News
Dec 05, 2019
You may have never heard of Soundings Connect, but it’s a group you’ll want to get familiar with — and maybe even join. Founded in San Diego in 2018, it’s a network of 200 (and growing!) freelance meeting and event professionals, all of whom have experience in the fields of trade show management, meeting planning, event marketing and more.
The goal of the organization is to strategically match companies in need of these services with professionals whose skill sets and talents line up with their objectives. “We focus on both hard and soft skills to ensure the right fit,” says Tracy Judge,… more
Dec 04, 2019
Experiential marketing and live event production agencies Gravel Experiential and GES Events are teaming up. The two companies will work together to broaden their existing client base with a focus on corporations searching for top-notch event production in new and emerging markets.
While both GES Events and Gravel XP offer similar services, the two are also complementary in many ways. Gravel XP has a long history supporting U.S.-based events in specialized industries including consumer packaged goods, alcohol and spirits, pharmaceutical, technology and consultancies. Its services are… more
Dec 02, 2019
Tarsus Connect has today announced the purchase of BizBash, the iconic trade media company for event and meeting planners, further expanding Connect’s market-leading position. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
The acquisition of BizBash adds four premier events — including the BizBash Live in New York and L.A. shows for event pros — to the current Connect portfolio of more than 30 national, regional and vertically focused events around the United States. Connect will now also publish two of BizBash’s popular magazines and oversee all of its digital properties. In cities where… more
Dec 02, 2019
It’s a big month for Portland, Oregon: Last week, its Oregon Convention Center officially completed a momentous $40 million renovation. It marked the first large-scale renovation to take place at the facility since it was built three decades ago, and also took place during OCC’s busiest year to date — a feat in itself.
The renovation included updates to public spaces throughout the venue to improve accessibility, creating a new plaza to serve as a flexible outdoor space option for events, and elevated design touches that reflect the building’s surroundings.
“We made sure to keep our local… more
Nov 27, 2019
Earlier this month, MGM Resorts International launched a standards-driven social impact program called “Focused on What Matters: People, Community and Planet” that outlines the company’s vision for a sustainable future through environmental and corporate social responsibility initiatives.
Through its impact on various aspects of the company’s operations, the program will also make it easier for planners to create meetings and events that reflect the sustainability goals and corporate values of their organizations.
The new program is in line with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals and… more
Nov 26, 2019
Event organizers wanting to learn and leverage exhibition sponsorship practices can take advantage of the B2B Exhibition Sponsorship Playbook series produced by Center for Exhibition Industry Research.
Providing a comprehensive overview of B2B expo sponsorship practices in North America, the new five-part series compiles and compares organizer and exhibitor practices. It also includes industry benchmarks and insights on how stakeholders can refine their programs to enhance success.
Unveiled on Oct. 28, Part One: What Organizers Offer Compared to What Exhibitors Buy takes a deep dive into… more
Nov 21, 2019
The forthcoming expansion of the Wynn Las Vegas convention center, set to be complete in February 2020, is getting more high tech. Cox Business announced this week that it will support the property with increased connectivity.
When the expansion is complete, Wynn Las Vegas will have 300,000 new square feet of rentable space, offering a total of 560,000 square feet across four pillar-free ballrooms, 57 meeting rooms, a 20,000-sq.-ft. outdoor pavilion and a 20,000-sq.-ft. adjacent lawn.
Cox Business has provided managed Wi-Fi services for the Wynn and Encore meeting and convention space since… more
Nov 20, 2019
Who hasn’t taken home some of those mini bottles of shampoo, conditioner, body wash and lotion often found in hotel room bathrooms? In the past, hotels have partnered with brands like Gilchrist and Soames, Bath and Body Works, and L’Occitane, providing coveted scents in a tiny-format sizes only available in guest rooms. But those days will soon be drawing to a close — and for a good cause.
In an effort to incorporate more sustainable practices, major hotel chains including Intercontinental, Marriott and Hyatt are doing away with the pocket-sized amenities you’re used to seeing in hotel room… more
Nov 18, 2019
When it comes to planning group dinners or receptions, hotel restaurants used to be the fall-back option: convenient but not exciting. But in Portland, Ore. the tables have been turned. Some of the finest restaurants in the city — and in the Pacific Northwest — are located inside Portland’s downtown hotels.
This is good news for every planner who dreads finding a hot restaurant for private dining, and also for attendees who are tired at the end of their event day and would rather not deal with taxis, Ubers or Lyfts.
Marcus Hibdon, director of public relations and communications for Travel… more
Nov 15, 2019
Gratefulness is the topic for the next #Expochat, coming up on Wednesday, Nov 20 at 1:00 p.m. Sponsored by Corporate Event News’ sister publication, TSNN, #Expochat is an hour-long Twitter-based conversation covering top-of-mind topics related to the trade show industry (including exhibitors as well as show organizers and suppliers) which is held most Wednesdays at 1:00 p.m. ET.
#Expochat is alternately moderated by seven industry thought leaders, including Stephanie Selesnick of International Trade Information, Michael Doane with CadmiumCD, Elizabeth Johnson with glee Content Marketing,… 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