News

May 17, 2018
Meet Betty. She fields attendee questions, answers them with accuracy, oh, and she works all day, every day, even holidays. What kind of superhuman is this? She’s not a person at all – Betty is a chatbot, which uses artificial intelligence to simulate human conversation. Event organizers are adopting the cutting-edge technology known as artificial intelligence (AI) Chat to streamline customer service while improving attendees’ event experiences. Whether it’s Betty, Alexa, TIFFBot or Piobot, chatbots are increasing in numbers in the event industry. “Chatbots are a new way of communicating… more
May 15, 2018
International Market Centers and AmericasMart, two operators in the furniture, gift, home decor, rug and apparel B2B industries, have entered into an agreement to form the world’s largest owner and operator of premier showroom space. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The combined corporate entity, which will operate under the name “International Market Centers,” will own and operate nearly 20 million square feet of permanent showroom space in Las Vegas, High Point, and Atlanta. The individual Markets and their respective venues will continue to operate under existing… more
May 15, 2018
In the wake of movements such as #MeToo and #TimesUp, every industry must act to end sexual harassment and create positive, lasting change. The exhibitions and meetings industries are no exception. A new coalition recently was formed to eradicate sexual harassment in the events industry and workplace; a task force that will identify tools and develop new resources to assist in educating individuals and the events industry about sexual harassment.  Comprising leaders and executives from organizations including the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE); Association for Women in… more
May 15, 2018
Food&HotelAsia (FHA) and ProWine Asia (Singapore) concluded last month, attracting an impressive 81,896 attendees and over 7,200 trade visitors. Organised by UBM, FHA 2018 featured 3,500 exhibitors from 76 countries and regions, with 71 international group pavilions, including first time exhibitors from Latvia, Tunisia and Qatar. The 81,896 attendees came from more than 105 countries and regions, representing an increase of 14% compared with the last edition held in 2016. The second edition of ProWine Asia (Singapore) was jointly organised by Messe Düsseldorf Asia and UBM, and was held… more
May 15, 2018
The Shenyang New World EXPO is now in its second year of operations. The venue held four back-to-back exhibitions at the beginning of its second year, with an average rental space of 21,116 m2. The four exhibitions featured a total of over 10,400 exhibiting companies, attracting just over 13,000 visitors per event day. The four exhibitions were: 1) 20th China Northeast International Dental Equipment & Affiliated Facilities Exhibition Symposium on Oral Health, organised by Liaoning Northern Industrial and Commercial Exhibition Service  Company; 2) 2018 Northeast China AD Exhibition &… more
May 15, 2018
The week, Hong Kong International Medical Devices and Supplies Fair (Medical Fair) concluded at Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). The exhibition attracted over 11,500 buyers from 70 countries and regions. That represents a 6.7% increase over last year. Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and co-organised by the Hong Kong Medical and Healthcare Device Industries Association (HKMHDIA), the Medical Fair ran from 7th to 9th May and featured a record of 280 exhibitors from 13 countries and regions.  The fair is designed to provide a one-stop business… more
May 15, 2018
The Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) is currently expanding and the construction work is scheduled to be completed by mid-2019. According to KLCC, the extension will provide more than 11,000 m2 of additional flexible and multi-purpose event space. After the construction project is completed, the venue will able to accommodate larger exhibitions and international association meetings, as well as a number of concurrent activities. With the launch of the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre Business Events Alliance (KLCC BEA), KLCC aims to enhance the attractiveness and value of its strategic… more
May 15, 2018
The Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) is currently expanding and the construction work is scheduled to be completed by mid-2019. According to KLCC, the extension will provide more than 11,000 m2 of additional flexible and multi-purpose event space. After the construction project is completed, the venue will able to accommodate larger exhibitions and international association meetings, as well as a number of concurrent activities. With the launch of the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre Business Events Alliance (KLCC BEA), KLCC aims to enhance the attractiveness and value of its strategic… more
May 15, 2018
More than 230,000 buyers from 176 countries and regions attended the seven fairs organised by the HKTDC in April, a yearly increase of nearly 3%. 130,000 of these buyers were from mainland Chinese and overseas, an increase of more than 4%, while there were more than 9,000 exhibitors. Business sentiment at the fairs was unaffected by the escalating Sino-US trade dispute of recent weeks. On-site surveys conducted during the fairs found 70% of respondents expected no negative impact on Hong Kong's export performance, while 80% were neutral or optimistic that the 2 nations would resolve their… more
May 15, 2018
The Consumer Technology Association unveiled news that leaders from Alibaba A.I. Labs and BYTON will deliver keynote addresses at the upcoming CES Asia 2018. Miffy Chen, general manager, Alibaba A.I. Labs and BYTON Co-Founders, Dr. Carsten Breitfeld and Dr. Daniel Kirchert, will take the CES Asia keynote stage to make major company announcements and share their visions for the future of innovation through artificial intelligence and vehicle technology. "Alibaba A.I. Labs and BYTON are global brands that embody the innovative andentrepreneurial spirit of our industry," said Karen Chupka,… 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.