News
Mar 18, 2020
Event management solution company Aventri is partnering with three digital event providers — Digitell, Evia and Intrado Digital Media — to help customers who have had to rethink their events in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak. These new offerings will provide all current Aventri customers and any event planners globally with the option to move their events to a virtual platform or to add a digital component to any event.
“Most people with events happening soon are thinking about what to do if they can’t hold events as planned,” says Jim Sharpe, CEO of Aventri. “They want to know they… more
Mar 17, 2020
In a time where most face-to-face meetings aren’t an option, many event professionals are turning to virtual events. But as we all know, it can be difficult to keep a remote audience engaged.
How many times have you signed up for a webinar with the best of intentions, only to realize midway through that you’ve been multitasking — checking email, browsing the web or talking to your coworker who just had “one quick question”? Or, you signed up for a virtual event only to experience difficulty with logging in, viewing the livestream or seeing pop-ups such as polls? These are the types of… more
Mar 16, 2020
In response to the growing health crisis in the U.S., large convention centers and hotel/casino properties across the country are temporarily suspending hosting events in an effort to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus. This comes as the CDC issued guidance on March 15 discouraging any gatherings of more than 50 people for the next eight weeks.
Although this list is expected to grow in the coming days and weeks, here are some major facilities that have shuttered their event operations thus far:
Anaheim Convention Center
As of March 12, Anaheim Convention Center in California shut… more
Mar 16, 2020
As of March 15, the CDC is recommending that for the next eight weeks (until at least May 4), all events consisting of 50 people or more be postponed or canceled.
According to the statement: “Large events and mass gatherings can contribute to the spread of COVID-19 in the United States via travelers who attend these events and introduce the virus to new communities. Examples of large events and mass gatherings include conferences, festivals, parades, concerts, sporting events, weddings, and other types of assemblies. These events can be planned not only by organizations and communities but… more
Mar 14, 2020
The overall largest trade show in the United States and North America’s largest construction trade show, the triennial CONEXPO-CON/AGG and IFPE, set a new square footage record March 10-13 at the Las Vegas Convention Center amid COVID-19 concerns and travel restrictions.
CONEXPO-CON/AGG spanned 2.67 million net square feet, up from 2.5 million in 2017. The cancellations totaled 66,950 net sq. ft., or roughly 2.48 percent, with 15,000 sq. ft. resold. IFPE lost 45,000 sq. ft. or 26 percent of the 172,500-sq. ft. of floor space.
Attendance numbers were unavailable, but pre-registration was… more
Mar 12, 2020
The NBA has suspended its season and the NCAA Tournament will be played without fans. Organizations around the country are reacting to the news of COVID-19 by encouraging “social distancing,” and federal, state and local governments are imposing bans on travel and large gatherings—all in the name of halting the spread of the virus. What that means for event professionals is that in many locations, canceling or postponing an event is not a choice, but a requirement.
Here’s what you need to know now on a national, state and city level. Please note, this story continues to develop.
NATIONAL… more
Mar 12, 2020
With trade shows and conferences of all sizes being canceled or postponed due to travel restrictions and COVID-19 health concerns, event planners are scrambling to take their live events digital to meet the needs of their audiences. While nothing beats the power of face-to-face meetings, given the choice between hosting a virtual event or nothing at all, it makes sense event organizers are taking full advantage of digital tools like video conferencing and online marketplaces, and streaming keynote speakers and educational sessions.
But what if your event doesn’t have an established digital… more
Mar 11, 2020
Another major travel industry conference has been canceled due to the global outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19). Previously scheduled for May 12-14 in Germany, IMEX Frankfurt will not go on as planned, according to show officials. IMEX Group Chairman Ray Bloom and CEO Carina Bauer issued the following letter this morning detailing the cancellation:
Sad to announce IMEX in Frankfurt cancels
It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the cancellation of this year’s IMEX in Frankfurt (due to take place 12-14 May).
We know that this will come as an enormous disappointment, not… more
Mar 11, 2020
The news cycle the past few weeks has been nearly non-stop about coronavirus (COVID-19), and it seems like the virus is the only thing people are talking about right now. The global outbreak of this virus, and the uncertainty behind how it’s being spread, is disruptive and frightening, and can lead to feelings that the world is less secure or somehow out of control. On top of that, experts promoting “social distancing” — or maintaining a bubble of personal space to help stop the spread of COVID-19 — feels threatening, at the very least, for the meetings and events world that thrives on face-… more
Mar 10, 2020
UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, released global numbers that reflect due to the spread of COVID-19 the impact that trade show postponements and cancellations are having for both the exhibiting companies, as well as for the trade show industry around the world.
“Globally, the fact that more than 500 trade shows have not taken place in recent weeks is creating an escalating ripple effect for whole industries,” said Kai Hattendorf, UFI managing director/CEO.
In the United States alone, with large trade shows such as The Inspired Home Show (est. 800,000+ net square… 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.