News
Jun 11, 2024
With summer right around the corner, event technology companies in the U.S. and abroad are forming partnerships and releasing new and updated solutions – some with the help of AI – to enhance event experiences for attendees, exhibitors and show organizers alike.
Inteprefy Launches AI-Powered Live Translation Solution
In its quest to break down language barriers between international meetings attendees, multilingual meeting technology and services provider Interprefy unveiled Interprefy Now, a new mobile application that harnesses the power of AI to provide instant live translation in… more
Jun 10, 2024
With the global business events and trade show industry facing increasing pressure to move in a more sustainable direction, the Experiential Design and Producers Association (EDPA), the Exhibition Services & Contractors Association (ESCA) and the Events Industry Council (EIC) have teamed up to offer clear and actionable guidance to help exhibiting companies and exhibit builders reduce their environmental impacts and promote responsible practices.
Released on May 16, the EDPA, ESCA, and EIC Sustainability Guidance for Exhibition Stand Construction is designed to offer practical… more
Jun 07, 2024
Even when he’s not at work creating delicious fare for hotel guests and event groups at the William F. Bolger Center conference hotel in Potomac, MD, Chef Justin Key is still thinking about food.
“My oldest friends and my brother are all professional chefs, which makes for some interesting ‘shop talk’ even on days off,” Key said. “We often bounce ideas off each other and get together to play around with food. I enjoy cooking for large family events and find many food inspirations from those gatherings.”
A food and beverage (F&B) industry lifer, the Maryland native has been working in… more
Jun 06, 2024
A group of six event industry leaders focused on nurturing innovative event ideas into flourishing businesses formed a consortium dedicated to shaping the future of the events industry. Offering expert mentorship, a collaborative community and strategic funding, Events Venture Group (EVG) is a nonprofit consortium designed to help next-generation event entrepreneurs launch and grow their events into successful enterprises.
“Our mission is to support the next generation of event entrepreneurs who redefine the event industry landscape,” said EVG Co-Chair Greg Topalian, founder of On Deck… more
Jun 05, 2024
Sponsored by Nth Degree Events
As macroeconomic trends push up event costs and reshape event strategies, it should come as no surprise that another event mainstay—food and beverage (F&B)—is seeing a shake-up. Instead of the traditional ritual of bringing programming to a halt for meals at fixed times, a growing number of events are offering flexible F&B, allowing attendees to eat on their own schedule.
For corporate event planners, there are real benefits to this trend—from the opportunity to offer more programming, to boosting sponsorship revenue and (perhaps most important of… more
Jun 05, 2024
Exclusively sponsored by Honeycomb Strategies
A sustainable event includes an atmosphere where everyone feels welcome and comfortable. Planning an event to be inclusive and friendly to people with sensory challenges or neurodiversity (neurodivergent is an umbrella term that refers to a myriad of common neurological differences such as autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) will ensure the whole community has the opportunity to connect and engage with industry offerings and environmental initiatives.
Here are seven practical ways to make events more… more
Jun 04, 2024
Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino completed a $100 million redesign of its 2.1 million-square-foot Mandalay Bay Convention Center, designed to meet the needs and preferences of modern meetings and events. New and upgraded features include advanced technology infrastructure, additional digital signage, and a fresh, vibrant design that complements the 3,211-room Strip resort’s tropical ambiance.
“Meetings and conventions play a pivotal role in the success of Las Vegas, and the revitalization of the Mandalay Bay Convention Center demonstrates our commitment to this critical piece of our city’s… more
Jun 03, 2024
A record number of business events industry leaders met with policymakers on Capitol Hill on Thurs., May 30 as part of the Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (ECA) annual Legislative Action Day. More than 130 advocates from 25 states raised awareness about the U.S. business events industry, which employs 2.6 million Americans and drives $399 billion in direct spending annually.
Armed with data on economic impact of business events by state, participants discussed key issues impacting the trade show, meetings and events industry during 112 meetings with senators, House representatives… more
May 31, 2024
Along with two partners, trade show industry veteran Doug Emslie, an avid runner and the majority owner of Raccoon Media Group, is launching TrailCon, the trail running industry conference, which will be held June 25-26, 2025, at The Village at Palisades Tahoe, Calif.
A Taste of TrailCon, a preview event to be held June 26 at The Village at Palisades Tahoe, Calif., will feature panel discussions focused on four key growth areas in trail running. When asked about the four key growth areas, Emslie said, “Trail running is the fastest-growing segment of running, so it’s races then shoes,… more
May 31, 2024
Throughout the U.S. and across the pond, trade show-related organizations are forging partnerships and scooping up companies as they seek to expand their reach and bolster their market share.
Orbus Visual Communications Grows With Acquisition
Orbus Visual Communications — a North American company specializing in the manufacture of visual communications solutions for exhibits/live events, retail and interiors market segments — has acquired CRĒO Industrial Arts, a Seattle-based custom fabricator that has been producing architectural elements for more than 40 years.
The CRĒO leadership… 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.