News
Oct 08, 2019
Almost three out of four Americans are unprepared for the October 2020 deadline for full implementation of REAL ID, and millions could be prevented from boarding a plane due to lack of required identification, according to a U.S. Travel Association-commissioned study.
To combat this problem, USTA is leading an initiative by private-sector travel stakeholders to better prepare the country for the REAL ID deadline. The association has developed a toolkit filled with resources for its membership and other allies to help educate Americans about REAL ID and is coordinating engagement with… more
Oct 07, 2019
A record number of utility and construction professionals seeking the latest industry technologies, innovations and trends converged at the 2019 International Construction & Utility Equipment Exposition, held Oct. 1-3 at Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville.
Known as North America’s largest event for utilities and utility and construction contractors, the biennial ICUEE — aka, The Demo Expo — had upward of 19,000 attendees from the United States, Canada and 65 countries. More than 1,000 exhibitors spanned the show’s 1.34 million square feet of expo space.
In 2017, the event drew… more
Oct 07, 2019
A sunny late-autumn morning in St. Louis started with a convenient and delicious morning meal of grab-and-go breakfast sandwiches (complemented by Starbucks coffee and cans of Mountain Dew). The room was energetic and filled with conversation before the group of about 300 migrated into the main ballroom to kick off the 2019 Ungerboeck UNITE Conference, which ran Sept. 30-Oct. 3 at Marriott St. Louis Grand.
Emcee Justin Ungerboeck, market communications manager for Ungerboeck Software International — a world leader in event management software — came on stage to set the tone for the day,… more
Oct 04, 2019
Seattle played home to a major event for United States tourism last month. The 13th annual U.S.-China Tourism Leadership Summit took place at Hyatt Regency Seattle, Sept. 18-20, with the goal of building and strengthening relationships between U.S. and Chinese travel and tourism leaders and government officials. During the three-day show, participants focused on the contribution of the industry to the world’s two largest economies.
Notable attendees this year included Washington Governor Jay Inslee; former U.S. Secretary of Commerce, Ambassador to China and Washington Governor Gary Locke; U.… more
Oct 03, 2019
Voice-operated technology is at its flash point. Innovations in smartphones, networked home devices, and voice recognition enable futuristic applications such as voice-operated Google search, and personal assistant software including Amazon’s Alexa and Apple’s Siri.
Google is one key beneficiary and driver of voice tech: Voice searches account for 20 percent of queries on Google mobile app and Android devices, according to Google CEO Sundar Pichai’s Google I/O keynote in 2016 — and that volume continues to grow.
More recent data from Statista Digital Market Outlook shows approximately 260… more
Oct 03, 2019
Tarsus Group has added Tarsus Egypt to its global network – the group’s newest division has been formed as a joint-venture partnership with Amr Shawki, a leading figure in the Egyptian exhibition industry and Chairman of local organiser, Egytec.
Tarsus Egypt will create a new B2B events platform for local and international customers to build valuable partnerships in the dynamic Egyptian and North African markets.
“Egypt has a population of 105 million and the fastest economic growth of all African countries,” said Tarsus Group CEO Douglas Emslie.
He added, “Its geographic, political and… more
Oct 02, 2019
Freeman, a provider of live events and brand experiences, has acquired Convention Data Services (CDS), an event registration, business intelligence and lead management company.
Combined with its acquisition of Info Salons in 2018, Freeman significantly has added to its global event registration and digital services offerings.
“Show organizers are asking for simple, unified and effective ways to create a better experience for their teams and attendees around the world,” said Bob Priest-Heck, CEO of Freeman.
He added, “The addition of CDS to Freeman’s suite of digital tools and services… more
Oct 02, 2019
If you’re well-versed with sustainable trade shows, you’ve heard of Greenbuild International Conference & Expo. As the world’s largest sustainable event for the green building industry, the 17-year-old trade show and conference has become one of the most pace-setting events in the sustainable show universe. Behind the curtain is a team of passionate individuals building upon the show’s sustainability prowess, including Senior Show Manager Rachel Motekaitis, who has been with the show since 2013. TSNN sat down with her to learn how Greenbuild works, as well as what’s in store for its 2019… more
Oct 01, 2019
Venue management companies AEG Facilities and SMG have completed their merger to create ASM Global, a new, stand-alone global facility management and venue services company that now operates more than 300 arenas, stadiums, convention centers and performing arts centers across five continents.
The completion of this transaction comes eight months after the companies announced the proposed merger. Onex, of which SMG is a portfolio company, and AEG’s subsidiary are now equal co-owners of ASM, according to ASM officials.
Headquartered in Los Angeles, with key operations based in the… more
Sep 30, 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 in several key areas:
Protecting Natural Resources
MGM Resorts is home to industry-leading recycling, renewable electricity and water conservation programs. Some highlights include a cogeneration power plant at ARIA, producing ultra-efficient electricity; one of America’s largest contiguous rooftop solar arrays atop the convention center at Mandalay Bay; and onsite wells that provide water for the celebrated Fountains of Bellagio, avoiding reliance on precious Colorado River water. These efforts and many more save on natural resources while boosting attendee satisfaction.
Committed to Community
Always striving to be good neighbors, MGM Resorts works to avoid food waste and combat food insecurity with the Feeding Forward program. In partnership with local food banks, they safely divert unserved food to food insecure members of the community. Since 2016, over 5 million meals have been provided, highlighting MGM Resorts' commitment to minimizing food waste and addressing community needs.
MGM Resorts supports clients in their responsible-meetings efforts, not only with efficient venues but also waste-reducing décor and signage; sustainable food and beverage options; and outreach to help planners communicate sustainability efforts to attendees. What’s more, they offer a Mindful Meetings series that puts attendee wellness first—through fitness and mindfulness activities, and in give-back events with local charity organizations.
Fostering Diversity & Inclusion
To MGM Resorts, a diverse and talented workforce is essential to success. By cultivating innovative strategies that consider multiple perspectives and viewpoints, the company creates an inclusive workplace culture that benefits its employees and community. MGM Resorts takes pride in being a welcoming home for veterans, individuals with disabilities, people from diverse backgrounds, LGBTQ+ community members, and more. This commitment to inclusion is reflected in the company's recruitment and hiring practices and its social responsibility initiatives. From the workplace to the community, MGM Resorts' commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion remains unwavering, and its efforts continue to create a more equitable and sustainable world for all.
MGM Resorts offers unparalleled service and venue options while standing out for its proactive approach to sustainability and community engagement. Choosing MGM Resorts for your next meeting means aligning with a company that values social responsibility, efficiency, and attendee satisfaction, ensuring a meaningful and impactful event experience.