News
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 15, 2024
A destination marketing organization (DMO) and global venue management company kicked off the new year on a positive note by launching and expanding programs designed to inspire, grow and support the next generation of hospitality, tourism and live event industry professionals.
Visit Anaheim
Visit Anaheim, the official DMO for Anaheim, Calif., launched a new program designed to develop the future tourism and hospitality workforce. Unveiled on Feb. 6, the DMO’s Workforce Development initiative was created to inspire local high school students to pursue careers in tourism and hospitality.… 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 12, 2024
The U.S. meetings industry is continuing its steady pace of hiring and promoting, with meeting and event-related companies elevating and appointing staff as business forecasts signal a positive outlook for the coming year. Here’s our latest recap of new hires and promotions.
Connect
Matt Johnson has been promoted to managing director of meetings, events, travel and tourism industry leader Connect, which was acquired by Informa in 2023 and is now part of Informa Connect. A part of the Connect team for nearly 19 years, he is responsible for spearheading new initiatives to best serve customers… 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 08, 2024
From Sioux City, Iowa to Chicago to Fort Worth, Texas, convention centers across the U.S. are upping the ante on their meeting and trade show offerings by forming new partnerships with management, food and beverage, and technology service providers, as well as rebooking long-term business.
McCormick Place and RSNA
Choose Chicago and the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (MPEA) recently announced the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) has committed to hosting its Annual Meeting in Chicago through 2032.
One of the largest and most impactful events on Chicago’s annual… 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 05, 2024
After almost seven decades of operating at the south end of the Las Vegas Strip, the Tropicana Las Vegas will close its doors on April 2, just two days shy of its 67th anniversary. The 1,470-room resort is slated for decommissioning and demolition to clear the way for a $1.5 billion, 30,000-seat professional baseball stadium and integrated resort, according to Bally’s Corporation, which has owned the Rat Pack-era hotel-casino since 2022.
The proposed ballpark will serve as the new home of the city’s first Major League Baseball team – the Oakland Athletics, which are relocating to Las Vegas… 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
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