Tech News

Jun 06, 2019
At the 2019 Exhibition and Convention Executives Forum, which took place May 29 in Washington, D.C., 220 association and for-profit industry executives not only had the chance to take advantage of information-sharing sessions and networking opportunities, but also got hands-on access to some revolutionary customer service technology. Available 24/7 worldwide to answer any ECEF-related questions via SMS text, Sciensio’s Artificial Intelligence-driven EventBot went live on May 21 and provided attendees and exhibitors with 260 hours of real-time support before and during the event. “ECEF… more
Jun 04, 2019
“Hey Alexa, what’s next in new technologies designed to support the exhibition industry?” That’s the question Freeman poses in its winning submission for the annual UFI Digital Innovation Award. The award, which recognizes new technologies designed to support the exhibition industry, was captured by Freeman for its artificial intelligence-powered chatbot services. “Innovation comes from a lot of different places,” says Wilson Tang, who was recently promoted to the role of vice president of innovation for Freeman. The idea for an Amazon Alexa-powered event chat activation originated with a… more
May 29, 2019
Digital invitation platform Evite has launched Evite Pro, a new custom platform designed to simplify and streamline the event planning and execution process for professional event organizers. Evite Pro allows planners to manage the entirety of an event, including designing and sending invitations, tracking attendee status, managing ongoing guest communications, and accessing event analytics including deliverability and RSVP rate with real-time data. Geared to meet the needs of small- to mid-size companies, the new platform allows planners to invite up to 2,500 guests per event, see who has… more
Event Tech
May 23, 2019
Industry veteran David Beckett is no stranger to events, having worked with Experient – a Maritz Global Events Company for the better part of the last two decades. Yet the former Clevelander, now Seattleite, this spring joined the team at Eventcore — a company providing enterprise-level event registration technology software — as senior vice president of professional services. His main role is to oversee the quality of service delivery with Eventcore’s clients and partners. TSNN sat down with Beckett in the midst of his big move out West to get his take on the latest trends and technologies… more
May 22, 2019
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events has selected business and event technology provider SmartSource Computer & Audio Visual Rentals as the official audiovisual services contractor for Expo! Expo! IAEE’s Annual Meeting & Exhibition 2019, the association’s annual trade show and conference for exhibition and event industry professionals. At Expo! Expo!, which is set for Dec. 3-5 at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, SmartSource will provide audiovisual equipment and production, digital signage and computer equipment. It will contract directly with… more
May 16, 2019
Event industry executives and technologists will have a chance to test new event-ready tech solutions at the second-annual TechDemo, to take place during the 18th annual Exhibition and Convention Executives Forum on May 29 at JW Marriott in Washington D.C. Produced by Lippman Connects, ECEF is an information-sharing and networking event for exhibition and convention industry executives, independent organizers and associations. ECEF’s expanded tech and networking experience will offer hands-on demonstrations of 11 ready-to-use event tech platforms, including: a2z Personify Next-Gen… more
May 14, 2019
Technology company Chili Piper has launched a new event scheduling tool designed to improve how B2B event managers and field marketing managers book, manage and track individual and group meetings on-site at events. Besides delivering a broader feature set that can be deployed in just hours, the platform is also designed to help event managers improve and measure their event ROI. “The expertise we developed from creating our scheduling platform led us to launching a first-of-kind solution specifically for event managers that meets all their goals,” said Nicolas Vandenberghe, CEO and co-… more
May 08, 2019
Two event technology companies from across the pond have released new updates and platforms aimed at improving the attendee experience. London-based attendee acquisition software company Gleanin has unveiled a new interface designed to streamline the mobile user experience of its Gleanin Connect social referral marketing platform, which allows event registrants to invite their colleagues using LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp or email. Instead of having to scroll down the webpage to reach the Gleanin dashboard after they’ve registered, mobile users are now immediately directed to an… more
May 07, 2019
End-to-end event success platform Bizzabo has released its next-generation, all-in-one suite of onsite technology designed to foster a more rewarding and less stressful check-in process at trade shows and events of all sizes. The launch comes on the heels of Bizzabo’s $27 million Series D financing round.  Developed in response to the rising demand for ways to improve and elevate the event check-in experience, the new custom-tailored software includes everything from innovative kiosks to lead collection tools and white glove onsite service, according to Bizzabo officials. “Thanks to… more
May 02, 2019
California-based Booster Technology Solutions has unveiled Event Boosterapp, a SaaS (software as a service) event technology platform designed to boost networking and sales opportunities at trade shows and events. As an easy-to-use mobile app, Event Boosterapp enables attendees to network with each other and with exhibitors before, during and after events, as well as save products and expand information on speakers and experts. Meanwhile, show organizers can take advantage of advertising and promotional spaces to help generate income, and opportunities to boost loyalty. “Event Boosterapp is… more
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.    Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.    Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.   The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.    MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.     MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.