
Oct 17, 2017
The Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB) has launched the Discover Atlanta: Official Guide mobile application. While mobile applications are not new technology, this is the first destination marketing app powered by the artificial intelligence of a gaming platform.
Released on Oct. 12, Discover Atlanta: Official Guide was designed and built in partnership with Winistry, makers of the Intelligent Mobile App Platform. This technology enables ACVB to promote Atlanta in a unique, personalized manner, based on user preference, behavior, location and even time of day.
“We strategically… more

Oct 13, 2017
As a global provider of brand experiences that has been advancing in the event technology space, Freeman understands the industry-wide challenges of digital tool integration.
In an effort solve this often frustrating issue and create a more seamless experience for event organizers and attendees in the process, the company has introduced Fuzion by Freeman, an open product ecosystem designed to simplify integration by acting as a foundation between digital solutions, establishing a common language that allows multiple tools to talk to each other.
With Fuzion, event organizers will have the… more

Oct 10, 2017
Continental Exhibitions, a leading trade show and conference management company with headquarters in New York City, officially has acquired TechDay, a growing series of tech conferences with annual events in New York City, Los Angeles and London.
“I’m very excited to bring my 30+ years of experience within the exhibition and tradeshow space to help serve the needs of this dynamic marketplace,” said Walter Charnizon, president of Continental Exhibitions.
He added, “The tech industry is quickly evolving and I look forward to building events that keep pace with these changes.”
TechDay is a… more

Oct 06, 2017
IMEX is replacing its original event organizing platform with EventReference, a cloud-based event management system developed by U.K.-based RefTech.
EventReference will be used to manage all of IMEX’s online interaction with show attendees, including all registrations, hosted buyer travel, buyer and exhibitor appointment schedules and the exhibitor booth directory.
Going forward, every person attending IMEX in any capacity will be using EventReference to register, manage and plan their visit.
“IMEX has grown and we have evolved our processes and listened and adapted to the growing and… more

Oct 03, 2017
For event planners and marketers, analytical reports can be gold mines for driving registrations, adoption of tools and calculating ROI. However, the true potential of analytics remains underutilized in testing the effectiveness of marketing efforts, testing new audience segments and creating impactful cross-promotional efforts. This is mostly because there are a plethora of options and features available, as well as disconnected channels that add significant complexity to the analytical process and make accurate attribution extremely difficult.
If you have been struggling with putting your… more

Sep 29, 2017
Smart City Networks, a provider of technology and telecommunications services for the convention industry, has embarked upon a process to convert phone lines at 39 convention centers and venues to SIP trunking in the next year.
The upgrade is expected to improve reliability, performance and cost at these facilities, according to Smart City officials.
While not the in-demand technology in the current industry landscape, phone service in public assembly areas can play a key role in emergency response situations, as demonstrated in Houston with Hurricane Harvey, Florida with Hurricane Irma and… more

Sep 27, 2017
Core-apps has updated and enhanced its Access 365 product, an event app feature that allows show organizers to extend the life of their apps beyond their events.
The new updates not only provide associations and event planners with a flexible payment structure but also technical enhancements designed to help turn an event app into a year-round engagement tool.
The new pricing model features a low monthly fee to help mitigate the upfront costs of implementation, thus lowering the barrier of entry so organizers can engage with their audiences 365 days a year. This goes into effect immediately… more

Sep 22, 2017
Move over photo booths and gamification – virtual reality could soon be taking the event entertainment world by storm. From exploring underwater worlds and creating large 3D drawings to battling alien spaceships or brain-eating zombies, virtual reality games and experiences at events provide attendees with immersive and engaging experiences that not only help make events more fun, but also more memorable.
Geared specifically toward corporate meetings, conventions, trade shows and private parties, VR Arcade NOLA is a mobile virtual reality entertainment company that offers interactive VR… more

Sep 21, 2017
A new Start-Up Pavilion has been created at ibtm world 2017 where tech and experiential start-up companies can exhibit, giving them the opportunity to showcase their product to more than 15,000 highly influential MICE industry professionals.
The three-day event takes place Nov. 28-30 at Fira Gran Via Barcelona in Spain.
Companies eligible to exhibit in the Start-Up Pavilion must be two years or younger, with five or fewer full-time employees and with an annual turnover of less than $600,000.
As part of the exhibiting package, they will receive their own personalised diary, with the… more

Sep 15, 2017
To commemorate the completion of its $140 million expansion and renovation project, the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio did what most event facilities would do: host a grand reopening celebration to show off its newly expanded and beautified digs.
But instead of just carrying out the usual fanfare at this special event, held Aug. 31, the downtown Columbus facility had another surprise up its sleeve: the reveal of a giant, 3-D interactive art piece.
“As We Are” is a 14-foot, 3-D human head-shaped sculpture made from ribbons of ultra-bright LED screens. Created by… more
Partner Voices

MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.