Sep 06, 2018
The International Live Event Association (ILEA)’s annual ILEA Live conference, held Aug. 16-18 in Denver, Colo., brought together 505 creative event professionals from around the globe for two and a half days of educational content and networking. “The event continues to be a rich setting for live event professionals to exchange ideas about managing their event business, build relationships and learn from education sessions addressing relevant industry trends and the business of creativity,” said Sara Grauf, CSEP, ILEA International president. During a special evening gala event held on Aug… more
Aug 28, 2018
The International Live Events Association (ILEA)’s annual conference, ILEA Live, was held Aug. 16-18 in Denver, Colo. The event, and the association itself, brings together creative event professionals from across all industries. The common theme across all these event disciplines is the need to provide transcendent, immersive experiences. People today are looking for more than just an old-school event with a single screen and classroom-style lecture presentation. They want their event to stand out from the crowd and are looking for ways to turn that idea into reality. The featured keynote… more
Aug 06, 2018
SPIN:Senior Professionals Industry Network has announced the 2018 recipients of the industry’s first recognition for veteran meeting planners - SPIN:40 Over 40. This initiative was created in 2017 to recognize and honor planners who are industry role models, influencers, innovators and pioneers. “It was tough selecting only 40 people from the nominations,” said Tracey Smith, CMP, CMM, SPIN’s Executive Director. “The variety of work experience, volunteer efforts and industry advocacy this year’s group represents is truly outstanding.” “It’s an honor to be one of the recipients of SPIN’s 2018… more
Jul 31, 2018
The Corporate Event News Event Expert Profile series features interviews with some of the many talented corporate event professionals who make this industry thrive. This month, I spoke with Wendy Laugesen, the director of global events for MarkLogic, a privately-owned enterprise database company with over 500 employees and 14 offices worldwide. Laugesen initially dreamed of becoming the general manager of a hotel, but after several years in the hospitality industry and earning a bachelor’s degree in hospitality administration, decided that event management was a better fit. Danalynne… more
Jul 26, 2018
The Corporate Event Marketing Association’s CEMA Summit 2018 was held July 22-24 at the Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes, California. Prior to the event, each CEMA board member was assigned as an “ambassador” for a group of first-time registrants, reaching out via email. A special first-timers reception onsite helped ensure that everyone felt welcomed. Despite the fact that I already knew quite a few of the attendees, as a first-time Summit-goer I very much appreciated that extra level of care. Angie Smith, CEMA Chairwoman, opened the CEMA Summit educational program by talking about… more
Jul 16, 2018
Registration is now open for SPINCon, the annual conference produced by SPIN: Senior Planners Industry Network. SPIN is the world’s largest association limited to senior-level planners with at least 10 years full-time planning experience. SPINCon 2018 will be held Nov. 11-13, 2018 at The Don CeSar, a landmark hotel affectionately known as “The Pink Palace," in St. Petersburg, Florida.  “Each year SPINCon focuses on the whole person: brain, body, being and business," said SPIN’s executive director, Tracey Smith.   She added, “This year, we are excited that the content has been curated by… more
Jun 19, 2018
The Corporate Event News Event Expert Profile series features interviews with some of the many talented corporate event professionals who make this industry thrive. Nick Cottone has been involved with events and event marketing for 17 years and is based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida (although he will soon be moving to Austin, Texas).  His LinkedIn profile describes him as a “conference producer/project manager by day and wedding/special event planner by night,” which immediately piqued my interest.  Danalynne W. Menegus: How did you get into the events industry? Nick Cottone: When I… more
Jun 18, 2018
The Association for Women in Events (AWE) executive committee and board are now accepting applications for the association’s 2019 board term.  Women and men in the events industry are encouraged to apply. Current AWE membership is not required, however non-members who are appointed to the board will be required to join upon the start of their term. Board members are expected to engage, connect and celebrate women professionals in the events field, and guide AWE and its activities in the events sector. Open positions: General Board of Directors Treasurer Vice President Secretary The… more
Jun 05, 2018
SPIN:Senior Planners Industry Network is encouraging meeting planner “veterans” to apply for SPIN:40 Over 40 2018, which recognizes and honors planners who are industry role models, influencers, innovators and pioneers. SPIN is the world’s largest association for senior-level planners. All hospitality professionals who have at least 10 years of experience are eligible to join. SPIN:40 over 40 was introduced in 2017, and the inaugural list of honorees was announced at SPINCon 2017. Nominations are being accepted from Jun. 1 to Jun. 25, 2018. Applicants must be at least 40 years old, have… more
May 24, 2018
The Corporate Event News Event Expert Profile series shines a spotlight on some of the many talented corporate event professionals who make this industry thrive. This month, I spoke with Aila (pronounced “Eye-la”) Brookins. Brookins has been in the events industry for more than 20 years. She got her start as an executive assistant with a supportive vice president for a boss. He saw her potential and encouraged her to move into marketing. While learning the ropes as a marketing coordinator she had the opportunity to assist with the company’s trade show participation – and got hooked. As she… 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