News
May 16, 2019
The UFI Board of Directors has elected Anbu Varathan president of UFI for 2020-2021, making him the first person from India to hold this role in the history of the association. The decision was made yesterday at a board meeting kicking off the annual UFI European Conference in Birmingham, U.K.
"I am delighted to be part of UFI’s top leadership in the coming years and to continue with the development and support that UFI has provided the industry for so long,” said Varathan. “As the first president in UFI’s history based in India, I’m even more pleased to have been elected to this position,… more
May 14, 2019
Technology company Chili Piper has launched a new event scheduling tool designed to improve how B2B event managers and field marketing managers book, manage and track individual and group meetings on-site at events.
Besides delivering a broader feature set that can be deployed in just hours, the platform is also designed to help event managers improve and measure their event ROI.
“The expertise we developed from creating our scheduling platform led us to launching a first-of-kind solution specifically for event managers that meets all their goals,” said Nicolas Vandenberghe, CEO and co-… more
May 14, 2019
American Society of Association Executives enjoyed Salt Lake City so much during its annual conference in 2016, it has selected the destination as its host city for its Great Ideas Conference in 2020, 2021 and 2022.
A flagship event for association professionals around the world, ASAE’s Great Ideas Conference will bring together 500 attendees in a retreat-like setting at The Grand America Hotel in Salt Lake City. The first iteration of the event here will take place March 1-3, 2020.
“The Great Ideas Conference raises the collective capacity for innovation in the association community and… more
May 13, 2019
Emerald Expositions' board of directors appointed Sally Shankland as president and CEO of the company.
Shankland will assume her new role on June 1 and will remain a member of the company’s board.
Phil Evans, Emerald’s Interim president and CEO, who was appointed when long-time leader David Loechner stepped down, will continue to serve as the company’s CFO.
”Sally’s experience, skills and approach are a perfect match with the Board’s requirements for the Emerald CEO position; and, after conducting a thorough search over the last seven months, I am thrilled to have her accept the position… more
May 09, 2019
The city of Madison, Wisconsin, while less than half the size of Milwaukee, has a lot of things going for it. For one, it has one of the best farmer’s markets in the United States (visit in July and you’ll see what we mean). It also sits right on Lake Mendota, making it a prime spot for water recreation; ranks among the top five healthiest cities in the country; and has a creative, energetic vibe thanks to University of Wisconsin-Madison.
It makes sense that many trade show organizers and meeting planners want to capitalize on all of those amenities by hosting events in Madison (among the… more
May 08, 2019
Following a Dallas city audit released in January that scrutinized VisitDallas and its president and CEO, Phillip Jones, the bureau announced he is stepping down.
The VisitDallas Board of Directors and Jones came to a mutual decision at a board meeting today. An interim CEO will be announced May 9, and the Board has begun a search for a full-time successor.
“The Board is thankful to Phillip for his 15 years of leadership and great career at VisitDallas,” said Mark Woelffer, VisitDallas board chair.
He added, “We are proud of the work VisitDallas has accomplished during Phillip’s tenure… more
May 08, 2019
A primary reason many people attend conferences and trade shows is to meet the right contacts and vendors. To support this need, show organizers across industries are launching formalized matchmaking programs designed to help attendees make better connections and everyone is reaping the benefits.
Jessica Blue, senior vice president at Licensing Expo—an organization that connects entertainment, character, art and corporate brand owners and agents with consumer goods manufacturers, licensees and retailers—says it created the Matchmaking Service in 2016 to further help its attendees and… more
May 08, 2019
Two event technology companies from across the pond have released new updates and platforms aimed at improving the attendee experience.
London-based attendee acquisition software company Gleanin has unveiled a new interface designed to streamline the mobile user experience of its Gleanin Connect social referral marketing platform, which allows event registrants to invite their colleagues using LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp or email.
Instead of having to scroll down the webpage to reach the Gleanin dashboard after they’ve registered, mobile users are now immediately directed to an… more
May 08, 2019
April showers brought May new hires to many companies in the trade show and destination marketing world. Here’s all the news you need to know.
Big news for the Events Industry Council: The Washington, D.C.-based organization appointed a new CEO in April. Following an extensive global search, Amy Calvert is now leading EIC. She brings more than three decades of experience in the industry to her new role, and was most recently with Visit Baltimore. (Stay tuned for more on Calvert in an upcoming Q&A on TSNN!)
Dawn Holden joined Destinations International as vice president of membership… more
May 07, 2019
End-to-end event success platform Bizzabo has released its next-generation, all-in-one suite of onsite technology designed to foster a more rewarding and less stressful check-in process at trade shows and events of all sizes. The launch comes on the heels of Bizzabo’s $27 million Series D financing round.
Developed in response to the rising demand for ways to improve and elevate the event check-in experience, the new custom-tailored software includes everything from innovative kiosks to lead collection tools and white glove onsite service, according to Bizzabo officials.
“Thanks to… 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.