News
Oct 29, 2020
Informa Markets has consolidated its North America-headquartered brands under a single leadership team led by Nancy Walsh, who has been promoted to the role of President of the expanded North America portfolio.
“Since joining us, Nancy has immersed herself in understanding what value we can offer to our customers through our brands and developed solutions that keep our communities connected, 365 days a year,” said Charlie McCurdy, CEO Informa Markets.
He added, “She and her team have demonstrated innovation and entrepreneurship – two fundamental attributes to our culture at Informa Markets… more
Oct 29, 2020
As the second-largest convention center in the state of Georgia, the 400,000-square-foot Georgia International Convention Center — like similar venues around the country — wasn’t accustomed to facing an empty events calendar for much of 2020. To stay afloat, GICC has shifted toward hosting events to help the local community, including food and blood drives, flu shot clinics, funerals and drive-up concerts. It’s also served as a free drive-thru COVID-19 testing site and most recently, as an early voting precinct for the November election.
“The City of College Park, the GICC and Gateway Arena… more
Oct 28, 2020
Clarion Events has announced it has acquired California-based Quartz Events, the fastest growing producer of invitation-only, executive summits in North America.
Clarion Events has a diversified business model that has evolved through high-growth market acquisitions, diversification across industry sectors and a strong focus on digital and virtual products. With the live event space under tremendous pressure today, Clarion has been able to find new ways to quickly and successfully deliver customer value and attract new customers in uncertain times. Quartz Events will be key in stimulating… more
Oct 28, 2020
On Oct. 21, Miami Beach Convention Center hosted The Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau Annual Meeting, the first event to take place at the venue since it reopened in October after closing due to the pandemic in April.
The facility’s 60,000-square-foot Grand Ballroom was well-equipped to accommodate social distancing for 200 in-person guests. MBCC worked with Smart City Networks and Everlast Productions to also create a seamless livestream for an additional 478 virtual participants. All participants attending in-person were subject to a temperature screening, and facial coverings… more
Oct 28, 2020
If you missed Week 1, start here to learn why event professionals need a personal brand in the first place.
Last week, we learned that a personal brand is not something you create; it’s something you already have—and it’s up to you to control the message. In the second week of our four-part series on personal branding, TSNN talked with Jessica Zweig, a personal branding expert and CEO and founder of SimplyBe agency in Chicago, on how to build your brand foundation: i.e., how to define and cultivate the vision, mission and message behind your personal brand.
Zweig, who founded her company in… more
Oct 27, 2020
Industry leaders from across the U.S. came together at Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas on Oct. 22, for Expo Recovery, a face-to-face meeting to discuss recovery solutions and also test-drive a safe, socially distant event. From next-level technology to room setup to breakfast on individual side tables, it offered a glimpse of what could be in store for our industry over the next year.
“Our event grew from an off-the-record weekly call with industry stakeholders,” said Martin Glynn of MAD Event Management, which organized the event. “We realized that even though these people don’t typically… more
Oct 26, 2020
In late June, TSNN reported that Event Tech Live, the annual London, U.K.-based trade show and conference dedicated to event technology, would take place as a hybrid event. However, due to new gathering restrictions in response to rising COVID-19 infections across the U.K., coupled with travel restrictions for international exhibitors, the decision was made to push the show to virtual only.
Now, ETL is scheduled to take place virtually from Nov. 2-6, with plans for a hybrid event in 2021. In normal years, the face-to-face event offers educational programming across six stages, showcases… more
Oct 22, 2020
For exhibiting companies unable to participate in overseas trade shows due to travel restrictions, help is on the way. Launched in early October, the International Exhibitor Representation Program enables exhibitors to continue selling and/or break into targeted markets at trade shows all over the world, even if they can’t be there in person.
Depending on the show, IERP functions as a remote booth or pavilion, using its network of in-country exhibition professionals filling in for exhibitor teams that are unable to travel to show sites, said Diane Bjorklund, founder of Chicago-based… more
Oct 22, 2020
From Dec. 3-6, general service contractor Alliance Nationwide Exposition will launch Orlando Winterfest 2020 at Orange County Convention Center. Held in partnership with International Drive Business Improvement District and iHeartMedia, Orlando Winterfest will be the first holiday gift show of the year, after previously scheduled events have either been canceled or postponed into 2021 due to COVID-19. According to event officials, this event will provide the time and space for companies that haven’t had a way to network with their customers face-to-face to make the sales they desperately need… more
Oct 21, 2020
In the continuing evolution of virtual and hybrid events, the role of digital technology used to host those events has continued to evolve as well. To help sort through some of the new technology designed to aid organizers as they plan their virtual and hybrid meetings, here are four recently launched virtual event platforms.
e-Attend Virtual Experience
Denver-based event services company Image Audiovisuals has added a virtual event platform to its e-Attend technology. The new e-Attend Virtual Experience links broadcast-quality production, recording and live streaming services with virtual-… 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.