News

Jul 19, 2023
The exhibition industry has made a significant recovery in 2023 and has reached pre-pandemic levels in many parts of the world, according to UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry’s 2023 Global Exhibition Barometer, a biannual research report offering comprehensive insights into the current state of the exhibition industry, including its post-pandemic recovery and emerging trends and challenges.  In 2023, the exhibition industry revenues are expected to reach 97% of the 2019 levels on average globally, according to the report. In the first half of 2023, 79% of companies… more
Jul 18, 2023
The Overland Park Convention Center in Overland Park, Kan., has launched a full-service program designed to show appreciation, reduce costs and elevate the live event experience for convention and trade show producers, exhibitors and general service contractors. Aptly named the OPCC Exhibition Advantage, this first-of-its-kind, industry-leading initiative features a cashback loyalty program, 50% discount at concessions, free internet access and digital content displays, live camera feeds in the show office, time-lapse video, equipment and tool sharing, swag bags, complimentary coffee and… more
Jul 17, 2023
The Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) signed an agreement with Walt Disney World to offer a new Gold Key Partnership, which provides exclusive benefits for trade shows, corporate events, exhibitors and attendees at OCCC.  Walt Disney World was a Gold Key Partner with OCCC prior to the pandemic, and the venue has existing partnership agreements with Universal and SeaWorld. “In June, one trade show had a buyout at Universal and hosted all its attendees for a reception at the park,” OCCC Deputy Director Eric Blanc told TSNN. “We encourage clients to embrace being in Orlando by hosting… more
Jul 14, 2023
Fanatics, a global digital sports platform valued at $31 billion, and IMG, an events and talent management company that’s part of public company Endeavor Group Holdings Inc., have launched Fanatics Events to bring communities together at live events to celebrate all aspects of fandom, including sports, collectibles, memorabilia, fashion, music and entertainment.  Fanatics Events, which is majority owned by Fanatics with IMG as a minority partner, will create fan festivals that feature athletes and brands from across the industry, limited edition apparel drops, musical performances and… more
Jul 14, 2023
On the heels of posting its strongest fiscal year in nearly a decade for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions — and many more to come this year and in 2024 — Discover Puerto Rico is further stepping up event marketing efforts with groundbreaking virtual reality (VR) technology. Through a strategic partnership, Discover Puerto Rico has become the first destination marketing organization to partner with CyberDyme, a leading provider of virtual reality sales and marketing solutions, to provide an immersive sales presentation experience for prospective event clients through its… more
Jul 13, 2023
Last month, the largest annual exhibition and conference for the commercial audiovisual (AV) and information communications industries brought AV professionals from across the globe together again to connect, learn and celebrate a resilient industry on the cutting edge of technological innovation.  Held June 10-16 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla., InfoComm 2023 hosted a vibrant week of showcasing innovative products and solutions, a wide-ranging education program and numerous networking events while enjoying a strong surge in attendee and exhibitor participation. … more
Jul 11, 2023
The Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center in Downtown Jacksonville, Fla., is currently undergoing extensive renovations designed to improve the appearance and functionality of its meeting and convention spaces while elevating the event experience for planners and groups attending events in Jacksonville. The renovation project, which began in April, includes a full facelift of the historic venue’s more than 200,000 square feet of meeting and exhibition spaces, including the main Exhibit Hall featuring 78,000 square feet of exhibit space, 33-foot ceilings and 22 meeting rooms of various sizes… more
Jul 10, 2023
Exhibitions remain a valued sales and marketing channel among event teams and their senior leadership, but global inflation — along with increasing exhibit costs — is changing the way budgets are distributed between events or decreasing per-event spend on in-person events in 2023, according to a Exhibit Leader Insights 2023 report released in June. Budget cuts for exhibit-related activities may be looming for those who are struggling to demonstrate exhibit ROI against business and commercial objectives.  Findings from the report shed light on the dynamic nature of exhibit marketing in… more
Jul 07, 2023
A government crackdown on impersonation fraud targeting the business events industry may soon become a reality thanks to efforts spearheaded by the Exhibitions and Conferences Alliance (ECA) and its 10 professional and trade associations, in addition to numerous other industry entities that make up the face-to-face business events industry.“For far too long, the industry has been preyed upon by the hotel reservation scams and the attendee list scams that not only harm our events but are also a form of identity theft for all the people who get targeted by these scammers,” said Tommy Goodwin,… more
Jul 07, 2023
Event organizers who produce shows at the Las Vegas Convention Center and Allegiant Stadium will be able to better understand their carbon footprint and identify efficiencies that could lower costs, thanks to a new partnership with nZero.  The tech platform is providing near real-time tracking and management of carbon emissions and water consumption data, helping these event venues gather and analyze granular data 24/7. nZero’s analysis will inform operational decision-making, maximize decarbonization efforts across all facilities and create efficiencies that will ultimately improve their… 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.