News

Aug 08, 2022
New York’s Javits Center is sharing its bounty of vegetables from its new one-acre rooftop farm through the creation of Jacob’s Harvest, a new line of pickled produce. The bottled veggies will be distributed to customers and visitors to raise awareness about the venue’s roof-to-table culinary program, which incorporates various crops being grown on the farm into customized meals served during events on-site.  According to Javits Center officials, the new produce line marks the facility’s latest element of its ambitious and progressive sustainability program that includes New York State’s… more
Aug 05, 2022
As event professionals continue to contemplate how the metaverse can bring unique new opportunities to the industry, two companies have teamed up to do just that. epIQ Creative Group, a demand generation marketing agency creating multi-channel systems that drive demand to brands, and rooom Enterprise Metaverse Solutions are aiming to help associations and event professionals unlock the potential of the metaverse and bring marketable experiences to their communities and audiences. The new partnership is designed to bring to life exciting opportunities that year-round communities and virtual… more
Aug 04, 2022
Exclusively sponsored by Caesars Entertainment The Las Vegas Strip has long been a beacon of innovation, adaptability and singular experiences. In 2022, Caesars Entertainment has continued to play its part in maintaining the destination’s stellar reputation by hosting the NFL Draft earlier this year at CAESARS FORUM—the company’s newest and largest conference center—and ushering in a cornucopia of renovations and updates, such as the transition of Bally’s to Horseshoe as well as new restaurants and entertainment offerings.  Dining to Delight The mecca of celebrity chef dining, Las Vegas… more
Aug 04, 2022
While the U.S. economy may be losing momentum, that hasn’t stopped trade show and event-related organizations—particularly convention and visitors bureaus—from hiring fresh talent and placing new and experienced leadership at the helm. Take a look! Visit Baton Rouge Jill Kidder, current president and CEO of the Louisiana Travel Association (LTA), the primary voice for Louisiana’s tourism industry, has been tapped to become the new president and CEO of Visit Baton Rouge. Selected by the Visit Baton Rouge Board of Directors June 30, she will replace current President and CEO Paul Arrigo, who… more
Aug 03, 2022
The U.S. Travel Association launched the Sustainable Travel Coalition in an effort to help every sector of the travel industry, including meetings and events, develop and advance strategies for sustainability.  With nearly 60 member entities to start, including major DMOs, hotel groups and industry organizations such as the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA), the Sustainable Travel Coalition will serve as an advisory body to inform U.S. Travel on sustainability issues, opportunities and concerns within member entities. A dedicated Policy Committee will help drive the… more
Aug 02, 2022
As part of its ongoing commitment to helping association, event and corporate clients evolve from legacy-based to data-driven operating models, mdg, A Freeman Company, has launched a new division dedicated to research, data and insights.  Consisting of data strategists, scientists, analysts and experts specializing in collecting and evaluating market research and intelligence, this newly-formed department’s mission is to help clients capitalize on technological advances to reach new audiences and create more personal and human customer journeys, from marketing campaigns to meaningful… more
Aug 01, 2022
It can be daunting to be the “first.” But for Lynn Osmond, the new president and CEO of Choose Chicago, being the very first woman to helm the city’s official destination marketing organization is an exhilarating, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.  Just two and a half months into her new role, Osmond has hit the ground running, laser-focused on promoting the U.S.’s third-largest city on the national and global stage. And she is more than prepared to pull this mission off successfully. She possesses an intimate knowledge of the Windy City, its tourism and hospitality community and DMO following… more
Jul 29, 2022
The largest and most iconic global jewelry buying experience, JCK, operated by RX, brought a gem of a show to Las Vegas in June, exceeding pre-pandemic 2019 attendance numbers and reuniting the jewelry industry to celebrate the 30th anniversary of JCK.  Approximately 30,000 people from all facets of the jewelry industry joined JCK and Luxury, the show’s ultra-curated and exclusive jewelry-buying experience, for a week of product sourcing, education and networking. More than 17,000 attendees from 130 countries conducted business with more than 1,800 exhibiting companies in more than 20… more
Jul 29, 2022
Event software provider Cadmium partnered with Bear Analytics to bolster the digital product and service offerings of both organizations in the event technology industry. The partnership, which facilitates the connection between users of Cadmium technology and Bear Analytics’ Bear IQ platform, enables data-driven decision making for organizations evaluating the effectiveness of their event and online learning programs.  Cadmium is an event and learning software provider offering continuing education, professional development, and content management solutions. Bear Analytics is a leading… more
Jul 28, 2022
Puerto Rico is no stranger to crises, having faced and overcome major challenges such as the Zika virus outbreak and Hurricane Irma over the past several years. COVID-19 has been no exception, with the destination showing its profound resiliency as it emerges from the pandemic. Brad Dean, president and CEO of Discover Puerto Rico, recently highlighted some of the promising numbers along with a newly launched branding initiative for event attendees and venue developments. “Rebuilding has been vitally important over the past four years and to position Puerto Rico to not just come back but to… more
Partner Voices
One of the most iconic names on the Las Vegas Strip just got an upgrade. Mandalay Bay has everything that your business needs from a refreshed convention space designed to inspire productivity and creativity, to an impressive selection of world-class restaurants and amenities. If you're looking for a venue that's both inviting and innovative, you have to be here. New Wave Experiences Mandalay Bay continues to invest in a new wave of enhancements both in the convention space and within the resort as a whole. New restaurant openings including Orla by Michael Mina, drawing inspiration from the award-winning chef’s childhood in Egypt and with flavors and décor inspired by the spices found in markets common to coastal Mediterranean towns, as well as Caramá by Wolfgang Puck, bringing the essence of Italy and spirit of Wolfgang into one concept, are recent additions. The Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas also experienced a recent remodel of all 424 rooms. Swingers, a high-end, adults-only golf and entertainment concept will debut in Fall 2024. Enhanced Technology Creating a truly effective conference venue requires careful thought into what a business needs: the right technology, capacity, and inspiration to bring ideas to the next level. As part of the resort’s refresh, Mandalay Bay implemented state-of-the-art technology upgrades, installing cutting-edge Cat6A Ethernet cabling throughout the convention center. This advancement doubles the frequency of data transmission, enabling lightning-fast speeds up to 9400% faster. The convention center now boasts 11 dynamic digital walls, spanning up to 24' x 13', strategically positioned for brand placements, sponsorships and targeted event messaging. Additionally, attendees can benefit from 20 double-sided 55" mobile flexible display units, facilitating effortless navigation to meeting rooms and events. RFID locks were installed on all meeting room doors, and over 200 motion detection cameras have been placed throughout the space. Refreshing New Design & Fine Art The newly remodeled convention space provides a bright and vibrant atmosphere that complements Mandalay Bay's tropical-inspired brand. Featuring white-washed walls and ceilings adorned with bold floral patterns in cerulean and coral tones, the space is complemented by warm walnut accent walls. In addition to the redesign of all pre-function spaces, meeting rooms and ballrooms, Mandalay Bay's 1 million square feet of exhibit space has undergone a rejuvenation, including new paint, covered pillars and relocated strobe lights. Sustainable Spectacles Mandalay Bay is committed to Focused on What Matters and creating more responsible meetings. Refillable water stations all available around the resort, cutting unnecessary plastic usage from single-use bottles. The Mandalay Bay campus’ recent upgrades represent a bold step forward in redefining the Las Vegas experience. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and unparalleled service, Mandalay Bay sets a new standard for excellence in business hospitality. Whether you're seeking cutting-edge conference facilities, world-class dining options, or simply a luxurious retreat, an unparalleled meeting experience awaits.