Jul 08, 2020
The Anaheim Convention Center became the first convention center on the West Coast to receive the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC) STAR accreditation. “This is an important step in the eventual, safe and responsible reopening of the Anaheim Convention Center,” said Tom Morton, executive director of Convention, Sports & Entertainment for the city of Anaheim. He added, “Event organizers and attendees can have confidence that our facility meets the highest standards of cleaning, disinfection and prevention. This accreditation is one part of a larger, comprehensive plan that will… more
Jul 08, 2020
There will be a new digital feature at this year’s SOURCING at MAGIC, Informa Markets Fashion’s annual sourcing and supply chain event serving the fashion apparel, footwear and accessory markets. Set for Sept. 30-Oct. 2 at Las Vegas Convention Center alongside MAGIC Marketplace, SOURCING will debut its new virtual trade event designed to connect global buyers and suppliers who are unable to attend the physical show in person due to international travel restrictions. Created to complement what will be a smaller, made-in-the-USA-focused physical event this year, SOURCING’s digital marketplace… more
Jul 07, 2020
Construction on Las Vegas Convention Center’s new underground transportation system, the Convention Center Loop, hit a milestone last month when Elon Musk’s The Boring Company completed excavation on the second of two 4,500-foot vehicular tunnels.  In May 2019, The Boring Company was selected by the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority board of directors to design, construct and operate the unique “people mover.” The $52.5 million project is the company’s first commercial endeavor and also includes three stations, one of which will be underground and is currently being excavated.… more
Jul 06, 2020
In what could be a harbinger of things to come, the Geneva International Motor Show not only was forced to cancel its March 2020 show due to COVID-19, but also the association responsible for organizing the event decided to sell the show to Palexpo SA. Palexpo SA is a convention center located next to the Geneva Cointrin International Airport in which GIMS is held. GIMS originally had sought a loan from the local government – the Canton of Geneva - which was granted, although there were conditions attached. The show’s association was obligated to make a repayment of 1 million Swiss… more
Jul 02, 2020
Finally, some news we all want to hear: trade shows are happening once again! From June 23-26, Dallas Market Center hosted a successful Apparel & Accessories Market and KidsWorld Market, drawing more than 85 percent attendance over the previous year. The concurrent events, which were the first held since retail began to reopen in the region, offered buyers new brands and best-selling styles for business recovery and growth while debuting comprehensive health and safety measures. Results exceeded all expectations, and show officials report consistent order writing throughout the socially… more
Jun 29, 2020
With many people working from home and attending more videoconferences and virtual events than ever before, boosting attendee morale and engagement while combating digital fatigue has become a big area of focus for event organizers. That’s where teambuilding activities such as virtual escape rooms come in. These digitized versions of the popular in-person puzzle-solving games make for fun and engaging additions to any virtual event. Along with spurring collaboration and creative thinking, the interactive mind-benders also promote learning, networking and a spirit of play. “It’s more… more
Jun 24, 2020
Bogus attendee list vendors may think twice before soliciting PACK EXPO exhibitors again. In early June, PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, belatedly announced its Feb. 23 lawsuit victory against Data Marketers Inc. for trademark infringement, false association advertising and unfair competition. Operating under the name LogiChannel, the data and marketing services company illegally used PACK EXPO’s logo in email solicitations a month prior to the September 2019 Las Vegas trade show in attempts to sell fake attendee lists to the show’s exhibitors. PMMI decided… more
Jun 19, 2020
Destinations International recently announced its new “We’re Here to Help” recovery campaign, which aims to unify the meetings, events and travel industry by demonstrating that CVBs play a critical role in recovery when the unexpected happens.  “There is no substitute for people working together to overcome dramatic and difficult challenges,” said Don Welsh, president and CEO of DI. “This campaign shows the resilience of our industry and how when we come together, great things are possible.” He continued, “CVBs are the community connectors and will continue to be an essential extension of… more
Jun 18, 2020
Lippman Connects recently sold out the first of its new Digital Summits, which were created to facilitate the peer-to-peer exchange of information among event professionals in a virtual setting. Sam Lippman, president of Lippman Connects, organized and facilitated the event, which was capped at 15 exhibition and convention professionals. At the first Digital Summit on May 29, participants looked at the topic of how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected meetings and events, and highlighted what some of the next steps might be for the industry. According to Lippman, the event professionals taking… more
Jun 17, 2020
Facing the fact that COVID-19-related global travel restrictions will likely continue over the coming months, UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has shifted the format of its 87th annual UFI Global Congress to smaller regional gatherings instead of a large face-to-face event in one location in November. “Resilience” will be the 2020 theme of the event, known as the exhibition industry’s largest global annual meeting that attracts more than 50,000 industry professionals from across the world. According to UFI officials, the association is committed to preserving the event… 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.