News

Aug 17, 2018
The Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) has released its second and third fact sheets in its 2018 Attendee ROI Playbook series, a multiple fact sheet series that identifies general attendee practices and insights on differences by specific attendee categories. Released late last month, “Fact Sheet Two: B2B Exhibitions Top-Ranked for Value in Meeting Business Information & Purchasing Decision Needs” explores the range of sources that business professionals who attend B2B exhibitions relied upon to meet their business information and purchasing decision needs in comparison to… more
Aug 16, 2018
If you’ve ever received an online invitation to an event, chances are high it was created using Evite. Now, corporate event planners can also use the invitation service to design, send and manage invitations to professional events. For corporations that host a number of small, by-invitation-only events such as breakfasts, dinners, receptions or outings, Evite’s new service can help streamline the process. Evite was launched in 1998, and has grown to become the market leader in the field of online invitation services. The company’s free, easy-to-use invitation designs and a private sharing… more
Aug 14, 2018
The 10,000-square-foot Madison Meeting Center at Park MGM is a new breed of Las Vegas event space: a self-contained executive meeting center designed for small groups. MGM Resorts says that the majority of their convention business is groups with 100 or fewer guest rooms. But traditionally, Las Vegas meeting space is rented using a model designed for larger groups. MGM aims to change that with the Madison Meeting Center, which opened in late July.  The center can accommodate groups of 10-50 attendees within its 10 flexible meeting rooms.  Meeting rooms come with ergonomic moveable furniture… more
Aug 13, 2018
Meeting Professionals International (MPI) has published its Summer 2018 Meetings Outlook report. The Meetings Outlook series, which presents industry trends and predictions from MPI members, is developed in partnership with MGM Resorts International and supported in partnership with the IMEX Group. The 2018 Summer report identifies trends including increased complexity in contracts and negotiation, particularly around attrition clauses. As alternative housing services such as Airbnb and usage of hotel pricing comparison sites such as Trivago grow, it becomes more and more difficult to keep… more
Aug 10, 2018
New York’s Emerson Resort & Spa has completed a $500,000 renovation of its 2,500-square-foot Catamount event space. The property, located just two hours from Manhattan, offers panoramic views of the surrounding Catskill Mountains — plus the world’s largest kaleidoscope. The space is available for events ranging from weddings to corporate retreats. The Catamount, which also includes a 200-square-foot outdoor deck, can accommodate up to 100 guests. The space offers a variety of seating areas, landscape artwork and a natural cork wall covering to evoke the feeling of a birch canopy.… more
Aug 08, 2018
Production Resource Group LLC, (PRG), believes that partnerships are key to success. The entertainment and event technology solution provider recently announced new relationships with six companies that will extend and expand their collective reach.   “PRG is known for its event innovations that help companies and brands tell a story,” said Jim Kelley, vice president of marketing and industry relations for PRG. “By aligning with these niche service providers, we are able to provide cutting-edge solutions that complement what PRG offers to corporate and event clients,” he added. The new… more
Aug 07, 2018
The Kentucky International Convention Center (KICC) opened its doors on Aug. 6 after a two-year renovation and expansion. The new build has increased KICC’s contiguous exhibit space by more than a third. State and local government officials, along with KICC facility officials and staff, welcomed clients, local stakeholders and media to an open house that showcased the new facility and its capacity for events. The program included comments from: David S. Beck, president and CEO of Kentucky Venues Don Parkinson, secretary of Kentucky’s Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet William M. Landrum… 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
Aug 03, 2018
Creating experiences that appeal to multicultural audiences and meeting the logistical challenges of planning in a foreign country are becoming more routine than ever for corporate meeting planners. In recent years, corporations are investing more in events of all sizes in locations around the globe. In the 2018 Global Meeting and Events Forecast, Issa Jouaneh, senior vice president and general manager at American Express Meetings & Events wrote, “Looking ahead to 2018, the meetings and events industry is thriving. We are seeing steady and increasing investment as meetings are viewed… more
Aug 01, 2018
Hosting an event at the Monterey Bay Aquarium is a way to provide an unforgettable experience. Giving attendees the opportunity to see the exhibits after-hours or even dine in the midst of jellyfish, sharks or silvery sardines will ensure they remember your event for years afterwards. The Monterey Bay Aquarium has been operating since 1984, and is host to 200 galleries and exhibits representing more than 550 species of fishes, invertebrates, mammals, reptiles, birds and plants. In 2017, 1.9 million people visited the aquarium. The Aquarium’s mission is to inspire conservation of the ocean.… 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