News
Jan 02, 2024
Like many event professionals, Stefanie Rowe did not follow a direct path into the hospitality and events industry. If anything, she imagined opening her own dance studio and performing company. While teaching dance classes post-graduation while serving at a local high-end restaurant inside a hotel, Rowe was recognized by a hospitality leader who noted her natural abilities in sales and negotiation and encouraged her to consider hospitality sales and marketing as a possible career.
“I instantly was drawn to the relationship-building, negotiating contracts, the fine details of a perfectly… more
Jan 02, 2024
On Dec. 14, hundreds of dignitaries gathered to celebrate the completion of the Colorado Convention Center (CCC) expansion, a $233 million project that includes a new ballroom, pre-function space and outdoor terrace. The expansion is expected to bring more meetings and conventions to Denver, which last year welcomed more than 36 million visitors who generated $9.4 billion in spending, according to VISIT DENVER officials.
The expansion of the CCC includes the new 80,000-square-foot Bluebird Ballroom that can be subdivided into 19 rooms of varying sizes. Located on the roof of the existing… more
Dec 20, 2023
Reposite, an AI-powered meeting and event planning tool, is collaborating with MPI Academy, the educational arm of Meeting Professionals International (MPI), to introduce the AI-Enhanced Event Professional certificate program for meeting and event organizers.
Set to launch in January 2024, the new educational program is designed to equip event professionals – including event planners, managers and coordinators, marketing and communication professionals, hospitality and venue managers, and anyone interested in leveraging AI for event design – with the knowledge and practical skills needed to… more
Dec 19, 2023
San Francisco’s Moscone Center has been awarded Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum certification for Existing Building Operations and Maintenance (EB:OM), the highest level of LEED developed by the U.S. Green Building Council.
Following the completion of Moscone’s $551 million expansion program in 2019, the new Moscone North and South complex received the highest score possible for LEED Platinum certification for new construction of a convention center. Now, with this latest re-recertification, the entire facility, including Moscone West, is now LEED EB:OM Platinum… more
Dec 19, 2023
Eleven exhibition organizers have come together to pilot the rollout of a program called Better Stands, which aims to reduce single-use disposable stands at exhibitions in favor of reusable structures.
“The concept of Better Stands was fostered within Informa, and so we’ve seen the benefits of it first hand at a number of shows in our portfolio,” said Ben Wielgus, head of sustainability at Informa, a public company that produces hundreds of B2B trade shows and events annually and expects to generate 2023 full-year revenues of £3.15 billion+ ($3.91+ billion). “As such, we’re firm believers… more
Dec 18, 2023
Exclusively sponsored by Honeycomb Strategies
Connecting with people to generate leads is an essential part of live exhibitions like trade shows and conferences. Traditionally, it's been easy to hand out stress balls, key chains and other cheap-to-produce swag to start that initial conversation. But – at what cost to the environment? And does that fidget spinner really provide the memorable impact you want it to go?
Let's explore what it takes to make a disposable tchotchke and discuss the values of an alternative.
Dec 18, 2023
With a portfolio of nearly 8,700 properties, Marriott International has introduced neuroinclusive practices at events hosting 250 people or more, aiming to accommodate approximately 15-20% of the world's population with neuro differences, including conditions like ADHD, autism, dyslexia and epilepsy.
Previewed at Marriott’s Corporate Partnership Customer Conference, THE EXCHANGE, which was held Nov. 28-Dec. 1 at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa, Marriott’s neuroinclusive measures will include dedicated quiet rooms, sensory and fidget toys, noise-canceling earplugs, printed… more
Dec 15, 2023
Maritz, an experience design company that provides event registration services, has partnered with CLEAR, an identity platform with 19 million members, to launch an identity verification solution for trade shows, corporate events and conventions. The goal: Deliver friction-free, secure customer experiences for on-site event registration.
