News

Aug 09, 2022
The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) and Questex have teamed up to launch The Hospitality Show (“The Show”), a new annual hospitality trade show and conference scheduled for June 27-29, 2023 at The Venetian Las Vegas.  Designed to be a comprehensive one-stop-shop for hospitality leaders to meet, learn and conduct business across the entire hospitality ecosystem, the new three-day event is designed to reach AHLA’s expansive membership across all segments of the industry, including leading service providers and suppliers, hotel owners and management companies, and senior… more
Aug 08, 2022
New York’s Javits Center is sharing its bounty of vegetables from its new one-acre rooftop farm through the creation of Jacob’s Harvest, a new line of pickled produce. The bottled veggies will be distributed to customers and visitors to raise awareness about the venue’s roof-to-table culinary program, which incorporates various crops being grown on the farm into customized meals served during events on-site.  According to Javits Center officials, the new produce line marks the facility’s latest element of its ambitious and progressive sustainability program that includes New York State’s… 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
Aug 04, 2022
Exclusively sponsored by Caesars Entertainment The Las Vegas Strip has long been a beacon of innovation, adaptability and singular experiences. In 2022, Caesars Entertainment has continued to play its part in maintaining the destination’s stellar reputation by hosting the NFL Draft earlier this year at CAESARS FORUM—the company’s newest and largest conference center—and ushering in a cornucopia of renovations and updates, such as the transition of Bally’s to Horseshoe as well as new restaurants and entertainment offerings.  Dining to Delight The mecca of celebrity chef dining, Las Vegas… more
Aug 04, 2022
While the U.S. economy may be losing momentum, that hasn’t stopped trade show and event-related organizations—particularly convention and visitors bureaus—from hiring fresh talent and placing new and experienced leadership at the helm. Take a look! Visit Baton Rouge Jill Kidder, current president and CEO of the Louisiana Travel Association (LTA), the primary voice for Louisiana’s tourism industry, has been tapped to become the new president and CEO of Visit Baton Rouge. Selected by the Visit Baton Rouge Board of Directors June 30, she will replace current President and CEO Paul Arrigo, who… more
Aug 03, 2022
The U.S. Travel Association launched the Sustainable Travel Coalition in an effort to help every sector of the travel industry, including meetings and events, develop and advance strategies for sustainability.  With nearly 60 member entities to start, including major DMOs, hotel groups and industry organizations such as the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA), the Sustainable Travel Coalition will serve as an advisory body to inform U.S. Travel on sustainability issues, opportunities and concerns within member entities. A dedicated Policy Committee will help drive the… more
Aug 02, 2022
As part of its ongoing commitment to helping association, event and corporate clients evolve from legacy-based to data-driven operating models, mdg, A Freeman Company, has launched a new division dedicated to research, data and insights.  Consisting of data strategists, scientists, analysts and experts specializing in collecting and evaluating market research and intelligence, this newly-formed department’s mission is to help clients capitalize on technological advances to reach new audiences and create more personal and human customer journeys, from marketing campaigns to meaningful… more
Aug 01, 2022
It can be daunting to be the “first.” But for Lynn Osmond, the new president and CEO of Choose Chicago, being the very first woman to helm the city’s official destination marketing organization is an exhilarating, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.  Just two and a half months into her new role, Osmond has hit the ground running, laser-focused on promoting the U.S.’s third-largest city on the national and global stage. And she is more than prepared to pull this mission off successfully. She possesses an intimate knowledge of the Windy City, its tourism and hospitality community and DMO following… more
Jul 29, 2022
The largest and most iconic global jewelry buying experience, JCK, operated by RX, brought a gem of a show to Las Vegas in June, exceeding pre-pandemic 2019 attendance numbers and reuniting the jewelry industry to celebrate the 30th anniversary of JCK.  Approximately 30,000 people from all facets of the jewelry industry joined JCK and Luxury, the show’s ultra-curated and exclusive jewelry-buying experience, for a week of product sourcing, education and networking. More than 17,000 attendees from 130 countries conducted business with more than 1,800 exhibiting companies in more than 20… 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
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.