Aug 14, 2020
The results are in: Registration reached an all-time high for the 2020 ASAE Virtual Annual Meeting & Exposition, with the most registrants ever in the organization’s 100-year history. Held Aug. 10-12, the online event registered 14,108 association professionals, consultants and industry partners, 71 percent of which were first-time attendees. The event’s final attendance breakdown included 12,813 executives; 544 exhibitors; 207 industry partners; 433 consultants and 111 others including press, vendors and staff. The ratio of buyer to sellers was 95 percent to 5 percent, respectively.
The… more
Aug 12, 2020
As meeting and event professionals continue to grapple with the impact the pandemic has had on the industry, the Event Leadership Institute has developed a new online certificate course in partnership with MPI to provide planners with strategies, tactics and resources to move forward with modified in-person events and meetings.
The first six-week Pandemic Meeting & Event Design Certificate course begins Sept. 1 and is eligible for 20 CMP hours. Curriculum is jointly designed by ELI’s and MPI’s education experts, experienced event and meeting practitioners and industry-leading instructors… more
Aug 11, 2020
In light of damage the pandemic has inflicted upon the foodservice industry, the National Restaurant Association Show is working to help the industry recover through online resources and a 2021 in-person event that has already re-sold exhibit space to 75 percent of its 2020 exhibitors. Set for May 22-25 at Chicago’s McCormick Place, the annual trade show and conference provides foodservice operators and suppliers access to new and innovative technologies, emerging food and beverage trends, unique ingredients, and partnership and networking opportunities.
“For the past 101 years, the National… more
Aug 07, 2020
Due to governmental prohibitions and restrictions on gatherings, businesses and travel, along with the mounting uncertainty that safe and productive events during a pandemic are even possible, four large trade shows – PACK EXPO, SEMA, AAPEX and FABTECH – will not take place as planned this fall. Two of the events have announced plans to launch digital replacements. Here are the details.
PACK EXPO
On Aug. 5, PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies announced it will cancel the in-person PACK EXPO and Healthcare Packaging EXPO, annual trade shows and conferences for… more
Aug 06, 2020
Feeling disheartened about the delayed return of face-to-face events? Findings of a new extensive global study focused on the recovery of the trade show industry should help spread some positive vibes about the value of shows when they do return. Conducted in July by live events research specialists Explori in partnership with UFI and SISO, the Global Recovery Insights study demonstrates the incredible value of face-to-face events by how strongly their absence has impacted the global business community.
Released on Aug. 3, the study comprises more than 9,000 survey responses from exhibiting… more
Aug 05, 2020
A new weekly peer-to-peer roundtable series for event professionals launches this week. Hosted by mdg, a Freeman Company, the “Leading Through Disruption” program focuses on helping event professionals manage change and gain the insights and connections needed to navigate the pandemic.
Each hour-long session, scheduled to run for six weeks starting Aug. 5, will have a theme introduced by thought leaders who then facilitate the discussion.
“We have leaders in strategy, design and data/research from Freeman and mdg who will be challenging participants to seize the opportunities associated… more
Jul 31, 2020
Printing and signage company Innovative Displays, a partner of Greater Columbus Convention Center in Ohio, is establishing a Personal Protective Equipment Resource Center within the venue featuring an online ordering portal and curbside order delivery. ID expanded its offerings to assist clients and the community during the coronavirus pandemic.
“Innovative Displays is not just our company name, it’s also the way we do business,” said said ID President Mike Foley. “Our unique ability allowed us to quickly pivot during the pandemic utilizing our existing design, engineering and manufacturing… more
Jul 30, 2020
Even though InfoComm 2020 in Las Vegas was cancelled due to COVID-19, that didn’t stop the Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association from connecting the global professional audio-visual industry on a virtual stage.
Held June 16-18, InfoComm 2020 Connected – AVIXA’s first-ever completely virtual InfoComm trade show and conference – drew in 23,408 attendees (41 percent from outside the United States) and 495 exhibitors.
“When we made the decision to cancel the InfoComm 2020 show in Las Vegas, the AVIXA team was determined to gather the industry together for an immersive experience of… more
Jul 29, 2020
In the age of COVID-19, event planners are finding themselves in a challenging predicament. For organizations opting to go forward with hosting in-person events, planners are not only tasked with taking extra precautions to keep participants safe and healthy, but also managing the underlying legal risks associated with holding face-to-face events during a pandemic. To help planners overcome these uncertainties, group and meetings booking software provider HopSkip recently partnered with two event and hospitality industry attorneys to produce the complimentary “Legalese with the Ladies”… more
Jul 28, 2020
Instead of kicking off the new year with its usual in-person fervor, CES 2021 will be an all-digital experience connecting exhibitors, customers, thought leaders and media from around the globe in early January next year. According to the Consumer Technology Association, which owns and operates the show, CES’s new virtual format will allow participants to hear from technology innovators, see cutting-edge technologies, learn about new products, and engage with global brands and startups — all from the safety of their home or office.
The decision to shift the massive global technology trade… 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.