Event Planning

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metavent
Feb 19, 2020
We recently wrote about why event industry organizations should implement green teams — cross-functional groups that identify and implement ways to help the organization operate in a more environmentally sustainable fashion. While a green team might typically be internal to one specific organization or venue, in the events world, the best results come from extending those teams to encompass all key stakeholders responsible for executing a specific event. In many cases, while these green teams are still voluntary, the responsibilities are seen as being part of the job function and may not… more
Green Team
Feb 11, 2020
Sustainable practices are fast becoming a must for events. According to the Eventbrite 2020 Event Trends report, 59 percent of North American event professionals are taking steps to improve the environmental impact of their events — up from a mere 6 percent in 2019.  Additionally, an overwhelming majority — or 93 percent — of hosted buyers and visitors who attended IMEX 2018 said they are interested in planning events in a more sustainable matter, according to post-event survey results. One of the ways corporations, associations, event venues and suppliers are codifying those intentions is… more
Jan 29, 2020
Haute Dokimazo held its first-ever Secret Family Reunion in November 2019, bringing together more than 80 senior event, marketing and business professionals for a conference unlike any other. In a private screening at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival this week, The Aperture Pill debuted a short documentary film chronicling the event.  For those who aren’t familiar with the event, here’s a recap. The Concept Haute Dokimazo co-founders Nicole Osibodu, Liz Lathan and Tom Spano say that they were inspired to create an event that would show the possibilities inherent through human connection. “… more
Jan 07, 2020
Philadelphia’s walkability, history and culinary ingenuity make the city appealing to corporate groups. Not just a historic meeting location, it’s also a foodie’s paradise, perfect for hosting memorable group meals.  The city is known for having one of the top restaurant communities in the U.S. In 2019, Israeli small-plate-driven Zahav took the James Beard Award for outstanding restaurant. And Cadence, an upscale American prix fixe BYO eatery, was named best new restaurant by Food & Wine magazine. “Philadelphia has been a captivating destination for meetings, conventions and events for… more
Gooey butter cake
Dec 18, 2019
Every city has its own iconic treats, and St. Louis is no exception. On a recent trip there for the Ungerboeck United conference, we scoped out the best local foods that you can only get in “The Lou.” If you’re meeting in St. Louis in 2020, here are some delicious items to consider including on your menus. They’re sure to give your attendees a true taste of the city. Gooey Butter Cake Bakeries around town all have their own version of this decadent treat, which tastes as delicious as the name implies. Legend has it the cake was invented by mistake in the 1930s when a baker got the butter… more
Nov 04, 2019
Imagine chartering a plane to your event destination. You get to choose the plane size, configuration, even food and beverage service. Picture your attendees’ excitement at this extra-special treatment. Freespeed Aviation serves as an agent in obtaining air charter services. The company sources its aircraft from 3 different charter operator platforms, utilizing a fleet of jets from qualified and carefully selected FAA and EASA Certified Air Carriers. This includes thousands of jets and turboprops that may not normally be based at your local airport, but can be made available for your special… more
Oct 31, 2019
In 2018, the United States recorded 340 mass shootings and 108 natural disasters (hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, severe thunderstorms, wildfires and more), making it feel like emergencies are everywhere. Whether emergencies are more prolific than they used to be or not, the reality is event organizers must be ready for an emergency of any type to occur during their event. As such, emergency preparedness has gone well beyond hiring a team of security guards to stand at the door.  Event organizers must be prepared to keep their participants safe both inside and outside of the event. They… more
Oct 30, 2019
Have you ever hired a photographer for an event and wound up with very few photos you could actually use? Event photography is an important component of capturing the event, but often it’s something that planners don’t spend much time on aside from sourcing a photographer. Professional photographer Chris Savas, who owns and operates Chris Savas Photography in the Atlanta area, has been in the business for more than 30 years. He worked as a photojournalist and in advertising for over a decade before switching his specialty to corporate meetings and events. We spoke with Savas about industry… more
Oct 10, 2019
Sustainability is top of mind for tech giant HP. The company’s sustainable impact strategy mission is to create lasting, positive change for the planet, our people and communities. HP has publicly committed to integrating sustainable practices into its events by reducing unnecessary materials, renting and reusing assets, recycling, composting and donating event discards. HP engaged Kindle Communications to produce the evening networking event for HP’s top 1,500 sales executives and retail, channel and alliance partners at its annual global world partner forum, HP Reinvent 2019. HP positions… more
Oct 02, 2019
A conference with several thousand people sounds like an unlikely place to zen out. Yet the organizers of IMEX America and one major hotel company, understanding the immense benefits of meditation, helped conference goers do exactly that at this year’s event, held Sept. 10-12 in Las Vegas. The IMEX Be Well Lounge The event organizers behind IMEX America chose Las Vegas-based Lee Papa as the wellness expert to lead the mindfulness exercises inside its Be Well Lounge. Throughout four days (including Smart Monday), she led 25 guided meditations, ranging from 15 to 30 minutes each. It was a… 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