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May 27, 2020
In response to the influx of physical events transitioning to virtual, AI live event chatbot creator 42Chat has launched Virtual Event Bots to help streamline the virtual attendee experience. Attendees simply type their queries into a chatbot window on the event’s registration microsite, virtual event site or both, and the virtual bot responds to their event-related questions within seconds.
Able to be deployed in less than an hour and capable of responding to questions around the clock, Virtual Event Bots serve as a low-friction customer support tool that helps free up event staff to focus… more
May 20, 2020
As the demand for virtual event platforms continues to increase, LinkedIn has entered the game. The social media giant has brought two of its offerings together — LinkedIn Live and LinkedIn Events — to create LinkedIn Virtual Events.
The virtual event functionality allows brands to stream video content to their LinkedIn page, targeting followers or event attendees. One benefit the company is touting is a new video tab, making it easier for brands to share and archive their video content in an accessible manner.
For video streaming, LinkedIn is partnering with third-party broadcasting… more
May 13, 2020
Event software company CadmiumCD has launched eventScribe Live, an expanded version of its existing eventScribe event management and attendee engagement platform, to support digital events including hybrid, virtual and on-demand (pre-recorded). According to company officials, the new LIVE platform takes the best of eventScribe and packages it with new features that allow event planners to collect, manage and share digital conference and trade show content.
“We’ve been talking with clients about their needs during this transitional time in our industry, and we have a platform based on the… more
May 08, 2020
St. Louis-based event technology software company Ungerboeck is preparing to launch a new feature for managing virtual events. Customers will have their choice of using a virtual event provider, such as GoToWebinar or Zoom, and then be able to seamlessly manage online participants, event details and engagement statistics directly through the Ungerboeck platform.
“Our customers are facing very challenging times, and it is our responsibility to adapt our software to their evolving needs,” said Manish Chandak, Ungerboeck president and CEO. “This virtual event extension to our platform offers… more
Apr 30, 2020
Conference management service and software provider eventPower has launched new services and tools to help planners with live, virtual and hybrid events. Clients can choose from fully managed solutions (working with eventPower’s meeting planners) or software as a service tools.
“We wanted to improve the efficiency of the existing sales process and create a software that ultimately seeks to increase revenue for our existing and future clients,” said Laurie Powell, eventPower’s vice president of business development, regarding the new exhibit selection and management tool.
Frank Powell,… more
Apr 24, 2020
Naylor Association Solutions has released a reconfigured version of its Boxwood GO job board platform to help fill critical employment gaps caused by the COVID-19 crisis. Released on April 14 and offered to associations for free for 90 days, the platform – originally designed to be a job board for employers – now enables job searchers and volunteers to post their availability to work.
“While current unemployment levels are at record highs, the fact remains that many industries are desperate to find workers right now,” said Tom Aley, group vice president of software solutions for Naylor,… more
Apr 16, 2020
With so much uncertainty in the world, and with most of us isolating in our homes and feeling concerned about the future, there is no time like the present to establish a meditation and mindfulness practice. While the idea of sitting still and trying to quiet your mind while breathing deeply may seem challenging for many, there are incredible benefits to be had from a regular meditation practice. As many long-time meditators (including yours truly) can attest, a regular practice not only helps relieve stress, increase focus and improve sleep, but also enhances one’s self-awareness and overall… more
Apr 08, 2020
Networking and events platform Hio (which stands for “hit it off”) has launched two new offerings to facilitate virtual networking and socialization — and is offering free Hio Premium access from April 1 – June 30.
Event planners can create, host and manage virtual events free of charge on the Hio platform. The Host-Moderated Virtual Event option works for webinars, speakers and individual networking sessions during an event, while the new Virtual Lounge format provides a formal opportunity for attendees to engage in one-on-one networking sessions. Network Now, a new Hio Premium feature,… more
Apr 01, 2020
The coronavirus pandemic may be keeping exhibition professionals away from one another, but the desire to connect, discuss and learn has only accelerated. To fill this need and support its membership after postponing its global events slated for this spring, UFI has launched UFI Connects, a new online program offering free talks, panels and webinars to help event professionals stay connected and prepare for what comes next.
According to Kai Hattendorf, managing director and CEO of UFI, the online content presented on this program is designed to mirror the live content delivered at UFI’s… more
Mar 25, 2020
IBTM Events launched a new platform this week called IBTM Connect. The online resource hub is designed as a space for business events professionals to access and share knowledge and practical guidance, increasingly relevant in today’s uncertain world.
According to IBTM officials, the launch is part of a three-step plan to connect exhibitors, hosted buyers and the wider industry as we collectively navigate the impact of COVID-19.
“We recognize that this is an unprecedented period of challenge for our industry and we’re absolutely committed to continuing to provide support and education for… more
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.