Jan 16, 2016
Freeman has expanded its digital service offerings with the acquisition Boise, Idaho-based Klowd.com, an audience engagement technology developer of event-focused second screen technology. “Our clients have positively responded to second screen technology, embracing the ability to increase audience engagement, create conversations and amplify content in real time,” said Richard Maranville, Freeman’s chief digital officer. He said, “Paired with its data and analytics engine that allows our clients to measure the impact of their content and presentations, we felt it was a ‘win-win’… more
Jan 14, 2016
Association management company, SmithBucklin, acquired SDI, an incentive travel, strategic meetings and special events company based in Chicago. The announcement was made by Matt Sanderson, president and CEO of SmithBucklin, and Scott Dillion, founder and president of SDI. "Scott and his team have built a tremendous reputation for themselves and their company due to the successes they have driven for their clients, and we're excited to have SDI become part of the SmithBucklin story," Sanderson said. The transaction enhances SmithBucklin’s growing corporate event planning portfolio, and brings… more
Jan 13, 2016
Experient, a meeting and event solutions company, formed a strategic partnership agreement with Talley Management Group. This partnership allows Experient to offer its clients outstanding á la carte association management services, including comprehensive financial management, membership growth through database management, and business and administrative support. “Partnering with Talley Management Group will give our clients access to selected association management services delivered by a respected and well known association management company while still maintaining their… more
Jan 12, 2016
The status quo of holding a meeting the same old way just isn’t going to be good enough to truly capture and engage attendees in the future. Change is on the horizon, with more of a focus on helping attendees find their ‘tribe’, create spaces and events for them to eat well and be well and make content more personalized and organic. To address these imminent changes, Marriott International, as part of its Meetings Imagined initiative, partnered with the Professional Convention Management Association to review the implications on the future of meetings. Together, they assembled a group of… more
Jan 11, 2016
CES 2016 broke its own record from last year with 2.47 million net sq. ft. showfloor, up from 2.2 million last year, taking over the Las Vegas Convention Center, Sands Expo & Convention Center and the Venetian, as well as the Wynn, Aria, Vdara and Cosmopolitan. Owned and produced by the Consumer Technology Association (formerly the Consumer Electronics Association), the world’s largest technology show took place Jan. 6–9. For the first time, attendance was capped at 176,000 to help with logistics and actual attendance exceeded 170,000. Commenting on the move to cap, Karen Chupka,… more
Jan 08, 2016
Exposition Development Company (ExpoDevCo) will launch the Virginia Restaurant & Lodging Expo, an annual trade show serving the restaurant, foodservice, lodging and hospitality industry, in Virginia. The inaugural show will be held Oct. 24-25 at the Greater Richmond Convention Center in Richmond, Va. The show will be developed with the support of the Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association (VRLTA). “The association is looking forward to the launch and by partnering with ExpoDevCo we can utilize their already existing foodservice show network and expand on that to… more
Jan 07, 2016
Julie Coker Graham officially stepped into her new role Jan. 1 as the president and CEO of the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB). She assumed the role following the retirement Dec. 31 of former President and CEO Jack Ferguson. In June 2014, Coker Graham was promoted to executive vice president of the PHLCVB as part of a strategic succession plan that allowed her to continue leading the organization’s convention sales efforts, while expanding her responsibilities to include overseeing all of the PHLCVB’s departments and operational duties. A 21-year Hyatt Hotel Corporation… more
Jan 07, 2016
As part of his 2016 agenda, N.Y. Gov. Andrew Cuomo unveiled a $1 billion plan to dramatically increase not only the meeting and exhibit space at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center of New York, but also build a four-level marshaling yard and the largest ballroom in the Northeast. “We are pleased to hear about the plan to expand the Javits Center on Manhattan’s Far West Side,” said Fred Dixon, president and CEO, NYC & Company. He added, “This robust plan to add more convention and meetings space capacity is welcoming news for the more than 6 million meetings delegates that convene in New… more
Jan 06, 2016
East Norriton, Penn.-based Expo Logic, an event registration and lead retrieval solutions provider, has acquired EPIC, another registration and lead retrieval provider for associations, based out of Charlotte, N.C. “We are very excited to have the seasoned professionals from EPIC join Expo Logic’s team,” said Jeff Cooper, CEO of Expo Logic. He added, “This acquisition provides additional talent and knowledge that will benefit our clients. Additionally, this acquisition demonstrates Expo Logic’s continuing mission to re-invest in our development and offerings, thus bringing the highest quality… more
Jan 05, 2016
When 1,292 attendees came to the 10th Technology Conference & Expo, held by the American Society of Association Executives Dec. 14-16 at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center at National Harbor, Md., it was the highest attended conference in the event’s history.  Participants took part in 42 high-level practical education sessions within five pathways (Disrupters; Leadership & Strategy; Learning & Technology; MarComm & Technology; and The Business of IT) and a sold-out trade show floor. The final attendance breakdown for this year’s conference: Execs (Assn… 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.