Jan 17, 2022
On December 9-10, 2021, leading global event agency Freeman executed the first-ever Summit for Democracy, a high-level virtual conference hosted by President Joe Biden that brought together world leaders, civil society and the private sector to discuss challenges and opportunities facing democracy throughout the world.
More than 100 heads of state from across the globe attended in a seamless virtual experience where important initiatives across three principal themes were discussed: defending against authoritarianism; addressing and fighting corruption; and advancing respect for human… more
Jan 12, 2022
Trade Show News Network is excited to unveil the launch of the Trade Show Talk Podcast, featuring well-known events industry podcast host Megan Powers of Powers of Marketing.
The first episode of Trade Show Talk now is available HERE and will publish every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month.
This month’s theme is centered around community, and the inaugural podcast features a conversation with Meredith Rollins, Chief Community Officer at PCMA, who talks with Powers about how PCMA is embracing the 365-year-round approach to its community.
The next episode will feature a conversation with… more
Jan 07, 2022
Two of the biggest names in event tech, MeetingPlay and Aventri, have tied the knot, creating an industry powerhouse that aims to provide an innovative, full-lifecycle event planning and management solution.
In conjunction with the merger, the company, now known as MeetingPlay and Aventri with plans to eventually rebrand with a new name, received a growth equity investment from Sunstone Partners and Camden Partners and named Eric Lochner its new CEO. With more than 25 years of experience in building technology and technology-enabled services companies, Lochner has a solid record of mergers… more
Jan 06, 2022
On Dec. 28, Jeff Guaracino, president and CEO of VISIT PHILADELPHIA, passed away after a battle with cancer. He was 48 years old.
A Philadelphia native and passionate tourism leader, Guaracino served two stints at VISIT PHILADELPHIA, first as director of communications and vice president of communications from 2001 to 2012, and then as president and CEO in 2018.
According to VISIT PHILADELPHIA officials, under Guaracino’s leadership, VISIT PHILADELPHIA continued driving leisure tourism throughout the pandemic with omni-channel marketing efforts. These included Philly Live Weekends, a… more
Jan 05, 2022
The Exposition Development Company Inc. (ExpoDevCo) has been busy bolstering its partnership with the Society of Independent Show Organizers (SISO) by hiring a content and media director and extending its management agreement with the leading trade show industry association.
On Jan. 3, award-winning trade show industry journalist, Danica Tormohlen, assumed the newly created role of SISO’s content director, publisher and editor-in-chief, responsible for all of the organization’s media activities, communications and content creation. She joins the SISO management team full-time after working… more
Jan 05, 2022
The newly launched Global Business Events Barometer from the Events Industry Council (EIC) has found a significant upswing in global group demand during Q3 2021, while overall, business meetings and events activity has recovered to approximately half of pre-pandemic levels.
The barometer, which was created by Oxford Economics on behalf of EIC as part of the 2021 EIC Economic Significance Study, monitors the changes within the market relative to pre-pandemic (2019) levels and explores two key areas: hotel group room nights and request for proposal (RFP) activity.
The barometer indicates that… more
Jan 04, 2022
New York-based B2B event and media company Emerald Holding, Inc., acquired MJBiz, a leading event producer and content platform serving the large and rapidly growing cannabis industry, for more than $120 million.
According to Emerald officials, the addition of MJBiz further accelerates the company’s strategy of delivering year-round customer engagement, while also enhancing its portfolio optimization efforts by providing a preeminent platform to expand into one of the highest growth business sectors in North America.
“We have long admired MJBiz’s sterling reputation for being the most… more
Jan 03, 2022
Grand Slam Events is gearing up to launch a new all-inclusive pizza industry event designed to better serve the East Coast and Southern regions of the U.S.: The Pizza Tomorrow Summit. Set to debut Nov. 9-10, 2022 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla., the new trade show and conference for the growing and ever-changing pizza industry will be a full-service event bringing together pizza operators, new companies, suppliers, products and initiatives along with a cutting-edge education program.
According to show officials, attendees of the new event will be able to expect an… more
Dec 29, 2021
In an effort to help inspire and empower the global meetings and events industry to create a more sustainable future, experience design company Maritz Global Events recently became a signatory of the Net Zero Carbon Events pledge, a joint commitment across and a global collaboration throughout the events and meetings industry focused on achieving the targets laid out in the Paris Agreement. The goal? To eliminate the industry’s greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
Launched Nov. 10 at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow, Scotland with 100 signatures, the Net Zero… more
Dec 29, 2021
Following the surge in online events that has swept the industry since the pandemic started, the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) and networking platform AC Forum have unveiled Digital Events Outlook: Insights, Behaviours, Best Practices. Funded by the PCMA Foundation, the report aims to demystify key myths about digital events and provide event organizers with a checklist for planning them in the future.
The release of the research findings coincides with a two-year strategic partnership between PCMA and AC Forum that is intended to strengthen both organizations through… 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.