News

Nov 14, 2017
A brand experience company and an event technology service provider recently have made key acquisitions. In an effort to enhance its interactive experience capabilities, Freeman has acquired Helios Interactive, the latest in a series of commitments Freeman has made since forming Freeman Digital Ventures, a fund set up to accelerate innovation and provide investments and partnerships supporting the increasing impact technology and digital advances are having on the brand experience category. The acquisition of Helios will allow Freeman to improve its ability to integrate technologies… more
Nov 12, 2017
Three teams of Clark County (Nev.) student entrepreneurs earned the opportunity to pitch their business ideas at CES 2018 - owned and produced by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) - Jan. 9-12 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The teenagers are part of the CTA Future Innovators program - established by CTA and EVERFI in 2015 - which teaches students how to apply math and creative skills to think entrepreneurially about business. During a recent semi-final round, 17 teams of students pitched their business plans to four judges: Cindy Hoag, senior director, CTA; Helena Lagos,… more
Nov 12, 2017
The PCMA Education Foundation Leadership Committee reviewed an extraordinary group of candidates for the 2018 Board of Trustees. Following committee deliberations and approval by the current Board of Trustees, the slate was deemed elected. Officers and Trustees will immediately take office Jan. 11 following the PCMA annual meeting, Convening Leaders in Nashville, Tenn. 2017 SLATE OF TRUSTEES Chair: David G. Peckinpaugh, CMP President Maritz Travel Company Term: 2018 Chair-Elect: Carol McGury, MPS Executive Vice President, Events and Education Services SmithBucklin Corporation Term:… more
Nov 12, 2017
As the total amount of exhibition space available around the world continues to grow, exhibition organizers have a more and more diverse choice of venues available in their target markets. Data released by UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, shows that the number of venues offering more than 100,000 square meters (1.1 million square feet) of gross indoor exhibition space is the fastest growing segment, while the number of venues offering at least 5,000 square meters (53,000 square feet) of gross exhibition space also continues to grow. “We are pleased to see that in… more
Nov 10, 2017
Leaders representing the meetings, travel and hospitality sectors gathered Oct. 10 during IMEX America at the Sands Expo & Convention Center to support #VegasStrong, the hashtag that represents the resiliency of Las Vegas after a mass shooting occurred at the Route 91 Harvest Festival 10 days earlier. The Sands Showroom was packed for the press conference with individuals from the Las Vegas hospitality community, as well as media and executives from industry associations, including IAEE, SISO and ASAE. A video played first with an Andre Agassi voiceover asking “What Is Strength” and… more
Nov 09, 2017
With an NFC-enabled mobile app, attendees can check into an event or individual sessions, swap contact details or collect content, all by using their own smartphones. While Android phones have offered access to NFC capability for some time, it’s taken longer for the iPhone to catch up, with Apple announcing earlier this year that the existing NFC capability on the iPhone (currently used primarily for Apple Pay) was being opened-up to third-party app developers in the iOS 11 update. Since then, Noodle Live has been working to integrate this new functionality into their Android and iPhone… more
Nov 09, 2017
This article is the first in a series that we will be running throughout the holiday season shining a bright, well-deserved spotlight on companies that are #GivingBack. Is your company #GivingBack? Tweet us using the #GivingBack hashtag to @TSNN_com_us and we’ll feature what your company is doing to help make the world a better place! Several event, exhibit and airline companies are doing their part to give of their time and energy in an effort to help build a kinder and more equitable world. Last month, representatives from three SMG-managed convention centers teamed up with a dozen… more
Nov 09, 2017
The Cincinnati USA Convention & Visitors Bureau has created a new multicultural sales team to help build on its success in attracting multicultural meetings and conventions to the region. The move, which is a strategic allocation of CVB resources to attract and win more diverse business, comes in response to industry trends and changing national demographics indicating strong and continuing growth in the multicultural sector of the tourism and hospitality industry in the coming years. “We are committed to making Cincinnati the most welcoming city in America,” said Mike Laatsch, COO of… more
Nov 08, 2017
Four event technology companies have teamed up to create EventTechHub, a collaborative initiative featuring fully integrated digital solutions designed to make event planning more efficient, increase attendee engagement and grow event revenue opportunities. EventTechHub brings together Eventinterface, an event management platform; Piitchr, which directly connects speakers with planners; Tap To Speak, a web-based tool that enables live audiences to communicate with speakers in real-time, and Zenus, a facial recognition solution for fast and secure event check-in. “Event and meeting planners… more
Nov 08, 2017
The Vancouver Convention Centre has set a new bar in the event sustainability realm. Last month, the already greener-than-green convention center’s West building was awarded LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum certification (version 4) for Existing Buildings: Operations and Maintenance by the Canada Green Building Council. Coupled with its 2010 LEED Platinum certification for New Construction, the VCC now owns the bragging rights for being the only double LEED Platinum convention center in the world. “While the Vancouver Convention Centre was built to the highest… 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.