Jan 10, 2025
While in college pursuing an undergraduate degree in communications and journalism, Robin Lickliter had envisioned a possible future as a magazine writer or sports broadcaster. But still unsure about her direction and feeling restless, she made the fortuitous decision to seize the opportunity to study abroad after winning a scholarship for Semester at Sea, an educational program that offers college students the opportunity to study abroad while traveling around the world on a ship.
While onboard, she met Annie Peiser, who introduced her to the vibrant world of events and live marketing and… more
Jan 09, 2025
To kick off the new year, Corporate Event News sat down with some of our industry’s most well-respected leaders to gain insights into what we can expect for business events in 2025.
In this second installment of our series running through the month January, we sat down with ASM Global Executive Vice President of Convention Centers Dan Hoffend and Visit Orlando President and CEO Casandra Matej. They shared what their organizations will be focused on this year and what they expect for the corporate event industry in 2025.
Dan Hoffend, Executive VP of Convention Centers, ASM Global
What… more
Jan 02, 2025
To kick off the new year, Corporate Event News sat down with some of our industry’s most well-respected leaders to gain insights into what we can expect for business events in 2025. While none of them claimed to own a crystal ball, their extensive experience in producing impactful, high-quality live experiences for growing audiences has convinced us that these consummate professionals have their fingers on the pulse of the industry.
In this first installment of our series running throughout the month of January, we sat down with Shawn Pierce, president of Strategic Events, Meetings and… more
Dec 17, 2024
As the business events industry moves into the holiday season, myriad organizations and suppliers announced good tidings in the form of leadership appointments and executive promotions in November. Here’s our roundup on corporate event moves last month.
CEN’s take on the biggest move in November: Twenty-four-year events industry veteran Russ Callahan was recently promoted from vice president of sales and operations to Chief Revenue Officer for Quest Events, where he is responsible for overseeing sales leadership, marketing strategy, strategic planning, and customer experience.
The big… more
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 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 11, 2024
Look up “bad-ass event professional” and you’ll likely see a photo of Monique Ruff-Bell next to it. As the chief program and strategy officer for TED, producer of world-renowned TED conferences, Ruff-Bell isn’t afraid to push boundaries and disrupt TED’s winning formula to keep its events compelling, engaging, memorable, inclusive, and always on-trend.
Since joining TED almost three years ago as its head of events, following a transformative tenure at leading FinTech event Money 20/20, this seasoned event strategist has found ways to leverage TED’s leading platforms and legacy of… more
Oct 25, 2024
In less than two months, Julie Coker, president and CEO of the San Diego Tourism Authority (SDTA), will leave San Diego to lead New York City Tourism + Conventions as its new president and CEO. Coker will remain in her current role until December 6.
As the first Black woman to serve as leader of NYC Tourism + Conventions, Coker will be filling the role of former President and CEO Fred Dixon, who served as the organization’s leader for 10 years, from 2014 until his departure in June 2024, when he was tapped to lead Brand USA. Since Dixon left the organization on July 15, Nancy Mammana, CMO… more
Oct 11, 2024
September was another active month for the corporate events industry, especially among industry suppliers, with organizations across the U.S. tapping new leadership, promoting seasoned staff, and welcoming experienced professionals to executive teams.
CEN’s take on the biggest move in September: Tavar James has joined the executive team of AI-powered, full-service event planning and services platform BoomPop as its new vice president of events and industry advocacy.
The big picture: James most recently served as head of events and experiences at virtual professional coaching platform… more
Sep 06, 2024
A record number of business event professionals are now working full-time as freelancers, according to a recent study designed to highlight the motivations, demographics, and work values of independent workers in the events industry.
In fact, across all industries, the independent workforce trend has significantly increased since the COVID-19 pandemic, with 36% of the U.S. workforce across all industries engaging in freelance work in 2023, an increase of 4 million total professionals from 2022, according to a December 2023 study conducted by leading online freelance marketplace Upwork. … 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