News

Nov 10, 2020
The National Confectioners Association will move Sweets & Snacks Expo, which has taken place in Chicago every spring in its 23-year history (except for 2020, which was canceled), to Indianapolis next year. As the confectionary and snack industry’s premiere event, the 2021 Sweets & Snacks Expo — which typically features approximately 800 exhibitors and draws 15,000 attendees from 90 countries — will take place June 22-25 at Indiana Convention Center. Together with the Board of Trustees and the Sweets & Snacks Expo Committee, NCA made this decision to move out of Chicago’s… more
Nov 09, 2020
Due to the continued rise in COVID-19 infections in the U.S. and across the globe, the in-person portion of this year’s Expo! Expo! IAEE’s Annual Meeting and Exhibition — which was to be a hybrid event Dec. 8-10 in Louisville, Ky. — has been called off. Instead, the association will refocus on transitioning many of the show’s physical elements into a virtual format, according to IAEE officials. “Our board, staff and members were excited to take part in this annual, in-person event,” said Bob McLean, IAEE chairperson. “However, in light of current health and safety concerns, the board has… more
Nov 09, 2020
Claude Molinari, general manager of TCF Center, has been chosen as the new president and CEO of the Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau, effective Jan. 1, 2021. He will succeed current president and CEO Larry Alexander, who is retiring at the end of 2020 after leading the DMCVB for 22 years. In this role, Molinari will be responsible for developing the DMCVB’s strategic direction and overseeing its operations, providing the necessary leadership and direction to enable the organization to attract meetings and conventions, leisure and business visitors to metropolitan Detroit and… more
Nov 09, 2020
If you missed Weeks 1, 2 or 3, start here to learn why event professionals need a personal brand in the first place. Then, read this to discover how to build your brand foundation and go here to learn what should be on your website. Last week, Natasa Djukanovic briefly mentioned the value of being consistent and service-focused in your content strategy. Today, we’ll dive in deeper on the topic of creating content for your personal brand with Hannah Nieves, principal and founder of her eponymous New York-based consulting firm for marketing, branding and PR. A key point to keep in mind: When… more
Nov 07, 2020
Eight months after Caesars Forum was scheduled to have its grand opening and start welcoming a packed schedule of groups before it was stopped in its tracks by COVID-19, the new venue hosted its first event – the 2020 ConferenceDirect Annual Partner Meeting. “We have always admired the work that Brian Stevens and the team at ConferenceDirect do,” said Michael Massari, chief sales officer for Caesars Entertainment. He added, “We enjoy a long-standing partnership and are pleased that we hosted this important event.” During the closing general session, Massari was recognized by Jerry… more
Nov 06, 2020
SIAARTI, the Italian Society of Anaesthesia, Analgesia, Intensive Care and Resuscitation, together with AIM Group International, a company with 60 years of experience in congresses, events and communication, broke the mold and re-invented the concept of a congress. Through its Traveling with ICARE tour, which took place Sept. 21-Oct. 4, anesthesiologists and resuscitators were greeted around Italy with a traveling knowledge exchange event. “We understood that the scientific society members needed to feel closeness to their colleagues engaged in the ongoing health emergency, and it was… more
Nov 06, 2020
Event technology and services companies 365 MEDIA and Taffy Event Strategies have formed a new strategic partnership to provide nonprofits and associations with needs analysis, planning and execution of virtual and hybrid events. The alliance comes on the heels of 365 MEDIA’s recent launch of its virtual event playbooks and services, designed to help associations and nonprofits maximize growth potential in the virtual realm.  The new collaboration will facilitate the sharing of virtual event best practices to deliver expertise, ROI and efficiency for organizations seeking to pivot to virtual… more
Nov 05, 2020
If you missed Weeks 1 or 2, start here to learn why event pros need a personal brand in the first place, then read this to discover how to build your brand foundation. You’ve set the stage for crafting your personal brand on the Internet, and now it’s time to execute. It’s important to remember that creating a personal brand takes time and effort, so consider it a long-term solution that will help you to yield the results you’re after — rather than a quick fix for a lay-off or furlough situation. To create a successful personal brand online, you should be two things: consistent and service… more
Nov 04, 2020
Implementing comprehensive safety measures, High Point Market forged ahead with its fall show, wrapping up the nine-day expanded home furnishings event on Oct. 21. Held Oct. 13-21 at High Point Market in High Point, N.C., the Fall Market experienced lower and more sporadic visitor traffic than in previous years. However, exhibitors reported strong order-writing thanks to serious buyers who showed up ready to do business.  “We kicked off Market with an energetic and exciting day full of appointments and walk-ins on Tuesday,” said Amanda Kinney, co-owner of Antique & Design Center of High… more
Nov 03, 2020
With more and more planners looking at a hybrid model for their meetings, Louisville Tourism and its industry partners showcased their ability to host such an event while also highlighting the work they’ve done as a city to welcome guests back safely. Held on Oct. 29, Barreling Ahead brought together 35 attendees at Kentucky International Convention Center, with an additional 100 joining virtually.  Currently, all Louisville hotels are open to guests, and event venues and restaurants are allowed to host groups at 50 percent capacity. “Louisville is ready to welcome business to our city,”… 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.