Feb 27, 2018
ARIA Resort & Casino has completed the expansion of its convention center, adding 200,000 sq. ft. of space over four floors of the hotel. The new space incorporates features including views, natural light, outdoor areas and non-traditional meeting areas. The $170-million-dollar construction project began in May 2016, and the expansion was completed in Feb. 2018, increasing the footprint of the convention space to 500,000 sq. ft.  The new space officially opened on Feb 15. I asked Tony Yousfi, ARIA’s vice president of sales, why meeting organizers might choose ARIA when there is such a… more
Feb 23, 2018
The San Diego Convention Center has selected ON Site, a division of ON Services, as its preferred provider of audio-visual services and its exclusive provider of production rigging and in-house sound. The contract will begin May 1, 2018. Owned by GES, ON Services is a leading provider of global live event audio visual services that include AV design, lighting, projection mapping and scenic design services. ON Site provides in-house audio-visual and technology services to convention centers, hotels and resorts across the United States. The San Diego Convention Center hosts conventions, trade… more
Feb 21, 2018
Concept3D, provider of location-based software and 3D services, including 3D modeling, virtual reality (VR), interactive maps and virtual tour software, has launched the Colorado Convention Center’s new interactive 3D map and virtual tour platform. On the new platform, the CCC’s 584,000 square feet of meeting and event space are mapped in highly detailed 3D renderings atop interactive software, offering event attendees, visitors, employees, exhibitors, vendors and event planners the ability to easily navigate the facility as well as find their way to and from nearby and regional locations… more
Feb 19, 2018
If you are considering taking your event to The Netherlands – most people likely would focus on Amsterdam, but there are two other affordable and easy-to-access cities to look at as well: Rotterdam and The Hague. “We think that Rotterdam is the new and exciting choice for event organizers, with the same level of service and quality that can be expected from all cities in the Netherlands as a destination country,” said Catherine Kalamidas, account manager for Rotterdam Partners Convention Bureau. She added, “The good thing is that the Netherlands is such a small country that you can actually… more
Feb 13, 2018
Chicago’s Theater on the Lake complex, on the shores of Lake Michigan, reopened in January 2018 after a multi-million-dollar renovation. Built in 1920, Theater on the Lake was redeveloped to convert the historic lakefront venue into a year-round cultural institution, with an adaptable event facility featuring the latest technology and amenities. Located in Lincoln Park, near the Lincoln Park Conservatory and the Chicago History Museum, Theater on the Lake is just two miles north of Chicago’s Magnificent Mile. The fully enclosed event space is surrounded by six acres of green space and… more
Feb 12, 2018
AlliedPRA, Inc., one of the nation's largest event planning and full-service destination management companies, on Feb. 7 announced that it will acquire Destination Nashville, the DMC leader in the Nashville market. This acquisition provides AlliedPRA with an increased presence in the Nashville market, which in 2017 attracted 14.5 million visitors, an increase of 4.6 percent from 2016 which set a new record. As a leading event management and solutions firm in the nation, AlliedPRA serves many of the most respected brands within every major industry sector. Tony Lorenz, CMM, chief executive… more
Feb 08, 2018
DoubleTree by Hilton Burlington Vermont, a 309-room, full-service, conference center hotel, located just five minutes from downtown Burlington and the city's major attractions, including the Burlington airport, is the latest addition to the portfolio of DoubleTree by Hilton. The hotel is the largest conference center between Boston and Montreal, with more than 30,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting and event space.  The space, which includes the 12,480 sq. ft. Lake Champlain Exhibition Hall, two large ballrooms, each of which is divisible into smaller sections, an amphitheater, and a number of… more
Feb 01, 2018
Located in the heart of the historic city of Monterey, the new $60 million Monterey Conference Center is open for business after two years of renovations. The official ribbon cutting ceremony took place on Jan. 31, followed by a celebration which included live music, hors d’oeuvres, and guided tours of the property. The Conference Center is a modern, LEED-certified meeting facility that features more than 40,000 sq. ft of flexible meeting space. The venue can fit groups of up to 3,200 attendees. The exterior of the building presents a striking first impression, featuring natural stone, a… more
Jan 26, 2018
Visit Seattle has unveiled a new event planner-focused video that takes a unique and artistic approach in showcasing what the Pacific Northwestern destination has to offer. Using paper cut animation, “Seattle: A City Ready for You,” not only highlights typical events checklist items in Seattle such as walkability, convention centers, hotel supply and airlift, but also the myriad trailblazing collaborators and innovative companies clustered in the city’s bustling downtown. Created in collaboration with local Seattle creative agency PB&, the video is designed to be a new tool Visit… more
Jan 22, 2018
The Javits Center has officially launched Jake, a new online portal designed to improve the customer experience by simplifying the ordering process of products and services for upcoming events at the convention center. Featured on the Center’s redesigned and revamped website, and only available to exhibitors at this time, the new system allows customers to order more than 200 products and services, from electrical and cleaning services to audio equipment and lighting fixtures. In addition, Jake enables users to: Obtain price quotes for anticipated services Review costs before placing… 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