News

Apr 10, 2018
In its 26thyear, UBM Tech’s Game Developers Conference just keeps getting bigger and better than ever, with a record-breaking 28,000 attendees checking out the packed showfloor March 19-23 at San Francisco’s Moscone Center.  The event, billed as “the world’s largest and longest-running event serving professionals dedicated to the art and science of making games,” also had approximately 500 exhibitors and plenty of new bells and whistles to excite and engage attendees this year.  “GDC really is about the business of making games,” said GDC’s Katie Stern, who oversees the show. “The typical… more
Apr 09, 2018
While some medical shows may come and go, there are others that have figured out that staying relevant, keeping ahead of trends and becoming invaluable to the audiences they serve is the secret recipe to sticking around for the long haul – in some cases, for well over a century.  Case in point is the United States and Canadian Academy of Pathology (USCAP) Annual Meeting, which celebrated its 107thedition March 17-23 at the Vancouver Convention Centre in Vancouver, Canada. Known the largest gathering of M.D. pathologists in the world, the annual conference and expo attracted more than 4,700… more
Apr 08, 2018
Predict: CEIR’s Annual Exhibition Industry Conference will be held Sept. 13-14 at the MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Md. This one of a kind executive-level, invitation-only conference looks to the future — three to five years out – bringing meaningful insights from experts outside the industry to align with trends occurring in the industry in an interactive and engaging format. This year’s keynote speaker, Dr. Lindsey Piegza, serves as Chief Economist for Stifel Fixed Income. She specializes in research and analysis of economic trends and activity, world economies, financial markets… more
Apr 08, 2018
Destinations International Chair Tammy Blount, FCDME and president and CEO of the Monterey County Convention and Visitors Bureau and President and CEO Don Welsh recently announced the schedule for the organization’s fall educational summits. “Destinations International is offering refreshed and new educational opportunities to provide critical learning, sharing of best practices, and network-building opportunities for every level of a destination organization,” Blount said. He added, “From board governance to visitor services and everything in between, every member of a destination team… more
Apr 08, 2018
ISA International Sign Expo 2018 closes with attendance topping 20,387 - making it the largest ISA Sign Expo in Orlando and one of the largest in ISA Sign Expo history. The showfloor also was the largest-ever footprint for the event.   “Significant weather issues throughout the country affected air travel, but attendees found a way to get here anyway,” said Lori Anderson, ISA president and CEO. She added, “And they came in a mood to buy. Exhibitors reported that sales were outstanding. This reinforces that ISA International Sign Expo is the only industry event connecting sign and print… more
Apr 06, 2018
Loyalty. It’s coveted in many industries and events are no exception. Loyal attendees are one of a trade show’s most important assets. Show organizers can use their enthusiasm to improve their events in numerous ways, increasing overall attendance among them. David Saef, executive vice president of strategy for GES, explained the importance of loyal attendees.  “They come every year, they know the event in their own way and they may know it better than the organizer,” Saef explained. “They’re willing to do anything for the organizer to help make the show successful.”  Leana Salamah,… more
Apr 05, 2018
The Vancouver Convention Center has been awarded the Canadian Association for Exposition Management’s (CAEM) 2018 Give Back Award, which recognizes a member organization that has made corporate social responsibility and giving back to its community an integral part of doing business.  “Through the Vancouver Convention Centre’s efforts in energy and sustainability as being the world’s first double LEED platinum certified facility to their contributions to their local community through charities such as United We Can, among many other efforts, the Vancouver Convention Centre is undoubtedly the… more
Apr 05, 2018
Glisser, producer of the Glisser presentation software, integrated audience response system and event analytics platform has launched Glisser LIVE, a new online tool that allows event planners to promote and host hybrid and virtual events. Hybrid events extend marketing and community reach beyond face-to-face interactions. Glisser LIVE delivers the ability for event planners to connect a virtual audience to a physical event. The new offering combines the company’s existing slide-sharing and audience response app with a live video feed and brandable web platform to engage remote attendees. … more
Apr 04, 2018
Clarion Events has acquired PennWell, a 108-year-old privately-held events and business-to-business media and marketing services company based in Tulsa, Okla. Clarion is owned by funds managed by Blackstone, a private equity firm with more than $400 billion in assets under management. "This deal delivers significant benefits for both companies," said Clarion's Executive Chairman Simon Kimble.   He added, "PennWell's roster of market-leading events strongly enhances Clarion's portfolio. Our global network and depth of resources will further strengthen PennWell's offerings, enhancing… more
Apr 03, 2018
The Reno-Sparks Convention & Visitors Authority (RSCVA) Board of Directors has appointed global entertainment and convention venue management company, SMG, to oversee operations at Reno-Sparks’ major convention and entertainment facilities.  The four-year operating agreement includes the RSCVA-owned Reno-Sparks Convention Center (RSCC), the state-owned Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center (RSLEC), as well as the Reno Events Center (REC) and the National Bowling Stadium (NBS), which are both owned by the City of Reno. “This is a great opportunity for the entire Reno Tahoe region and an… 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.