News

Jul 26, 2024
Exclusively sponsored by Honeycomb Strategies. Effective engagement is the cornerstone of a successful environmental, social, and governance (ESG) strategy. Transparent and clear communication keeps your stakeholders informed, encourages participation, and evaluates progress to ensure that milestones are met. Let’s delve into why engaging with stakeholders matters to your sustainability strategy and how it directly impacts your bottom line. Who should you engage with? The best communication targets different stakeholder groups with custom outreach. Your engagement should be reactive to the… more
Jul 26, 2024
Ask Visit California President & CEO Caroline Beteta about her path into the destination marketing industry, and she will share that she has always been interested in the power of connection in bringing people together, particularly those who may otherwise have different goals and business objectives.  A California girl through and through, Beteta grew up and went to school in the southern part of the Golden State, graduating from UCLA with an undergraduate degree in political science, earning her masters in public administration, and completing the Stanford University Graduate School of… more
Jul 24, 2024
With half-year revenues hitting $2.14 billion, Informa is riding a wave of growth. The B2B events and digital services giant reported impressive half-year results for 2024, boasting an 18.8% increase in underlying operating profit, an 11% revenue boost, and a 10% hike in dividends. Informa has now upped its full-year guidance, targeting an adjusted operating profit of up to $1.29 billion. "Informa is kicking off 2024 with the same momentum we saw at the end of 2023. We're growing, expanding internationally, and continuously developing our portfolio, which gives us increasing confidence in… more
Jul 24, 2024
Trade show exhibitors now have an AI-powered solution to help them solve the common challenge of forgetting or losing vital lead information gathered during trade shows, conferences, and other business events. Enter Backtrack, a retroactive audio recording mobile app created specifically for exhibitor booths by parent company Yac, developer of an asynchronous voice messaging platform for remote teams.  Designed to transform the way exhibiting professionals capture and recall crucial business interactions, the new app helps users accurately summarize and pull-out action items from… more
Jul 23, 2024
Ahead of this week’s opening of Comic-Con, the San Diego Convention Center (SDCC) unveiled the show’s limited-edition craft chocolate bars that will be available for purchase when the show opens at 6 p.m. PT on Wed., July 24.  The country’s longest-running event for all things comics and related popular art, including movies, TV, gaming and interactive multimedia, runs through Sun., Jul 28.  With a robust program of speakers, exhibits, films, and games, Comic-Con attracts more than 135,000 attendees, creating a regional economic impact of more than $160 million and tax revenues of more than… more
Jul 22, 2024
The Los Angeles Convention Center (LACC) got the green light to move forward with its Convention Center Expansion and Modernization Project, which is now expected to move forward in the spring of 2025. On July 2, the Los Angeles City Council voted to advance the project, which is expected to create thousands of jobs for city residents, attract visitors, and bring new revenue to the City’s General Fund, according to LACC officials. Plans include new construction that will connect the LACC’s two existing South and West Exhibit Halls by adding 190,000 square feet of space to create one… more
Jul 19, 2024
One of the fastest-growing segments of the trade show industry in 2024: international attendance and exhibitors. In fact, international travel to the U.S. is growing quickly, with volume expected to reach 98% of 2019 levels in 2024 (up from 84% recovered in 2023), according to the most recent data from U.S. Travel Association (USTA). After international participation in U.S. trade shows flat-lined during COVID, event organizers, like Money20/20 and Plant Based World Expo, are capitalizing on the rebound by investing in attracting foreign companies to their U.S. events with international… more
Jul 18, 2024
PCMA and the Strategic Alliance of the National Convention Bureaux of Europe (SANCBE) are gearing up to launch Convene 4 Climate, a sustainability conference for the global business events industry. Set for Oct. 2-3 in Barcelona, the inaugural gathering is open to select participation in a workshop-based environment and aims to drive responsibility, harness the power of technology, and deliver transformative solutions to address climate change challenges.  The big picture: Convene 4 Climate’s curated programming will explore three central themes–Reimagine, Inspire, and Movement–and allow for… more
Jul 17, 2024
Marketplace Events (MPE)—an independent producer of nearly 70 home and garden shows, 18 sport and outdoor shows, 16 holiday shows and 10 regional trade shows in North America—recently expanded its business in Canada with the acquisition of 31 events from Master Promotions, Ltd., elevating its total trade and consumer show portfolio to 111 events, which includes 66 in the U.S. and 45 in Canada.  The 31-show deal—which includes 14 sport/outdoor shows, seven home shows and 10 trade events owned by one of Canada’s largest independent trade and consumer event management companies—marks MPE’s… more
Jul 16, 2024
A new event has officially launched for the trail running community: TrailCon: The Trail Running Industry Conference, an annual gathering of trail running brands and enthusiasts, media, industry executives, and thought leaders. Designed to provide a forum for dialogue, inspiration, and collaboration to help shape the future of the global sport, the debut event kicked off with “A Taste of TrailCon,” a preview held on June 26 at The Village at Palisades Tahoe. The event attracted 379 retailers, brands, athletes, race directors, and media. Staged against the stunning backdrop of Olympic Valley… 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.