Apr 10, 2025
CMOs and companies are increasingly recognizing the power of an event-led growth (ELG) strategy in driving business success, according to the compelling findings of “An Outlook on Events in 2025” report recently published by Cvent-owned event marketing technology company Splash. In fact, event marketers who adopt ELG strategies are 140% more likely than those who don’t to see an average company growth rate of more than 50%.
“The 94% of marketers using event-led growth are reporting consistent revenue from events, compared to 77% for those who don’t leverage events as a programmatic… more
Apr 09, 2025
With rising demand for memorable and unique experiences, all-inclusive resorts are fast becoming a top choice for corporate meetings, incentive trips, and brand activations. In March, Corporate Event News went on location in Mexico to tour three standout Hilton all-inclusive properties—each offering a unique blend of elevated hospitality, versatile meeting space, and the kind of amenities today’s attendees (and planners) expect.
From purpose-built convention centers and ocean view ballrooms to immersive dining and entertainment offerings, these properties go beyond vacation-mode and deliver… more
Apr 08, 2025
According to the Events Industry Council (EIC), event sustainability means taking action towards preserving our natural environment; promoting a healthy, inclusive society, and supporting a thriving economy. For most events, this usually translates into cutting back energy and water usage and reducing waste. But some event organizers are going the extra mile to make a difference by launching initiatives such as using algae as ink or offering on-site sustainability tours.
EarthX
From its humble beginnings as an Earth Day street festival in Dallas, EarthX has now grown into a large-scale,… more
Apr 07, 2025
Three major U.S. convention centers announced event space expansions, new environmental practices, and enhanced tech capabilities recently.
OCCC to Start Expansion Project in 2026
The Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) in Orlando, Fla., will soon kick off a $560 million expansion project resulting in an additional 44,000 square feet of meeting space and a 100,000-square-foot ballroom in its North-South Building. Officially named the Grand Concourse Expansion, construction will begin in 2026 and is expected to finish in 2029.
“We are excited to begin work on our Grand Concourse… more
Apr 04, 2025
The allure of all-inclusive resorts can often seem dreamy and distant, but more corporate events are discovering the appeal for business. Case in point: In March, DHL hosted a corporate event at the Hilton Cancun, an all-inclusive resort, buying out all 715 guest rooms of the hotel and convention center with 68,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space that opened in November 2021.
At the forefront of this vibrant industry lies Nicole Tilzer, Hilton’s vice president of All-Inclusive and Resort Strategy, who plays a lead role in shaping the unforgettable experiences that guests enjoy… more
Apr 03, 2025
Since February, event industry suppliers across the country have been welcoming new leadership, growing their teams, as well as saying goodbye to industry veterans who are moving on to new ventures.
CEN’s take on the biggest recent move: Visit Baltimore President and CEO Al Hutchinson will be stepping down from his leadership role, effective June 30. Hutchinson will stay on in a consultant role to assist with the transition until his successor is identified, and a committee comprised of several members of the Baltimore Convention & Tourism Board (BCTB) has been established to help… more
Apr 02, 2025
A contractor, an AI tech company, and an event website creation platform recently launched new solutions and upgrades to elevate the event planning and onsite experience for show organizers and attendees, respectively.
Freeman Launches Generative AI Tool to Elevate Attendee Education
Global events company Freeman launched Key Takeaways, powered by Snapsight (a Freeman technology partner), a new web-based tool designed to help event organizers increase session impact and enhance attendee learning. Leveraging generative AI, Key Takeaways connects to event audio feeds to transcribe a speaker… more
Apr 01, 2025
Workday Rising, the annual customer conference for the public company that sells an AI platform for managing people and money, earned the highest possible level of sustainable event certification from the Events Industry Council (EIC) for its 2024 event. The platinum-level certification is the first awarded to a technology company.
Workday Rising 2024, organized in partnership with George P. Johnson (GPJ), Freeman, Allegiant Stadium, and Mandalay Bay, was the company’s biggest gathering yet, with more than 30,000 in-person and digital attendees.
Backstory: Held Sept. 16-19 at Mandalay… more
Mar 31, 2025
A major resort brand and an independent boutique hotel recently finalized meeting space and guestroom renovations that meeting planners will want to keep on their radar when considering hosting events in Maryland.
Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Unveils Renovated Meeting and Event Spaces
Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa and Marina completed the final phase of an extensive meeting and event space renovation that has upgraded the 400-room property’s onsite venues, following the transformation of the resort’s ballrooms in 2023.
Completed in March, the latest renovation phase… more
Mar 28, 2025
As Women’s History Month draws to a close, we’re proud to spotlight nine extraordinary women who are reshaping the corporate events landscape—leading with innovation, integrity, and unstoppable energy.
Not so long ago, the view of leadership in our industry looked different. Women were fewer at the top, often working twice as hard for a seat at the table. Today, that table is full of bold voices, visionary thinkers, and compassionate leaders who are not just in the room—they’re shaping the future of the room itself.
From global conferences to intimate leadership gatherings, these women… 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