual conference, has seen some impressive growth over the last few years. In 2022, the show welcomed 2,800 attendees; then 4,000 attendees in 2023; and now 6,000 attendees at this year’s show, which took place in September at ARIA Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.
The 2024 iteration of the show was a master class in creative problem-solving, especially in terms of spatial design. Experiential agency VDA led the production of the event, which featured a trade show floor of customer booths from the likes of Mercedes and Mattel, a dome-shaped… more
Nov 21, 2024
Currently under construction with a $1 billion investment, the new VAI Resort in Glendale, Ariz. is on track to open its initial phase in Q4 2025, redefining the concept of meetings and hospitality by integrating luxurious accommodations with cutting-edge entertainment and versatile event spaces.
For event professionals seeking something fresh and groundbreaking, the upcoming opening of VAI Resort presents a new option that promises to elevate the guest experience through innovative design and entertainment.
At IMEX America in the Visit Phoenix booth, we caught up with VAI Resort Senior… more
Nov 20, 2024
Whether you are celebrating the results of the U.S. election or not, the incoming administration and the governing dynamics of the 118th Congress are certain to have an impact on the trade show and business events industry in 2025 and beyond.
As the Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (ECA) works to advocate for initiatives that enhance the event industry’s growth and resilience to ensure it remains a vital component of the economy in the coming years, the organization has been closely monitoring the implications of the election, said ECA Vice President Tommy Goodwin.
“[The]… more
Nov 19, 2024
The meetings and events industry is approaching advancing sustainability on multiple fronts.
For example, in the past few weeks the Professional Convention Management Association launched the Convene 4 Climate conference while Marriott International rolled out a new program called Connect Responsibly that provides groups with post-event impact reports.
Sustainability-focused education, certifications, tech tools, and merchandise are all helping to improve events’ environmental impact. But there may be no effort more comprehensive than Net-Zero Carbon Events—an initiative launched in 2021… more
Nov 18, 2024
As one of the fastest-growing U.S. cities in terms of population (according to an analysis by Exploding Topics), Nashville continues to develop and enhance its event offerings, and the city presents a dynamic landscape for event producers.
Whether it's hosting massive conventions in the new stadium, leveraging its musical heritage, or tapping into international markets, Nashville offers a vibrant and diverse stage for unforgettable events. With opportunities as endless as the music-filled air, Nashville remains a city that promises and delivers excitement.
As event industry professionals,… more
Nov 15, 2024
In October, meeting and conference organizers, and suppliers welcomed new talent and promoted seasoned professionals as the corporate event industry continues a bustling fall and turns its attention toward a strong finish to a busy year. In addition to the news that Julie Coker has been tapped to lead NYC Tourism + Conventions, here’s our recap of corporate event moves in the last month.
CEN’s take on the biggest move in October: Conference producer TED promoted Sabina Osorio from director of marketing and customer engagement to senior director acquisition and growth marketing.
The big… more
Nov 14, 2024
Organized by Informa Markets with Informa Connect as co-organizer, Connect Marketplace Hong Kong is launching March 19-21, 2025, at AsiaWorld-Expo. The inaugural Asia Pacific event for the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Events (MICE) community marks the debut of Connect Marketplace in Asia, aiming to elevate experiences and shape the future of the industry.
With the theme “Your Bleisure, Our Pleasure,” the event will serve as a platform for the global meetings industry, tourism authorities, and related stakeholders to connect, collaborate, and build relationships that will redefine… 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