News
Jan 09, 2023
PCMA announced several major acquisitions, alliances and partnerships designed to forge a path forward for the global business events industry while furthering its role as a leading platform for meeting and trade show professionals. The announcements were made on the first day of Convening Leaders 2023, taking place Jan. 8-11 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio. At a press conference, PCMA and CEMA President and CEO Sherrif Karamat outlined the association’s strategic plan, which is based on four foundational pillars supported by various key initiatives.
“As of today… more
Jan 09, 2023
As the trade show industry kicks off 2023, event-related organizations across the U.S. are welcoming new executives and promoting staff as they prepare for a year of growth, strong demand and continued post-pandemic recovery. Check them out!
Baltimore Convention Center
After a nationwide search, Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott has nominated certified venue professional Mac Campbell as the new executive director of the Baltimore Convention Center. His appointment follows the Sept. 1 retirement of Peggy Daidakis after 49 years of service to the City of Baltimore.
Campbell began his career… more
Jan 06, 2023
Philadelphia's Pennsylvania Convention Center (PCC), managed by ASM Global, and its trade show labor partners unveiled “Safety, Skills and Smiles,” a workforce training initiative—believed to be the first of its kind in the country—to further solidify the already strong working relationship between all parties and further enrich the client experience. The joint management program is dedicated to expanding and building upon existing training programs in three areas: safety, technical skills and customer service and hospitality.
The program will be financed through the new… more
Jan 05, 2023
In 2022, in-person U.S. trade shows enjoyed a steady comeback, attendees and exhibitors returned to showfloors to meet face-to-face again, event-related organizations went on hiring and promoting sprees, and industry professionals expressed a tone of optimism that hadn’t been heard since before the COVID-19 pandemic. However, with rumblings of a possible recession on the minds of many business event professionals this year, how are industry leaders feeling about the future in 2023?
“The general expectation among industry members is that 2023 will build on the industry’s performance in 2022… more
Jan 04, 2023
As part of its commitment to creating a healthy environment for attendees and exhibitors to conduct and further global business, the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) is offerig a more touchless venue experience at CES 2023, taking place Jan. 5-8 at 11 official venues in Las Vegas, including the Las Vegas Convention Center, The Venetian Convention and Expo Center and ARIA.
According to CTA officials, health and safety measures being executed across all CES venues include increased fresh air flow and filtration systems, hand sanitizing stations, door greeters and touchless public… more
Jan 03, 2023
Leading venue management company and live experience producer ASM Global recently hosted an awe-inspiring, firework-laden grand opening ceremony for the new Exhibition World Bahrain, one of the largest convention centers in the Middle East, with more than 1 million square feet of trade show and conference space.
The new venue’s launch marks a milestone for the Kingdom of Bahrain’s economic development and is expected to play a key role in advancing the economic competitiveness and positioning of Bahrain as a major global destination for regional and international meetings and conventions,… more
Dec 30, 2022
VSef Makes New Versions of Standards Guides for Event Data Available for Download and Implementation
Responding to the event industry’s need for a standardized data structure and communications protocol for digital, in-person and hybrid events, global assurance provider BPA Worldwide announced that versions 2.0 of the VSef (Virtual Standard Export Format) Standards Guide and VSef API Standards Guide are now available to download, review and implement.
VSef, which was acquired by BPA Worldwide in September 2022, is a data file reporting format designed to streamline the collection and exchange of data within the events industry by establishing standard data structures and common naming… more
Dec 29, 2022
Straight out of college, Kelly Gleeson Smith knew she had fallen into her dream career after landing her first job in “meeting connection sales” at the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort in San Antonio, Texas. From the start, she reveled in what she described as the “power of meetings” that affect so many people.
“It was like a pebble falling into the water, and then the centrifugal rings just continue to expand,” Gleeson Smith said. “I thought, ‘Wow, this is an amazing industry.’”
She became very passionate about face-to-face interactions and where her career could go, traveling the world… more
Dec 29, 2022
The event tech landscape continues to evolve as the industry approaches a new year. From security and trust certification to a virtual event and webinar benchmarking report to the opening of award submissions, check out the latest happenings with Bizzabo, Notified and the Event Tech Awards.
Bizzabo
Bizzabo, the Event Experience Operating System (OS), has achieved Service Organization Control (SOC) 2® Type 2 compliance, which recognizes the company as a secure, trusted industry leader. The accomplishment demonstrates Bizzabo’s ongoing commitment to information security and signals that its… more
Dec 20, 2022
With a looming new 6 percent Kentucky tax on 35 services, including business events, Louisville Tourism, the Exhibitions and Conferences Alliance (ECA) and the Society of Independent Show Organizers (SISO) are voicing strong opposition to the measure, which could be detrimental to the state’s trade show, convention and meeting business. It also would pose an undue burden on event organizers and clients, as the industry continues to recover following the COVID-19 pandemic.
The measure is set to take effect Jan. 1 and apply to many new services that have never been taxed in Kentucky,… more
Partner Voices
Dallas already boasts 35,000 hotel rooms, award-winning global cuisine, and a walkable downtown. But we are just getting started.
Visit Dallas is thrilled to announce that the city of Dallas is doubling down with a massive new convention center and entertainment district. Featuring 800,000 square feet of exhibit area, 260,000 square feet of meeting rooms, and 170,000 square feet of ballroom. The center will connect business travelers with dining and shopping options in the popular Cedars District means more places to get down to business, and even more ways to unwind.
“Dallas is already a great meetings and conventions destination, with the accessibility of two major airports, affordable labor, and an outstanding hotel product,” said D. Bradley Kent, Visit Dallas senior vice president and chief sales officer. “The new center and Convention Center District will enhance Dallas’ competitive position and are exactly what our customers’ need and have been asking for."
What’s New – AT&T Discovery District
Located in the heart of Downtown Dallas, this new district on the AT&T corporate campus is tailor-made for groups of all sizes. It boasts a multi-sensory experience, including outdoor event space, the AT&T Theater, and multiple dining outlets including JAXON Beer Garden and The Exchange, a bustling food hall.
Hotels Coming Soon
Names like the JW Marriott (Downtown), lnterContinental Dallas (Uptown), and Hotel Swexan (Uptown) are adding luxury amenities and bountiful event spaces. The projects will debut in 2023 and beyond.
JW Marriott
This new, 15-story, 283-room hotel will open in the heart of the city’s downtown Arts District this year. The property features a 25,000-square-foot grand ballroom, as well as a spa, restaurant, lobby bar, fitness center, and a rooftop pool deck and bar.
InterContinental Dallas
Located in Cityplace Tower in Uptown, InterContinental Dallas will feature sweeping panoramic views of the Dallas skyline. Guests will enjoy spacious, high-end rooms and amenities, including more than 21,000 square feet of event space.
Hotel Swexan
Hotel Swexan, a new, 22-story luxury property, is rising in Uptown’s Harwood District and will make its mark on the Dallas skyline. Opening this year, it is a sculptural building with cantilevered upper floors, as well as a 75-foot rooftop infinity-edge swimming pool and a hidden underground lounge.