News
Aug 31, 2021
With the theme “Let’s Go UP,” the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) took hybrid to new heights for its 2021 Annual Meeting, held Aug. 13-18. Nearly 3,200 association professionals and industry partners gathered virtually through the Intrado platform and in-person through innovative Pop-UPs around the country to exchange knowledge, tap into new possibilities, explore ground-breaking strategies and learn from inspiring leaders.
Giving registrants options in the ways to access the content and solutions they need to keep their organizations relevant and positioned for prosperity… more
Aug 30, 2021
The North American textile handicrafts industry is about to get a new trade show. Set to launch in Chicago June 22-24, 2022, h+h americas will be the first international offshoot of h+h cologne, the world’s main industry event for textile handicrafts produced by and annually held at Koelnmesse in Cologne, Germany.
Designed to unite the soft crafts industries in North America, the new show comes in response to increased demand for a strong and unified national show for the North American handicrafts sector as a result of the growing pandemic-induced popularity of handicrafts in the U.S. Not… more
Aug 27, 2021
The past year and a half has challenged the event industry like never before, but during the tough times, shows have innovated more than ever in so many ways to still create value for their communities.
In addition, there are amazing people who have "risen to the top" in so many incredible ways.
As a result, TSNN will be "re-imagining" the 2021 TSNN Awards, on tap Dec. 1-2 at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn., and launching the “Best of Innovation Awards” and the “Outstanding Show Pro Awards.”
For the “Best of Innovation Awards”, shows are asked to consider the following innovative… more
Aug 27, 2021
As the Delta variant continues to cause some hesitancy about holding events, with a few shows cancelling and others taking place as planned, new research may hold the key to putting the industry’s mind at ease.
According to findings from a research partnership between Freeman, a global leader in events, and Epistemix, a computational modeling software company, large in-person business events are safe and do not increase local COVID-19 case rates.
“Based on the data we’ve seen, attending an in-person event is no riskier—in fact, less risky— than essential daily activities,” said Freeman… more
Aug 25, 2021
A working group organized by BPA Worldwide has come up with a solution for a pressing need that surfaced after one of the biggest pandemic pivots. An industry standard for reporting metrics was sorely needed for BPA-audited in-person shows that switched to virtual or hybrid events, along with maintaining status as an event approved by UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry.
BPA iCompli Events provides verification of compliance with UFI industry standards for the measurement of trade show attendees and exhibitors.
“During the pandemic, priority one was to establish a digital… more
Aug 25, 2021
The trade show, events and destinations industries are continuing their hiring and promoting sprees at organizations far and wide. Check them out:
Fern
National exhibition and event services provider Fern has hired hospitality industry veteran Angi Van Berg as senior national sales manager.
As part of Fern’s national sales team, Van Berg will focus on business development related to key trade show and association business across North America while also representing Fern at select industry events. She will join the company on Sept. 13 after a successful 25-year career at Louisville… more
Aug 24, 2021
To help promote racial equity and overcome underrepresentation in its local travel and tourism industry, Experience Columbus and the Greater Columbus Sports Commission are partnering with Tourism Diversity Matters, a tourism and events industry resource for diversity expertise, to launch the Diversity Apprenticeship Program (DAP).
Designed to help close the significant racial equity gap in the Central Ohio hospitality community, the new apprenticeship program will provide hands-on experience and job opportunities to local students, recent graduates and professionals who identify as BIPOC (… more
Aug 23, 2021
For many event planners, the idea of planning, let alone pulling off a successful hybrid event is often viewed as a complicated and daunting task requiring a major learning curve to master. To help planners overcome their trepidation, move beyond theory and put hybrid events into action, U.K.-based virtual and hybrid event platform Glisser launched its first-ever hybrid event designed to provide corporate event planners with best practices for executing engaging and successful events with both digital and in-person audiences.
Held July 13 in London, across the pond in New York City and… more
Aug 20, 2021
The Events Industry Council (EIC), the global voice of the business events industry on advocacy, research, professional recognition and standards, has joined The Tourism Child-Protection Code of Conduct (The Code), a multi-stakeholder initiative to prevent the sexual exploitation and trafficking of children in travel and tourism throughout the world.
As a voluntary set of six criteria to keep children safe that its members commit to, The Code provides awareness, tools and support to the travel and tourism industry to protect children against sexual exploitation. As the world’s first and… more
Aug 19, 2021
The Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) in Orlando, Fla., has become the first facility of its kind to receive GBAC STAR Facility Re-accreditation from the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC), a division of ISSA, the worldwide cleaning industry association.
The OCCC was one of the first convention centers to receive initial GBAC STAR Facility Accreditation when the program was launched in 2020, and the re-accreditation comes following one year of successfully hosting events amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Our GBAC STAR re-accreditation on outbreak prevention, response and recovery is… 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.