News

May 06, 2015
The Convention Industry Council unveiled the names of the 2015 inductees into the CIC Hall of Leaders and the 4th class of Pacesetter Award recipients. The awardees will be formally recognized a Hall of Leaders and Pacesetters Celebration during IMEX America Oct. 13 in Las Vegas. “This year’s class of CIC Hall of Leaders and Pacesetter Award inductees represent a global footprint of the meetings, conventions, events and exhibitions industry and we are excited to celebrate their expertise, leadership and breadth of achievements,” said Convention Industry Council CEO Karen Kotowski, CAE, CMP… more
May 05, 2015
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events’ Public Events Council recently released the “Public Events Industry Report: 2014 Results” that covered 22 different sectors. “The Public Events Industry Report, now in its sixth year, demonstrates that public events are performing as or better than expected," said IAEE President & CEO David DuBois, CMP, CAE, FASAE, CTA. He added, "And, as the economy recovers we are seeing more new launches, more normal staffing patterns and a return to the more routine challenges that have always… more
May 04, 2015
A new association for women who are in the events industry, aptly called the Association of Women in Events, recently launched to connect and empower women in the meetings and events industry. Founded by Carrie Abernathy, Tamela Blalock, Mas Tadesse Harris, Mary Higham and Kiki Janssens, AWE is a national association based in Washington, D.C., and officially launched March 30.   “This organization fills a need," said Carrie Abernathy, AWE Co-Founder. “There are a lot of resources out there, but it's difficult to find anything specifically geared towards women. AWE empowers a thirsty… more
May 04, 2015
Nearly 6,900 industry professionals participated in the world's largest car wash event, The Car Wash Show, held in April in Las Vegas. The total attendance number represented a 22 percent increase, compared with last year's convention and trade show in Chicago and was the event's largest total since 2008. "We're in the midst of a period of great growth for the car wash industry. Data from our Wash Count program and reports from operators across North America confirm strong wash volumes, ticket averages and profitability," said International Carwash Association CEO Eric Wulf. He added… more
May 03, 2015
Negative show rotation in the first quarter of 2015 had an impact on Viad’s overall revenues, dipping to $264.4 million, compared with $285.6 million in the first quarter of 2014. Global Experience Specialists, a division of Viad, also saw first-quarter revenues decrease to $256.9 million, compared with $277.8 million during the same time period last year. "Both business groups delivered steady progress toward our financial goals for 2015.  Results for the quarter were in line with guidance and the underlying businesses performed well, with continued same-show growth in M&E (… more
May 03, 2015
The Boston Convention & Exhibition Center recently launched its new digital navigation system called ActivLocator. It’s a geolocation tool developed by Sherpa Solutions that allows attendees to use turn-by-turn navigation to find their way to a meeting room, exhibit hall and even specific exhibit booths from anywhere in the facility.   Attendees use a mobile app to access the tool, and once downloaded, the app doesn’t need a cellular or internet connection.    “It will be a tremendous value-add for our customers, because we will be able to map… more
May 03, 2015
At SMX West this year, Google’s Matt Cutts stated that he “wouldn’t be surprised” if mobile search exceeded desktop queries this year. Though Google hasn't officially backed this prediction, it is obvious that the company agrees with this assessment. By now, we have all heard about Google's recent release of “Mobilegeddon,” the major update to Google’s mobile search algorithm. Currently, there are roughly 2.5 times more mobile devices than PCs in use globally. And the gap is growing fast. Thus it is just a matter of time before both mobile… more
May 03, 2015
The Boston Convention & Exhibition Center recently launched its new digital navigation system called ActivLocator. It’s a geolocation tool developed by Sherpa Solutions that allows attendees to use turn-by-turn navigation to find their way to a meeting room, exhibit hall and even specific exhibit booths from anywhere in the facility.   Attendees use a mobile app to access the tool, and once downloaded, the app doesn’t need a cellular or internet connection.    “It will be a tremendous value-add for our customers, because we will be able to map… more
May 03, 2015
At SMX West this year, Google’s Matt Cutts stated that he “wouldn’t be surprised” if mobile search exceeded desktop queries this year. Though Google hasn't officially backed this prediction, it is obvious that the company agrees with this assessment. By now, we have all heard about Google's recent release of “Mobilegeddon,” the major update to Google’s mobile search algorithm. Currently, there are roughly 2.5 times more mobile devices than PCs in use globally. And the gap is growing fast. Thus it is just a matter of time before both mobile… more
Apr 30, 2015
Outdoor Retailer and Surf Expo, both part of Emerald Exposition’s portfolio, have partnered with the StandUp Paddle Industry Association (SUPIA). SUPIA is the trade organization of stand up paddle businesses: manufacturers, retailers, service providers (instructors, guides, race directors, event planners, certifiers), media, sales reps, distributors, suppliers, etc.   As a result of this partnership, SUPIA will exclusively endorse and participate in Surf Expo’s two annual shows and Outdoor Retailer’s Summer Market, as well as work to foster participation and growth in SUP at the shows… 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.