News
Dec 15, 2017
San Francisco-based data technology company, InsightXM, has unveiled a new insights package designed for event planners and marketers seeking powerful, easy-to-access data analytics.
The InsightXM Analytics Essentials package provides a fixed price and quick access-to-data analytics tool tailored to help planners better understand their event audiences, uncover hidden opportunities and identify weaknesses.
With the Essentials platform, users can:
Discover trends that span across different events
Understand audiences to better design future events
Carry out real-time, complex analysis… more
Dec 14, 2017
Sheraton Waikiki’s meetings and convention spaces have a new look, thanks to a $1.4 million project. The hotel features one of Oahu’s preeminent meeting and convention facilities with one of the largest hotel ballrooms in Waikiki.
Inspiration for the 100,000 square feet of new custom-designed carpet came from Hawaii’s archipelago and its importance to the Pacific region. The carpet design details ocean current-inspired charts, while the colors were inspired by the surrounding land, ocean and sky.
The carpet design also matches many of the cultural works of art housed at the Sheraton Waikiki… more
Dec 12, 2017
One might expect Arne Sorenson to be a little jaded when it comes to travel. After all, the Marriott International president and CEO traverses the world for his role, which he’s held since 2012—especially significant as he’s the company’s first CEO not to bear the Marriott surname. Yet when we asked Sorenson at the ribbon cutting for the Marriott Marquis Chicago last month about one of his most memorable travel moments, it wasn’t a high-end destination or a luxury hotel opening of which he spoke. It was a trip with his wife to the countryside of Norway, where after stopping to chat with a… more
Dec 11, 2017
If you are looking for a unique incentive company trip or sales meeting location, consider the town of Parras de la Fuente in northern Mexico, near the city of Monterrey.
It is one of the Pueblos Magicos, a recent identification for certain cities in Mexico, with a current count of 111 Pueblos Magicos.
To obtain the Pueblo Magico label, the city must meet certain criteria, including having its own unique gastronomy, history and culture.
The city must also have a certain population size to be able to handle visitors to the area. Parras is located about 3 hours drive west of Monterrey, in… more
Dec 08, 2017
MGM Resorts International has recently partnered with Cisco Systems and Mobilitie to upgrade and double its wireless infrastructure, resulting in the largest, technologically advanced system in the industry and the first in-house, high-density Wi-Fi network capable of supporting high-level events with sophisticated technology needs.
To accomplish this feat, MGM Resorts’ technology partners designed, provided and installed the advanced wireless network that is now available throughout all MGM Resorts destinations’ meeting and convention spaces in Las Vegas (except for Circus Circus) and… more
Dec 06, 2017
VisitScotland Business Events has launched a first-of-its-kind digital campaign to promote the entire country to the meetings and events industry.
“Scotland. Where Ideas Become Legend” highlights the myriad, diverse reasons why event organizers should consider Scotland as a destination, including academic credentials, history of innovation and pioneering spirit.
The campaign began in early November and will continue throughout a two-year time period, with fresh content rolled out that will showcase various event industry segments, innovation and invention. New content from experts,… more
Dec 05, 2017
‘Tis the season to be jolly, festive, and full of good cheer - and we want to see how you celebrate. Share a photo of what the holiday season looks like for you as an event professional and you’ll be entered into the contest. The public will decide who wins, by popular vote!
This is your chance to show us your holiday spirit, whether it’s hosting or attending an event (holiday or otherwise), in your office, with family and friends, or anywhere else that makes you happy.
Each week (with the exception of the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day), we’ll award a $50 American Express gift… more
Dec 04, 2017
The ibtm Technology Watch Award winners for 2017 were announced at the most recent ibtm world, held Nov. 28-30 at Fira Gran Via in Barcelona, Spain.
As the longest running awards program of its kind, the ibtm Technology Watch awards recognize the achievements of new and innovative event industry technologies, ensuring that the achievements of talented entrepreneurs looking to revolutionize the meetings and events sector are duly acknowledged.
There were three categories for this year’s nominations: Logistics and Production, Management and Marketing and Audience Engagement.
All entries were… more
Dec 03, 2017
The Senior Professionals Industry Network (SPIN) has announced the 2017 recipients of the industry’s first recognition for veteran meeting planners - SPIN:40 Over 40. This initiative was created to recognize and honor planners who are industry role models, influencers, innovators, and pioneers.
“We had a great response to this call for nominations. The depth and breadth of what these individuals have achieved is amazing,” said Shawna Suckow, SPIN founder.
She added, “Just like our membership, this list is diverse and includes planners for large corporations, associations and smaller third-… more
Dec 01, 2017
Events remain among the top three areas of marketing spend, highest return on investment and sales lead sourcing, as is shown in this 2017 B2B Marketing Mix survey from Sagefrog Marketing Group. Still, getting actionable insights from your events can be a challenge.
Most corporations use a conglomeration of technologies to track and analyze marketing data. Tools may include CRM systems, marketing automation platforms and social media engagement platforms – but it’s rare to find technology specifically focused on the customer engagement that takes place at face-to-face events.
Multiple… more
Partner Voices
Just when it seems like Las Vegas can’t get any bigger, brighter or more exciting for groups, MGM Resorts raises the bar again. The company continues to invest and innovate across its portfolio of Las Vegas resorts, with new attractions and upgraded experiences for attendees of all interests.
Remodeled Guest Rooms
MGM Grand is the largest single hotel in the world with over 5,000 guest rooms and an 850,000-square-foot conference center. It is home to the newly remodeled MGM Grand Studio Tower—700 reimagined guest rooms with a fun mid-century vibe. Nearby, the iconic New York-New York Las more