Nov 04, 2022
Event professionals expect in-person events and budgets to increase in 2023, according to the 12th annual Global Meetings & Events Forecast, produced by American Express Meetings & Events, a division of American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT).
The 2023 Global Meetings & Events Forecast is based on a survey of 580 meeting and event (M&E) professionals across the value chain in 23 countries, as well as interviews with industry leaders. Key findings from the report include:
77% of respondents are optimistic about the health of the industry heading into 2023, rating… more
Nov 01, 2022
According to new analysis released on Oct. 6 by U.S. Travel Association economists, the U.S. Department of State’s low prioritization of visitor visa processing is severely hindering the U.S. economic recovery, preventing an estimated 6.6 million potential visitors from traveling to the U.S. in 2023 at a loss of $11.6 billion in projected spending.
Wait times for visitor visa interviews now exceed 400 days for first-time applicants from top source markets, a huge deterrent that is sending millions of potential visitors – including business event delegates—and billions in traveler spending to… more
Oct 31, 2022
These days, with mainstream media overflowing with negative news, it’s refreshing to focus on the positive—in this case, how the corporate events industry is giving back and lending a helping hand to the vulnerable and less fortunate. Read on to learn how the meetings industry’s biggest association and a leading venue management company are making a positive difference in the lives of those who need it most.
MPI
Meeting Professionals International (MPI), the world’s largest meeting and event industry association, was recently recognized by The Code (aka, The Code of Conduct for the… more
Oct 28, 2022
Destinations International Unveils Booking Agreement to Protect Destinations and Event Professionals
Destinations International, the world’s largest resource for destination marketing organizations (DMOs) and convention and visitors bureaus (CVBs), announced a Destination Booking Agreement (DBA) that includes a toolkit to establish mutually agreeable terms to protect both the destination and the business event professional.
The announcement was made at the recent IMEX America show in Las Vegas, where Don Welsh, president and CEO of Destinations International, and three representatives from Destinations International’s Large Market Roundtable were on hand to discuss the DBA’s importance to… more
Oct 25, 2022
When it comes to achieving diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), the global events industry has a lot of work to do, according to the Events Industry Council’s (EIC) 2022 Equity Benchmarking Study. Released on Oct. 11 in partnership with EIC’s global Equity Task Force, created in 2020 to address systemic racism and all forms of discrimination in the business events and hospitality industry, the study signifies the critical first phase of EIC’s Equity Acceleration Plan.
While there is an ever-growing awareness and commitment toward equity in the industry, survey scores reveal widespread DEI… more
Oct 21, 2022
The soaring inflation rates that have plagued the U.S., let alone some other countries around the world, may not be subsiding any time soon. The Labor Department reported that the September consumer price index (CPI) rose 8.2% over the prior 12 months, which is higher than what experts had predicted.
Increasing costs have taken a heavy toll on the business events industry, with inflation’s impact seen in the price of transportation, hotels, venues, food and beverage, guest speakers and several other aspects of events.
We checked in with four event professionals to find out how inflation… more
Oct 14, 2022
As the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas buzzed with the sounds of utility vehicles zipping by and booths being meticulously finished for the show floor opening of IMEX America the next day, Carina Bauer, IMEX Group CEO, couldn’t have been calmer—or more excited.
“Fantastic!” she said, when I asked how she was feeling ahead of the big day.
Her joy—and that of the thousands of attendees who graced the show floor, educational sessions and networking events Oct. 10-13—was palpable. One overriding feeling seemed to prevail: The rebound is real.
When all was said and done, the 11th… more
Oct 12, 2022
As Hurricane Ian recovery efforts kick off in Florida, community organizations, including event and hospitality industry entities, are stepping up to the plate to provide assistance to those impacted by the devastating storm. Throughout the state’s response to the hurricane, VISIT FLORIDA has been working closely with authorities and travel brands including Expedia, Airbnb and hoteliers throughout Florida to connect displaced citizens with resources for finding suitable short- and long-term accommodations.
On Oct. 3, the state’s official tourism marketing organization learned of 23 families… more
Oct 05, 2022
Several days after Ian pummeled Southwest Florida as a Category 4 hurricane then slowly weakened as it barrelled through the middle of the state and on to the Carolinas, the hardest hit destination, Lee County, Fla., remains all but closed to visitors, while other areas throughout Florida and South Carolina have resumed normal operations and are welcoming visiting groups for events. Following is an update from several destination marketing organizations throughout the region.
Lee County
Packing winds of up to 155 mph, heavy rain and major storm surge, Hurricane Ian carved a path of… more
Sep 30, 2022
The American Hotel & Lodging Association Foundation (AHLAF) announced a partnership with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Job Corps to lure its nationwide talent pool with immediate hotel employment. The alliance is the first of its kind for Job Corps and the hospitality industry at large.
With 130,000 open jobs in hospitality around the country, the partnership will utilize engagement and retention initiatives to help fill the positions with the highly skilled, ready-to-work Job Corps students enrolled in hospitality and related training programs.
The collaboration will provide Job Corps… 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