Nov 21, 2024
Currently under construction with a $1 billion investment, the new VAI Resort in Glendale, Ariz. is on track to open its initial phase in Q4 2025, redefining the concept of meetings and hospitality by integrating luxurious accommodations with cutting-edge entertainment and versatile event spaces.
For event professionals seeking something fresh and groundbreaking, the upcoming opening of VAI Resort presents a new option that promises to elevate the guest experience through innovative design and entertainment.
At IMEX America in the Visit Phoenix booth, we caught up with VAI Resort Senior… more
Nov 18, 2024
As one of the fastest-growing U.S. cities in terms of population (according to an analysis by Exploding Topics), Nashville continues to develop and enhance its event offerings, and the city presents a dynamic landscape for event producers.
Whether it's hosting massive conventions in the new stadium, leveraging its musical heritage, or tapping into international markets, Nashville offers a vibrant and diverse stage for unforgettable events. With opportunities as endless as the music-filled air, Nashville remains a city that promises and delivers excitement.
As event industry professionals,… more
Nov 07, 2024
A downtown Las Vegas resort and a mixed-use development in New York City recently announced the completion of a guest room expansion and a new experiential meeting and event space, respectively.
Circa Resort & Casino Expands Hotel Tower
In October, Circa Resort & Casino in downtown Las Vegas completed an expansion of its 458-foot-tall hotel tower, unveiling 106 new rooms and suites. This increase brings the total room inventory to 618, marking a 20% rise since the resort's opening in December 2020.
The expansion introduces four panoramic sunset suites, 72 single kings, 24 double… more
Nov 05, 2024
What do corporate event organizers need to know about Orlando, Fla.?
In October, we spent 72 hours in the Sunshine State to discover what’s new for attendees and exhibitors in the theme park capital of the world, as well to find out what’s trending for meetings and trade shows.
Here’s what you need to know.
Getting there: Located about 20 minutes from downtown Orlando and with easy highway access, the Orlando International Airport (with the airport code of MCO) is about 12 miles away from the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) and major convention hotels that are connected or… more
Oct 31, 2024
With annual events like Gartner’s IT Symposium/Xpo taking every inch of available space and even building additional temporary structures outside, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort is set to embark on the largest renovation and expansion in the property’s history, highlighted by the addition of 120,000 square feet of event space to its current meeting and convention floorplan.
With an investment of $275 million over the next several years, the construction project will also include modernized upgrades to existing meeting spaces and Swan guest rooms, as well as technology… more
Oct 29, 2024
Since September, several leading venues announced or completed major expansion and remodel projects while others upped the ante with high-level environmental and inclusivity certifications.
Off-Strip Las Vegas Hotel Completes Convention Renovation and More
The Rio Hotel & Casino Las Vegas recently completed of the first phase of its multi-year property-wide transformation. Since Dreamscape Cos. took over the resort’s operations in late 2023, the off-Strip hotel has undergone extensive Phase One renovations, including the addition of eight new food and beverage destinations, the… more
Oct 18, 2024
Celebrating 70 years with the theme of “Innovate. Elevate. Collaborate,” the Experiential Designers & Producers Association (EDPA) is gearing up to host EDPA ACCESS 2024, its annual meeting and conference for event designers, producers, and key industry suppliers. Set for December 3-5 at the Hyatt Regency Indian Wells in Palm Desert, Calif., the intimate event is expected to attract more than 300 attendees and will explore key topics facing all three segments of the trade show and business events industry.
Last year, ACCESS 2023 attracted 325 attendees to the Hyatt Coconut Point in… more
Oct 16, 2024
With its blend of rich history, vibrant culture, scenic waterfront, diverse culinary offerings, boutique shopping, and walkable neighborhoods, it’s no wonder that Alexandria, Virg., is a popular destination not only for leisure guests, but also meeting and event groups. Founded in 1749 and boasting the nation’s third oldest historic district, this charming port city combines a small-town feel with the amenities of a cosmopolitan city and has been recognized as a “Best Small City in the U.S.” by Condé Nast Traveler readers for the last six years.
Situated along the Potomac River about five… more
Oct 09, 2024
As Hurricane Milton, a powerful Category 4 storm, barrels toward Florida’s Gulf Coast, the impact on the state’s business events industry is already being felt. With winds reaching up to 150 miles per hour, Milton is projected to make landfall in the Tampa Bay region, potentially disrupting major conferences, conventions, and trade shows across Florida.
Several key events in destinations like Tampa, Orlando, and Miami have already been canceled or rescheduled, dealing a blow to an industry that plays a crucial role in the state’s economy. As Florida braces for what could be its strongest… more
Oct 08, 2024
With 1,350 hotels and all-inclusive properties in 78 countries across six continents already in its portfolio, Hyatt Hotels Corp. is significantly expanding its luxury and lifestyle brand footprint with more than 20 new and planned property openings across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Latin America, and the Caribbean through 2025.
When asked about total meeting and event space at these new hotels, Hyatt told us eight properties offer more than 250,000 square feet of meeting and event space. The two largest: the Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Villas features more than 88,000 square feet… 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