Tech News

Aug 12, 2022
Event technology innovations have been transforming the industry for years now, and the plethora of developments is showing no signs of slowing down. Following is a roundup of recent happenings in event tech. Launch Shift Go DAHLIA+Agency has developed the first-of-its-kind workshop geared specifically for tech companies and agencies seeking a thorough understanding of the U.S. events and conferences industry and a solid go-to-market strategy. Launch Shift Go is a two-week online course geared toward helping event technology executives and entrepreneurs understand and advance in the… 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
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 14, 2022
VenuIQ, a leading platform for live, hybrid and virtual events, and akire productions, an event production agency, announced a strategic initiative to accelerate growth, create new technology for the industry and produce a variety of events.   akire productions has been and will continue to be VenuIQ's premier event production partner, and the higher-level strategic partnership will pave the way for innovative features to be unveiled in the coming months, according to John D’Adamo, head of sales, USA for VenuIQ "Together, we will be collaborating on new solutions to revolutionize the events… more
Jul 15, 2022
ExpoPlatform, an international event technology company supporting leading global exhibition organizers with digital innovations for more valuable in-person events, released the findings of its recent “Event Tech Returns to Live” survey. The results pointed to the main obstacles event professionals face in the new era of events and the ways digital tools can help overcome them. Exhibitor ROI is the most important challenge facing event organizers as the in-person comeback continues, according to the research, with 66% of respondents ranking it as a high priority. A seamless experience across… more
Jul 08, 2022
As the venerable Event Technology Awards (ETA) approaches its 10th anniversary this fall, two new categories based on increasingly trending industry topics were just added to the list: “Best Metaverse Experience” and “Best Sustainable Tech Solution.” The metaverse is a hot topic in the events industry at the moment, especially when coupled with how it can best use it to enhance future events and encourage audience interaction within the virtual world, according to Adam Perry, co-founder of ETA and co-creator of Event Tech Live. “We want to hear from event organizers who are already… more
Jul 01, 2022
ASM Global, a leading producer of entertainment experiences, teamed with Infor, a top cloud software provider, for a multi-year strategic blueprint that will offer the live-entertainment industry’s first fully integrated booking, sales, food and beverage, and event management platform, and it will also be used for conventions, trade shows and other corporate events.   The newly developed software is earmarked for ASM’s domestic and international venues, and the company plans to officially begin deploying it this month at select ASM Global U.S. arenas, stadiums, theaters and convention… more
Jun 24, 2022
Leading digital engagement platform JUNO has secured $10 million in Series A funding, led by global software investor Insight Partners, that is aimed at advancing the company’s mission to serve networked communities, ultimately allowing users to engage in integrated physical and digital worlds. Human connection is critical to building communities around events, whether virtually or in-person, according to Josh Hotsenpiller, founder and CEO of JUNO, adding that JUNO is one platform for all digital engagement—networking, community, events and learning. “Digital is what’s next for communities… more
Jun 16, 2022
Event tech powerhouse MeetingPlay + Aventri (MPAV), which merged earlier this year to provide a comprehensive event planning and management solution for virtual, in-person and hybrid events, purchased eventcore, a leading event registration platform for organizations looking for customized solutions for the most complex events. The acquisition positions MPAV as a premium platform for delivering innovative and impactful experiences through the entire event lifecycle. Known for pushing the envelope on technology advancements, MPAV provides a suite of premium solutions, including custom mobile… more
Jul 22, 2016
If anyone needs a little glimpse of nature in the middle of a concrete jungle, just log onto the new live video web stream from the Javits Convention Center of New York’s green roof, the second largest of its kind in the United States. The live stream, which displays a rooftop view of Manhattan’s rapidly developing West Side, will be available 24 hours a day and provide users with a unique perspective of the 6.75-acre green roof. Since its installation in 2014, the green roof has become a sanctuary for area wildlife, serving as a home for 17 bird species, five bat species and 300,000… more
Partner Voices
