News

Jun 24, 2019
Eldorado Resorts agreed to acquire Caesars Entertainment in a cash-and-stock transaction valued at $8.58 billion, creating a mega-casino company in the U.S. The combined company will provide its guests with access to approximately 60 domestic casino–resorts and gaming facilities across 16 states. “Eldorado’s combination with Caesars will create the largest owner and operator of U.S. gaming assets and is a strategically, financially and operationally compelling opportunity that brings immediate and long-term value to stakeholders of both companies,” said El Dorado CEO Tom Reeg. He added, “… more
Jun 24, 2019
Hannover Fairs USA and IBTM will each launch a new show in 2020. The U.S. subsidiary of Deutsche Messe in Germany, Hannover Fairs USA, will debut Interschutz USA next year. Interschutz, currently the world’s largest trade show for fire and rescue services, takes place every five years in Germany. It will be complemented by Interschutz USA, set for Oct. 13-17, 2020 at Pennsylvania Convention Center in Pennsylvania. This new show will provide a global view of firefighting equipment and tactics, and demonstrate safety techniques that reflect the current and future strategies of U.S.… more
Jun 20, 2019
Know an incredible show manager? Now’s the time to nominate him or her for The Expo Group’s annual Show Manager of the Year awards, also known as SMOTY. These awards are independent of any industry associations and meant to honor the hardworking professionals behind events and trade shows. “This program is a way for us to give back to our profession by drawing attention to the people who impress everyone with their commitment, innovation and excellence,” said Randy Pekowski, president and COO of The Expo Group, which is headquartered outside of Dallas. This year’s SMOTY trophies will be… more
Jun 20, 2019
From the latest healthy snacks to new car wash technologies and trends in tile, May was a busy month for trade shows and associations. Here’s a recap of five that posted great numbers last month. National Restaurant Association Show The centennial year of National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show, one of the most anticipated events in the foodservice industry, was one to remember — not least for the 23-foot-tall, 1,200-pound birthday cheesecake in the middle of the show. The event drew more than 42,557 attendees to Chicago’s McCormick Place from May 18-21, including… more
Jun 19, 2019
ConferencePulsehas relaunched as ExpoIQ, a marketplace that helps technology event organizers find and connect with the right exhibitors for their events. The new platform leverages a database of more than 20,000 technology exhibitors, 5,000 IT exhibitions and 30,000 key decision makers, which ExpoIQ founder and CEO Val Tsanev says is what makes it unique. “We’re trying to make the entire exhibition sales process — prospecting, finding and acquiring — seamless, expedited and much more efficient than it is today,” says Tsanev.   “Information is extremely decentralized in the public domain.… more
Jun 18, 2019
Michael Dominguez has been named president and CEO of Associated Luxury Hotels International. The well-known, well-liked industry veteran previously served as senior vice president and chief sales officer for MGM Resorts International for the past seven years. He also directed sales development for Loews Hotels as vice president of global sales prior to MGM. Colleagues say Dominguez’s strategic leadership, innovative business development, hands-on sales oversight and implementation of effective sales strategies in both the MICE and transient segments will lead him to be successful in his new… more
Jun 18, 2019
Event professionals, organizations, hospitality providers and destination organizations now have a new way to gain holistic insights into industry trends and behaviors in the form of a new data analytics tool developed by PCMA. Revealed at IMEX last month in Frankfurt, Germany, BEAM (Business Events Analytics/Metrics) is designed to provide a comprehensive view of the business events industry by leveraging a portfolio of data sources to better understand individuals, organizations and face-to-face events. The data will help predict behaviors of business events participants, which in turn can… more
Jun 17, 2019
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED, is the most widely used green building rating system in the world. Administered by the U.S. Green Building Council, the certification requires a four-step process: registration; a comprehensive certification application; review with Green Business Certification Inc.; and finally, if all checks out, certification (followed by celebration). While we hear a lot about LEED-certified buildings these days, the certification hasn’t gone fully mainstream in the world of convention centers, at least not yet. According to the USGBC, about 60… more
Jun 17, 2019
Creating a sustainable food and beverage plan for your events isn’t just about reducing your carbon footprint. Ultimately, it’s about taking on the responsibility for making safe and healthy food choices for a number of people, says Tracy Stuckrath, president and chief connecting officer of thrive! meetings & events. Stuckrath discussed sustainability and the ways that event menu choices can impact the well-being of attendees, budget and the planet in PCMA’s Bites and Sites webinar “Creating A Sustainable Menu for Your Event,” held live on June 6. Here are some key takeaways to consider… more
Jun 17, 2019
Attendees wanting to quench their thirst with bottled water at the upcoming Outdoor Retailer Summer Market will have to look elsewhere this year. The annual trade show for the outdoor recreation industry, which runs June 18-20 at Colorado Convention Center in Denver, has partnered with Nalgene to eliminate single-use plastic water bottles at the event. The reusable water bottle manufacturer will provide the first 25,000 attendees with a 32-ounce custom Summer Market Nalgene bottle to use at 170 water refill stations located throughout the event, including in all education zones and lounges… 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.