News
Jun 09, 2023
In an effort to uncover the impact of generative artificial intelligence (AI) on the business events industry, the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) and the Corporate Event Marketing Association (CEMA) are partnering with Gevme, a leading event technology provider, to launch Project Spark. Under this initiative, the AI model will be tested for various practical applications within the scope of business events to understand its impact on workforce productivity.
“AI in the business events industry is just beginning, but we cannot define its future without… more
Jun 08, 2023
As spring begins its transition into summer, several event companies and service providers in the U.S. and overseas have been busy making acquisitions and forming strategic partnerships to increase their market share, benefit the industries they serve and expand offerings for clients. Take a look!
Restaurant Events
Restaurant Events, a new trade show management company formed by industry veterans Tim von Gal and Doug Miller, announced on May 31 that it had purchased three restaurant and foodservice trade shows from Clarion Events: the International Restaurant & Foodservice Show of New… more
Jun 07, 2023
As the nation’s elected officials burned the midnight oil to pass a bill to raise the debt ceiling on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., trade show industry executives gathered a few blocks away at the Grand Hyatt Washington to connect and learn from their peers at the 22nd annual Exhibition and Convention Executives Forum (ECEF), produced by Lippman Connects. Held May 30-31, the event attracted a record 237 industry leaders and suppliers.
“There's a mix on the stage of association executives and independent executives,” said Sam Lippman, president of Lippman Connects. “I also try to bring… more
Jun 06, 2023
PCMA has selected the future host cities and dates for Convening Leaders (CL), the association’s annual flagship education and networking event, for 2024-2027. San Diego has been tapped to host the event in January 2024, followed by Houston in 2025, Philadelphia in 2026 and Miami in 2027.
“The business events industry plays a critical role in bringing people together that drives economic growth and social good for individuals, organizations and communities” said PCMA and CEMA President and CEO Sherrif Karamat. “Each of these destinations has a unique identity and offers a diverse range of… more
Jun 05, 2023
Independent show organizers announced the launch of two sports-related events debuting in 2023. In partnership with Emerald Holding Inc., the National Basketball Association (NBA) is launching NBA Con, a B2C event set for July 7-9 at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. First and Pen and SBRnet are launching the Get in the Game Conference, an event for students at historically black colleges or universities (HBCUs) to learn about careers in sports business. The inaugural event will take place Oct. 6-8 at the Sheraton Inner Harbor in Baltimore.
NBA Con
NBA Con will bring together fashion, music,… more
Jun 02, 2023
UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, is partnering with Grip, an AI-powered event platform, to automatically schedule, manage and host more than 400, four-minute meetings during the UFI European Conference 2023. The sold-out conference, set for June 14-16 at the MECC Maastricht in Maastricht, Netherlands, will bring together more than 270 event professionals for networking and knowledge sharing.
UFI is using MustMeet, Grip’s new AI-powered meeting scheduler, to power the pre-scheduled one-to-one meetings, which will take place June 15, enabling organizers, venues and… more
Jun 02, 2023
The future is looking bright for the business events industry, according to the 2023 Global Economic Significance of Business Events study by the Events Industry Council (EIC) in partnership with Oxford Economics.
The 2023 edition of the study, which measured the full scope of the $1.6 trillion global business events industry, revealed its massive and far-reaching impact, its resilience following the pandemic — with global event spending expected to reach 2019 levels by 2025 — and the importance of face-to-face interaction.
“Business events have a GDP larger than many global economies,”… more
Jun 01, 2023
When Larita Clark began her career at the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (MPEA), owner of Chicago’s McCormick Place, she never imagined she would one day become its CEO. Since accepting her first position there in 1984 as assistant controller, the certified public accountant by trade went on to successfully hold an array of positions at MPEA, including director of finance and administration of McCormick Place, controller of MPEA and then its CFO, responsible for the financial and administrative operations of the massive McCormick Place campus, which includes four buildings: Hyatt… more
May 30, 2023
Trade show and event-related organizations, particularly CVBs and meeting and convention venues, have been busily appointing industry veterans to leadership roles as well as promoting hard-working team members to elevated positions. Take a look!
Orange County Convention Center
The Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) in Orlando, Fla., has welcomed two industry veterans to its executive leadership team with the appointment of Anthony “Tony” Camarillo as the venue’s new general manager and Keri Burns as its new director of sales.
With a career spanning more than three decades, Camarillo… more
May 29, 2023
The Inspired Home Show, produced by the International Housewares Association (IHA), will be held over three days instead of four and exhibits at Lakeside Center will be relocated to McCormick Place’s North and South Halls when it runs Sun., March 17, to Tues., March 19, 2024, in Chicago. While the overall size of the show will not decrease with these relocation plans, the show will no longer occupy the Lakeside Center.
After analyzing feedback from two industry-wide surveys and four special committees made up of both exhibitors and retailers, the IHA Board of Directors decided to reduce the… 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.