News

Mar 15, 2019
The $130 million, 250,000-square-foot expansion of MGM Grand Conference Center is now complete, meaning MGM Resorts now offers a total of 4 million square feet of meeting and convention space on the Las Vegas Strip. (For reference, that’s more than all the convention space in Manhattan combined.) “With our expansion, upgraded amenities, new outdoor space and user-friendly connectivity packages, we provide our convention customers an enhanced meeting experience with more options,” said Ernest Stovall, vice president of Sales for MGM Grand. He continued, “I’m proud that many of our clients… more
Mar 14, 2019
On March 12, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) board of directors agreed to move forward with an upgrade and expansion of Cox Business’ wireless and wireline services at Las Vegas Convention Center. The renewed agreement includes a high-density network upgrade to the Wi-Fi installation in the existing convention space with new access points that power the latest 802.11ax standard. The three-year, multi-million-dollar renewed agreement also includes the design and management of a comprehensive Wi-Fi and distributed antenna system at LVCC’s $935.1 million, 1.4 million-… more
Mar 13, 2019
Sitting on your trade show floor is an exhibitor who is spending quite a bit of money to be there, but he or she may be thinking, “For this type of investment, I could be doing an amazing brand activation out of the confines of this booth.” Or, “We really would like our products to be seen by our end-users, the consumers, but they aren’t allowed into this show.” As a result, some shows are losing major exhibitors, such as E3 — the big video gaming show held annually in Los Angeles that’s had several major gaming companies drop out wanting to use their marketing dollars in other ways. A… more
Mar 13, 2019
You could say the team members behind MAD Event Management are masters of creativity. Based in Warwick, New York, they’re owners and operators of several large pop culture conventions, from Long Beach Comic Expo to C3: Comic Creator Conference. As such, they’re frequently managing events that involve large numbers of attendees dressed in costume, as well as in-depth education sessions designed to help high-level comics creatives learn and grow in the industry. Yet for its latest challenge, MAD stepped into a similar, yet different role in a new location: Havana, Cuba. Working with the… more
Mar 12, 2019
San Diego Convention Center is modernizing its approach to event signage solutions by selecting Digital Conventions as its official in-house digital signage service provider.  Expected to be up and running by this summer, SDCC’s new digital signage program will allow event organizers, advertisers and sponsors to have a turn-key approach to high-definition video advertising, wayfinding and announcements, according to convention center officials. The new partnership is just one more way the facility is working to improve the customer and guest experience, said Clifford “Rip” Rippetoe,… more
Mar 12, 2019
In response to the enthusiastic feedback of its attendees and exhibitors, LIGHTFAIR International will return to Las Vegas for its next West coast show in 2020. Staged alternately on the East and West coasts, the annual architectural and commercial lighting trade show and conference returns to the Las Vegas Convention Center after a six-year absence. The last time the massive show was in Vegas, in 2014, LIGHTFAIR set new West coast occupancy and attendance records, according to Bob Maricich, CEO of International Market Centers. “LIGHTFAIR and Las Vegas are natural partners with a strong… more
Mar 11, 2019
Diversified Communications has acquired three North American events focused on renewable energy and clean energy storage – Intersolar, ees (electrical energy storage) and Power2Drive North America – from German-based Solar Promotion International and FMMI. Held annually at San Francisco’s Moscone Center for the past 10 years in July, Intersolar and the two collocated events will forgo a 2019 edition and resume Feb. 4-6, 2020, at the San Diego Convention Center, according to Diversified officials. “Our teams are very excited to be a part of the solar and energy storage industries, and for… more
Mar 07, 2019
If you could create the perfect event tech platform that would solve all of your event-related issues while helping you to achieve your ultimate trade show goals, what would that technology look like? We posed this question to three seasoned trade show professionals and here’s what they had to say. Jenn Ellek, Senior Director of Marketing, Taffy Event Strategies Since I am a marketer at heart and a data-follower by design, I’m always looking for ways to customize and personalize a prospect’s journey of engagement and their ultimate conversion to an event attendee. With unlimited resources (… more
Mar 06, 2019
Last month, the Detroit Regional Convention Facility Authority awarded Chemical Bank the exclusive naming rights for Cobo Center via a 22-year, $1.5 million-per-year agreement. According to Claude Molinari, general manager of the downtown Detroit facility, the DRCFA’s selection of Chemical Bank represents strong financial future and a big move toward Cobo becoming a self-sustaining facility by 2024. “This unprecedented naming rights agreement is a great win for all parties,” Molinari said. “Chemical Bank makes a strong statement of commitment to the region and secured naming rights to a… more
Mar 05, 2019
Hong Kong-listed Pico Far East reported its annual results for the year ended 31st October 2018. The company posted record-high revenues of US$590 million, up 16% year-on-year. However, the company’s net profit dropped 3.5% during the year down to US$35 million. Diluted earnings per share for the year were HK$0.2198 (US$0.028). The company attributed the growth in revenue to the effectiveness of its Pico+ strategies which successfully mitigated the knock-on effect created by rising global trade tensions and weakening economic conditions in some key markets. The decrease in profit was… 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.