Feb 27, 2024
What experiences do event attendees value most? During the Women in Exhibitions Network North America session, “New Audience Insights From Freeman,” on Feb. 16, Freeman Senior Vice President of Strategy Ken Holsinger provided a deeper dive into the 2024 Attendee Intent and Behavior, which garnered 3,200 respondents across a blend of events.
The one-hour online meeting covered the full report, but here are the top 11 things that attendees want from in-person events, according to the Freeman survey. When planning your event or exhibit and budgeting your spend, it’s helpful to know what… more
Feb 26, 2024
Online corporate events are here to stay, so how do event organizers make them more effective and enjoyable? Priya Parker, author of The Art of Gathering, published the Virtual Gathering Guide, which offers seven steps for meeting hosts to create moments of connection in the online event space.
Here are excerpts from the guide that are most relevant for corporate event managers.
1. Clarify the purpose of your virtual gathering. “Don’t assume your digital gathering shares the same purpose as your in-person one,” she advised. Ask: “What is the most important need for this group and how might… more
Feb 22, 2024
Taking place each February, Black History Month is an ideal time to honor and celebrate the achievements of Black people in the events and trade show industry and renew our commitment to continue fostering diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI).
We want to recognize and highlight Black industry leaders and share their experiences. This week, we are featuring Marveen Hart, Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Freeman, a full-service exhibitions, exhibits and events company with a 97-year legacy, and Ed Jeffry, business development manager for Gielissen, a Netherlands-based exhibitions,… more
Feb 20, 2024
What’s new in Palm Springs, Calif.? We’ve got the scoop on five new venues for events, including:
The world’s first-ever Tommy Bahama resort that opened in November 2023
The Palm Springs Surf Club that opened in January
The Thompson Hotel Palm Springs that’s slated to open in Q2
The Spa at Sec-he that opened in April 2023
The Agua Caliente Cultural Museum that opened in November 2023
If you are looking for a sunny locale in Southern California for your next event, Palm Springs, Calif., averages more than 350 days of sunshine and only five inches of rain each year.
Located in Coachella… more
Feb 16, 2024
Taking place each February, Black History Month is an ideal time to honor and celebrate the achievements of Black people in the events and trade show industry and renew our commitment to continue fostering diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI).
We want to recognize and highlight Black industry leaders and share their experiences. This week, we are featuring Tavar James, head of field and partner marketing, Riskified, a publicly traded company that provides software as a service fraud and chargeback prevention technology. Find who inspires him and what tips he can offer others to champion DEI… more
Feb 13, 2024
While meeting planners are feeling optimistic about 2024, delivering high-quality events and attendee experiences while staying within budget continues to pose a major challenge. Rising costs coupled with inexperienced hotel staff are changing how and where planners book events, resulting in smaller gatherings, a move to secondary markets and modified in-person experiences.
These insights were unveiled in the 2024 State of the Meetings Industry report, a collaborative industry research report conducted by Knowland, a provider of data-as-a-service insights on meetings and events for… more
Feb 09, 2024
If you are looking for quiet luxury in a seaside setting for your next event, Dana Point, Calif., fits the bill.
Known for its laid-back California vibe and pristine beaches, Dana Point is a charming 14-square-mile town that touts itself as the Dolphin and Whale Watching Capital of the World, said Visit Dana Point Executive Director Heather Johnson. Event attendees can hop on tour boats that leave daily from the 2,500-boat and yacht slip marina in Dana Point Harbor, which is currently undergoing a $600 million revitalization.
Getting there: Located halfway between San Diego and Los… more
Feb 06, 2024
Last August, Freeman announced a rigging safety initiative that impacted exhibitors and event organizers with hanging signs, video walls that have overhead support and all other tie-offs. The rigging rule could have potentially affected thousands of exhibiting companies and events across the U.S. with higher costs and longer timelines.
In response, Exhibition Services & Contractors Association (ESCA), The Exhibitor Advocate and Experiential Designers & Producers Association (EDPA) collaborated with Freeman to roll back some of the requirements, making it faster, easier and cheaper… more
Feb 02, 2024
What’s new in San Diego in 2024?
In January, the San Diego Tourism Authority hosted a media tour for event and trade show industry press that included four stops. Here’s what corporate event organizers need to know about what’s new and trending in this popular destination.
San Diego International Airport
During a behind-the-scenes tour of the $3.4 billion construction project at the San Diego International Airport, Chief Development Officer Angela Shafer-Payne said the 661-acre airport currently serves 550 flights per day.
Context: The existing Terminal 1 opened in 1967 while Terminal… more
Feb 01, 2024
U.K.-based creative communications agency DRPG has expanded its global footprint with the acquisition of The Special Event Company (TSEC), a live and virtual event agency based in Apex, N.C., near the bustling Raleigh and the Research Triangle Park area.
Founded in 1987 by Sally Webb, TSEC designs and produces myriad types of corporate events, including conferences, sales and leadership meetings, trainings and continuing education events, galas and award ceremonies, incentive trips, appreciation events, ground breakings, grand openings, expos and trade shows, product launches and town halls… more
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is renowned for its exceptional service and diverse venue options across Las Vegas, Detroit, Springfield, National Harbor, Biloxi, and Atlantic City, providing flexible spaces for meetings of any size. Beyond these offerings, MGM Resorts distinguishes itself through a strong commitment to social responsibility and sustainability, making it an ideal choice for your next meeting.
At the core of MGM Resorts' company values is its platform, "Focused on What Matters," dedicated to meeting customer needs while advancing socially responsible practices. This commitment is evident more