Less than six months ago, Lisa Messina joined the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) as the first-ever chief sales officer after leading the sales team at Caesars Entertainment. A 12-year Las Vegas resident, Messina is a graduate of Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration and serves on MPI International’s board of directors. TSNN had a chance to catch up with this dynamic leader and talk to her about her vision for the new role, current shifts in the trade show industry, creating more diversity and equity within the organization, and advice to future female leaders. Lisa Messina, Chief Sales Officer, LVCVA With Las Vegas becoming The Greatest Arena on EarthTM, what are some of the things you’re most excited about in your role? Our team was at The Big Game’s handoff ceremony earlier this month, and I couldn’t help but think, “We’re going to crush it next year!”  These high-profile events and venues not only drive excitement, but also provide unmatched opportunities for event planners. Allegiant Stadium hosts events from 10 to 65,000 people and offers on-field experiences. Formula 1 Grand Prix will take place in Las Vegas in November, after the year-one F1 race, the four-story paddock building will be available for buyouts and will also offer daily ride-along experiences that will be available for groups. And, of course, the MSG Sphere officially announced that it will open in September, ahead of schedule, with a U2 residency. It’s going to be the most technologically advanced venue as far as lighting, sound, feel, and even scent, and it will be available for buyouts and next-level sponsorships inside and outside. There’s no ceiling to what you can do when you’re doing events in Las Vegas.  Allegiant Stadium As the trade show and convention business returns to the pre-pandemic levels, what shifts are you noticing and how do you think they will impact the industry going forward? Our trade show organizers are very focused on driving customer experience. Most of our organizers are reporting stronger exhibitor numbers and increased numbers of new exhibitors, with trade shows proving to be almost or above 2019 levels. Now our organizers are really doubling down on driving attendance and focusing on the data to provide that individualized, customized experience to help attendees meet their goals and get the best value. Some companies continue to be cautiously optimistic with their organizational spend when it comes to sending attendees, but I think it will continue to improve. As the U.S. Travel Association makes more progress on the U.S. visa situation, we also expect a growing influx of international attendees. What are some innovative ways the LVCVA helps trade show and convention organizers deliver the most value for their events? We focus on customer experience in the same way that trade show organizers are thinking about it. We got rave reviews with the West Hall Expansion of the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC), so over the next two years, we will be renovating the North and the Central halls, which will include not just the same look and feel, but also the digital experiences that can be leveraged for branding and sponsorship opportunities.  Vegas Loop, the underground transportation system designed by The Boring Company, is also a way we have enhanced the customer experience. Vegas Loop at the LVCC has transported more than 900,000 convention attendees across the campus since its 2021 launch. Last summer, Resorts World and The Boring Company opened the first resort stop at the Resorts World Las Vegas , with plans to expand throughout the resort corridor, including downtown Las Vegas, Allegiant Stadium and Harry Reid International Airport. The LVCVA also purchased the Las Vegas Monorail in 2020, the 3.9-mile-long elevated transportation system that connects eight resorts directly to the convention center campus. This is the only rail system in the world that integrates fares directly into show badges and registration. For trade show organizers, these transportation options mean saving time, money and effort when it comes to moving groups from the hotels to LVCC and around the city. Also, the more we can focus on building the infrastructure around the convention center, the more it supports the customer experience and ultimately supports our trade show organizers. Scheduled to debut in Q4, Fontainebleau Las Vegas will offer 3,700 hotel rooms and 550,000 square feet of meeting and convention space next to LVCC.  What are some of the plans for advancing DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) within your organization? We’re currently partnering with instead of working with a leading consulting firm, to lay the foundation and create a solid DEI plan and be the leader when it comes to DEI initiatives. The heart of that journey with the consulting firm is also talking to our customers about their strategic approaches to DEI and driving innovation in this space.  What are your favorite ways to recharge? My husband and I have an RV and we’re outdoorsy people. So, while we have over 150,000 world-class hotel rooms and renowned restaurants right outside our doorstep, one of my favorite things to do is get out to Red Rock Canyon, the Valley of Fire, and Lake Mead. Five of the top national parks are within a three-hour drive from Las Vegas, so there’s a lot you can do. We love balancing the energy of Las Vegas with nature, and we’re noticing that a lot of attendees add activities off the Strip when they come here.  Valley of Fire What advice would you give to women following leadership paths in destination marketing? I think it’s about being laser-focused on what you want to accomplish; building a team around you that lifts you and helps you achieve your goals; and being humble and realizing that you do it as a group. No one gets this done alone. Thankfully, there are a lot of women in leadership in this organization, in our customers’ organizations, and in this city that we can be really proud of. We’re a formidable force that is making things happen.   This interview has been edited and condensed. This article is exclusively sponsored by the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority. For more information, visit HERE.