Dec 13, 2016
Detroit’s Cobo Center recently completed a $2 million technology upgrade, which included an upgraded Nortel core switch that distributes the WiFi signal and along with several new Nortel edge switches located throughout the center.
“For the visitors that use our WiFi network, these upgrades will be like moving from a one lane highway to a three lane super-speedway,” said Claude Molinari, general manager of SMG/Cobo Center.
System improvements also include upgrading WiFi access points to 802.11ac Aruba APs and increasing the number of APs to 400 throughout the facility.
The network location of… more
Aug 09, 2016
The Destination Marketing Association International Annual Convention saw their attendee numbers rise, with 1,500 taking part in its recent event held Aug. 1-3 in Minneapolis.
Attendees spent the time engaging in general sessions, discipline-focused roundtables and networking.
Throughout the program, DMAI’s association and foundation leadership recognized and celebrated those whom have demonstrated commitment and promise towards the continued success of destination marketing worldwide.
This year, 42 industry representatives received their CDME certification; 18 DMOs were honored for… more
Jul 25, 2016
The American Society of Association Executives has named the host cities where its ASAE Annual Meeting & Exposition will be headed 2018-2022.
The meeting attracts thousands of association executives and hundreds of exhibitors each year, and also it’s the flagship education and exposition for associations and nonprofit organizations in the United States.
In 2018, the meeting will head to Chicago, followed by Columbus, Ohio, in 2019, Las Vegas in 2020, Dallas in 2021 and Atlanta in 2022.
Next year, the Annual Meeting & Exposition will go north of the border to Toronto.
“… more
Jul 24, 2016
During the recent Louisville Convention & Visitors Bureau’s annual Destination Marketing Forum not only were the results of a year-long Visitor Profile Study discussed, but also digital marketing agency Bandy Carroll Hellige unveiled a new brand platform, logo and creative for marketing the city’s tourism initiatives.
In addition, Tempest Interactive gave a preview of a new web site that will go live in August and is being developed to replace GoToLouisville.com.
“Louisville is a city in transformation. More than $1 Billion is being invested in developments ranging from the… more
Jul 21, 2016
The Anaheim Convention Center, the largest convention center on the West Coast, was awarded LEED Gold certification, a designation for sustainable-rated buildings.
The Anaheim Convention Center is the largest U.S. convention center to achieve LEED Gold certification. The honor follows the center’s earning of LEED certification in 2010.
“The Anaheim Convention Center is the West Coast’s premier gathering place with world-class facilities and neighboring attractions to match in the Anaheim Resort District,” said Tom Morton, executive director of Convention, Sports and Entertainment for the city… more
Jul 07, 2016
The 2016 Dwell on Design (DOD) Los Angeles conference ran June 24–26 at the Los Angeles Convention Center and saw great attendance for the show’s 11h year.
“We have seen great growth and changes over the last 11 years,” said Michela O’Connor Abrams, CEO of Dwell. “This has been an amazing year for us, starting with the great partnership with UK based Informa. It is hard to believe we already have a year under our belt, and the new ownership has brought such collaboration and inspiration as a team. We are now looking at the show through a global lens, and targeting 2018 as the year to take DOD… more
Jul 06, 2016
The International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM) has selected Brad Mayne as its new president and CEO, effective July 19. Mayne also will serve as the president and CEO of the IAVM Foundation.
“Throughout his career, Brad has garnered respect from every facet of our industry,” said Karen Totaro, CFE, IAVM chair. “He has worked across sectors in various leadership roles, including within IAVM, which have earned him awards and praise. We are excited to have him take over the helm of IAVM.”
IAVM represents public assembly venues from around the globe. IAVM's active members include managers… more
Jun 06, 2016
Meeting and convention-goers holding events in Cleveland just received a nice boost, with a new 600-room Hilton opening adjacent to the Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland.
To celebrate the opening, Hilton Worldwide executives, Hilton Cleveland Downtown management and employees, city and county officials, community representatives and invited guests gathered last week for a ribbon-cutting ceremony and reception.
“The opening of Hilton Cleveland Downtown signifies not only a historic occasion for the city of Cleveland, but for Hilton Hotels & Resorts,” said Shawn McAteer, vice… more
May 23, 2016
The Cobo Center’s green efforts are paying off, with the Detroit-based venue snagging the Sustainable Brands conference next year, which previously was held in San Diego.
“Sustainable Brands has been committed to reducing and managing the environmental impact of our flagship conference for years now and we are excited to be bringing our community to Cobo Center in May 2017,” said David Fiss, executive producer of Live Events at Sustainable Brands.
He added, “In 2013, we were the first event organizer in North America to achieve conformity to the ISO 20121 Standard requiring event organizers… more
May 10, 2016
Candied bacon and cold beer were just some of the offerings that whet the appetites of attendees at the Reed Exhibitions’ National Hardware Show that took place May 5-7 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. A global gathering of products for DIY home improvement, the event spanned about 600,000 net sq. ft., similar to last year, and featured 2,800 exhibitors, including 700 first-timers. It’s expected to attract about 30,000 attendees.
“All our buying categories, from garden retailers to wholesales, are up,” said Rich Russo, industry vice president for the National Hardware Show. “The sentiment… 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.