Meetings Mean Business Set to Launch First-ever Global Meetings Industry Day

July 25, 2015

Following on the heels of the North American Meetings Industry Day, Meetings Mean Business will launch the first-ever Global Meetings Industry Day April 14 next year, which  will showcase the impact that business meetings, conferences, conventions, incentive travel, trade shows and exhibitions have on people, business and communities.

“GMID will unite the meetings industry in a way that has never been done before,” said David Peckinpaugh, MMB co-chair and president of Maritz Travel. “The growth and success of our industry are critical to the world’s economy and we look forward to communicating our value on the global stage.”

GMID marks the expansion of North American Meetings Industry Da, held earlier this year in the United States, Canada, Mexico and parts of Latin America.

NAMID included 88 events across the continent as well as robust conversations online and 3.2 million social media impressions. 

Proclamations of support were issued by the governor of Wisconsin and mayors of Toronto, Buffalo and Washington, D.C.

A NAMID billboard was featured all day in Times Square and Caesars Entertainment “Turned the Strip Blue” in Las Vegas with NAMID logos and signage. In Mexico, a collaboration agreement was signed between the federal government, the tourism board and all 11 Meetings Industry Associations.

In 2016, MMB will again join forces with the Convention Industry Council (CIC) and other industry partners to host advocacy events and rallies, issue proclamations and champion the value of the meetings and events industry on social media.

“By recruiting individuals and organizations from every corner of the globe, we’ll demonstrate the critical role our industry plays in building personal relationships, driving positive outcomes and supporting strong communities,” said Michael Dominguez, MMB co-chair and senior vice president of corporate sales at MGM Resorts International.

He added, “During NAMID, we saw three countries stand together with one loud and powerful voice advocating for our industry. Next year, we’ll do one better and bring together industry partners across the globe to stand with us.”

According to Karen Kotowski, CEO of Conventions Industry Council, the goals of GMID will be similar to not only to those of NAMID, but also the first Meetings Industry Day, launched by Meeting Professionals International more than twenty years ago.

“Our core objectives will be to define and shape the meetings and events profession in the future, help raise the industry’s profile and discuss the economic impact of meetings with people outside the industry, who are impacted by it every day,” she said. “We’re eager to engage everyone in the meetings and events community – from the grasstops to the grassroots – to demonstrate our value and strength.” 

Stuart Taylor, Canada Chapter Business manager for Meeting Professionals International added, “GMID isn’t just about creating a series of industry events. It’s about elevating and empowering our community to raise awareness of our impact – economically, environmentally, socially and intellectually. I am thrilled to be involved in this effort.”

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Partner Voices
Just when it seems like Las Vegas can’t get any bigger, brighter or more exciting for groups, MGM Resorts raises the bar again. The company continues to invest and innovate across its portfolio of Las Vegas resorts, with new attractions and upgraded experiences for attendees of all interests.  Remodeled Guest Rooms MGM Grand is the largest single hotel in the world with over 5,000 guest rooms and an 850,000-square-foot conference center. It is home to the newly remodeled MGM Grand Studio Tower—700 reimagined guest rooms with a fun mid-century vibe. Nearby, the iconic New York-New York Las Vegas Hotel & Casino recently completed a $63M redesign and remodel of its 1,830 guest rooms and 155 suites. Down the street, Bellagio Las Vegas is sporting renovated rooms in the Spa Tower with sunrise-inspired decor and luxurious soaking tubs in Premier King rooms after a $110-million transformation. Reinvented Luxury Experiences The Luxury Meetings District, made up of Bellagio Las Vegas, ARIA Resort & Casino, Vdara Hotel & Spa, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, Park MGM and NoMad Las Vegas, is now more connected than ever before. A new interior walkway opened this October for a seamless attendee experience – connecting Vdara, Bellagio, and The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, guests can now walk from Park MGM to Bellagio in around 15 minutes. New on the scene in the Luxury Meetings District is Cathedrale at ARIA, TAO Group’s upscale establishment specializing in exquisite French-Mediterranean cuisine offering elevated private dining experiences that opened in May. Heralded by World’s Best 50 Restaurants, GQ and VOGUE, LPM at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas is opening this fall and will deliver its signature spontaneity and imaginative celebration of France’s Mediterranean cuisine, art, and culture to the unique luxury resort in impeccable fashion.  A “New Wave  for Mandalay Bay A new wave of enhancements and experiences has arrived at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, including Flanker Kitchen + Sports Bar, an 8,445-square-foot restaurant that opened this June, perfect for pre- and post-game eats and drinks. Event planner’s favorite, Chef Michael Mina’s StripSteak, received a full renovation and now includes one of the largest private dining rooms on The Strip. Retro by Voltaggio debuts a one-year residency with a fun take on pop culture of the 80s and 90s with classic American dishes. An exciting addition planned for 2024 is Swingers, a 40,000-square-foot oasis of street food, miniature golf and art at Mandalay Bay. Most exciting for meeting planners, the 2.1 million-square-foot Mandalay Bay Convention Center  is undergoing a complete refresh, with lightened space, added eye-catching art, and improved technology infrastructure for even more flexible space. Energy-efficient digital signage now leads the way with faster internet speeds and new AV options. From renovated guest rooms and meeting spaces to celebrated dining options and dedicated teams, MGM Resorts is dedicated to delivering exceptional and innovative meeting experiences.