News
Nov 14, 2023
Sponsored by Shepard
Shepard, an industry-leading event production provider, is set to captivate attendees at this year's International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) Expo! Expo! with a booth theme that reimagines creative boundaries, promising a fun and innovative journey for everyone in attendance. Themed “Another Day in Paradise,” Shepard's booth (#1130) will pay tribute to the dynamic world of event and meeting planning. While celebrating the industry's remarkable growth and impact, Shepard remains equally dedicated to pushing boundaries and delivering fresh perspectives… more
Nov 13, 2023
Premium live experiences company Legends is expanding its geographic reach and services portfolio with the acquisition of ASM Global, which manages a portfolio of more than 350 venues spanning five continents. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Announced on Nov. 7, the acquisition will position Legends to meet the expanding needs of sports organizations, entertainment venues, convention centers and attractions globally “while supporting its vision to deliver exceptional live experiences,” according to Legends officials in a statement.
By adding ASM Global’s… more
Nov 09, 2023
If you attended Connect Marketplace in August in Minneapolis or the Events Industry Council (EIC) Global Awards Celebration at IMEX America in October, you may have received photos in real-time via SpotMyPhotos, an AI-powered, automated private photo-sharing technology that goes beyond facial recognition to let people’s photos find them.
Attendees and exhibitors who opt-in to experience this next-gen photo delivery platform at events can enjoy the convenience of having all photographs taken of them instantly delivered to their smartphones, eliminating the need to scroll through hundreds or… more
Nov 07, 2023
Following seven months of negotiations, tens of thousands of hotel workers represented by the Culinary Workers Union Local 226 and Bartenders Union Local 165 have reached a tentative deal with Wynn Resorts, MGM Resorts International and Caesars Entertainment, averting a sweeping strike that could have massively impacted 18 major resort-casinos on the Las Vegas Strip.
According to Culinary Union officials, less than three hours before the strike deadline, the Unions reached a tentative agreement with Wynn Resorts on Nov. 10 at 2 a.m. for a new five-year contract covering more than 5,000… more
Nov 07, 2023
Throughout the U.S. and across the pond, trade show-related organizations are welcoming fresh leadership, placing industry veterans at the helm of venues, event production and technology companies and destination management organizations. Take a look!
Clarion Events North America
Clarion Events North America recently added to its leadership team with the appointment of Nicole Peck as executive vice president of the Digital Innovation Portfolio, which includes Clarion’s flagship technology innovation brand, InsureTech Connect (ITC Vegas) and the premier mobile app marketing event, Mobile… more
Nov 06, 2023
The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) has selected trade show industry veteran Karen Chupka to succeed Chris Brown as the association’s managing director and executive vice president of global connections and events, effective Jan. 1. After 25 years of service to the organization, Brown announced in July that he is transitioning out of NAB following the 2024 NAB Show, which is set for April 14-17 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Chupka comes to NAB following 33 years of leadership experience with the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), including as executive vice president of… more
Nov 06, 2023
The Net Zero Carbon Events initiative has published "Best Practices for Decarbonization Pathways" to provide actionable insights and strategies that can be implemented immediately by event organizers, venues, exhibitors and suppliers. The document is available free to download here.
The interim document provides best practices for venue energy, smart production and waste management, food and food waste, logistics and travel and accommodation. The document highlights actions to help event organizations gain a head start on their decarbonization journey. Full guidance documents are set for… more
Nov 03, 2023
Held Oct. 17-19 at Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, the 12th edition of IMEX America was the largest ever in terms of attendance and number of booths. The event featured 360 booths and nearly 15,000 confirmed participants, of which more than 5,000 were buyers.
Those buyers, of which one-fifth represented the corporate sector, took part in more than 80,000 pre-scheduled meetings in three days, of which 73,000 were one-to-ones with exhibitors.
The show boasted a 20% increase in space taken by exhibitors and a 9% increase in the number of booths, according to an IMEX press… more
Nov 02, 2023
TEMBO Launches Digital and On-Demand Training and Development Courses for Global Event Professionals
London-based marketing, content production and event management services provider TEMBO has unveiled TEMBO TECHNIQUES, a new training and development service designed to equip event professionals with the essential skills and knowledge they need to succeed in conference production and event marketing.
With an emphasis on interactivity and hands-on learning to help empower team members to learn through practical experience, TEMBO’s training portfolio will encompass a wide array of courses, with an option to tailor bespoke training solutions to meet specific business needs, according to TEMBO… more
Nov 01, 2023
UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, kicked off its 90th UFI Global Congress today in Las Vegas — the first time for the global gathering to meet in the U.S. — with a member vote during its annual General Assembly to approve the launch of a North America chapter.
Exhibition Place Toronto General Manager Laura Purdy will chair the new chapter together with vice chairs Kim Carcone, executive vice president, global market events for the Toy Association, and Pepe Navarro, director general for Tarsus/Informa. UFI will work with MAD Event Management, a trade show management… more
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.