At the recent International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) Expo! Expo!, we caught up with Maritz Vice President Product Management Aaron Dorsey and CLEAR Senior Director Channel Partnership Sam Adeyemi to find out the scoop on the new… more
Dec 14, 2023
People News: VISIT Denver, IBTM World and More Elevate Seasoned Professionals, Grow Leadership Teams
An array of show organizers, CVBs, event agencies and industry associations have been steadily hiring and promoting staff while bolstering their executive teams as they look ahead to a busy New Year.
VISIT DENVER
Twenty-five-year hospitality industry veteran Lee Ann Benevidez has joined VISIT DENVER as its new senior vice president and chief sales and services officer. In her new role, she leads and directs convention and meeting sales efforts, including driving convention bookings for the newly expanded Colorado Convention Center and overseeing the organization’s destination strategy… more
Dec 13, 2023
Geopolitics and political uncertainty now pose the greatest risk to business growth, according to a recent survey of more than 1,300 CEOs of the world’s largest businesses. The persistent flux in global politics, trade dynamics and international relations has required a new level of resilience from business leaders, who have been tasked with re-assessing their strategic priorities, focusing on the rise of generative AI, talent management and elevated stakeholder expectations in addressing environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues.
Derived from the KPMG 2023 CEO Outlook — the annual… more
Partner Voices
One of the most iconic names on the Las Vegas Strip just got an upgrade. Mandalay Bay has everything that your business needs from a refreshed convention space designed to inspire productivity and creativity, to an impressive selection of world-class restaurants and amenities. If you're looking for a venue that's both inviting and innovative, you have to be here.
New Wave Experiences
Mandalay Bay continues to invest in a new wave of enhancements both in the convention space and within the resort as a whole. New restaurant openings including Orla by Michael Mina, drawing inspiration from the award-winning chef’s childhood in Egypt and with flavors and décor inspired by the spices found in markets common to coastal Mediterranean towns, as well as Caramá by Wolfgang Puck, bringing the essence of Italy and spirit of Wolfgang into one concept, are recent additions. The Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas also experienced a recent remodel of all 424 rooms. Swingers, a high-end, adults-only golf and entertainment concept will debut in Fall 2024.
Enhanced Technology
Creating a truly effective conference venue requires careful thought into what a business needs: the right technology, capacity, and inspiration to bring ideas to the next level. As part of the resort’s refresh, Mandalay Bay implemented state-of-the-art technology upgrades, installing cutting-edge Cat6A Ethernet cabling throughout the convention center. This advancement doubles the frequency of data transmission, enabling lightning-fast speeds up to 9400% faster. The convention center now boasts 11 dynamic digital walls, spanning up to 24' x 13', strategically positioned for brand placements, sponsorships and targeted event messaging. Additionally, attendees can benefit from 20 double-sided 55" mobile flexible display units, facilitating effortless navigation to meeting rooms and events. RFID locks were installed on all meeting room doors, and over 200 motion detection cameras have been placed throughout the space.
Refreshing New Design & Fine Art
The newly remodeled convention space provides a bright and vibrant atmosphere that complements Mandalay Bay's tropical-inspired brand. Featuring white-washed walls and ceilings adorned with bold floral patterns in cerulean and coral tones, the space is complemented by warm walnut accent walls. In addition to the redesign of all pre-function spaces, meeting rooms and ballrooms, Mandalay Bay's 1 million square feet of exhibit space has undergone a rejuvenation, including new paint, covered pillars and relocated strobe lights.
Sustainable Spectacles
Mandalay Bay is committed to Focused on What Matters and creating more responsible meetings. Refillable water stations all available around the resort, cutting unnecessary plastic usage from single-use bottles.
The Mandalay Bay campus’ recent upgrades represent a bold step forward in redefining the Las Vegas experience. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and unparalleled service, Mandalay Bay sets a new standard for excellence in business hospitality. Whether you're seeking cutting-edge conference facilities, world-class dining options, or simply a luxurious retreat, an unparalleled meeting experience awaits.