News

May 20, 2024
Organizations set lofty goals for their in-person meetings: educating participants, building business relationships, enhancing brand visibility, recognizing excellence, boosting business momentum and so on. The problem is that accomplishing any one of these objectives within the typical three or four days of an in-person conference is a challenge, even with the most engaging agenda. And it’s no secret that many conference attendees suffer from the “out-of-sight, out-of-mind” syndrome. As one event planner puts it: “Clients spend all this money on a three-day event and get everyone excited,… more
May 17, 2024
After more than three decades of operating on the Las Vegas Strip, the Mirage Las Vegas will be shutting its doors on July 17. The landmark 3,044-room resort will undergo a three-year renovation and construction project that will transform the tropical-themed property into the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and Guitar Hotel Las Vegas. Expected to open in spring 2027, the new hotel-casino will feature a guitar-shaped, 660-foot hotel tower, similar to its sister property in Hollywood, Fla. “We’d like to thank the Las Vegas community and team members for warmly welcoming Hard Rock after enjoying… more
May 16, 2024
What’s trending in corporate events from the third-party planner perspective? Microdosing content, bespoke experiences and renting with cause, said MCI Group Vice President Corporate Agnès Canonica (AC), who produces internal and external events for corporate clients across diverse industries, including healthcare, technology, financial and automotive. MCI Group, which touts itself as a global next-gen platform for marketing innovation and breakthrough communication in the digital age, has 1,650 employees across offices in 60 countries, according to its website. The 35-year-old global… more
May 15, 2024
Exclusively sponsored by Honeycomb Strategies In today’s world, exhibiting at events sustainably is not a trend but a responsible choice. From eco-friendly carpets and flooring to recycled furniture, innovative signage and creative balloon alternatives, we delve into how sustainable choices can elevate your event’s style while reducing environmental impact. Carpet Event carpet has become a standard way to transform large, impersonal spaces into intimate environments. Unfortunately, carpet production requires petroleum-based chemicals for backing and adhesives, substantial water for dyeing… more
May 14, 2024
This spring, ASM Global-managed convention and event venues in the U.S. are announcing new and expanded partnerships, as well as sustainability and cultural achievements. Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center Ditches Plastic During the Acura Grand Prix, ASM Global Acts kicked off its partnership with r.World to introduce reusable service ware in venues throughout the ASM Global’s North American portfolio of 93 convention centers. Debuting in April at the Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center, the initiative will soon spread to other venues across the country. Big… more
May 13, 2024
Tasked with a lofty vision to create equitable healthcare for all, National Medical Association Director of Conventions & Events Derrick Johnson is doing everything in his power to help the organization change the world through connection, ensuring that physicians and partners share and learn in creative and meaningful ways. At Connect Spring Marketplace 2024 in Las Vegas, Johnson joined us in our podcast booth on the show floor at the Venetian Convention & Expo Center to share his experience and passion for adult learning and connecting people. The 122nd Annual Convention and… more
May 10, 2024
 After taking the stage at Connect Spring Marketplace 2024 in Las Vegas, Associated Luxury Hotels International (AHLI) President Michael Dominguez joined us in our podcast booth on the show floor at the Venetian Convention & Expo Center to share his experience as the leader of a global sales organization for independently operated or owned hotels and resorts, cruise ships and destination management companies.  With more than 250 members, ALHI oversees a wide range of luxury brands – ranging from the Aria Resort & Casino in Las Vegas to Turtle Bay Resort in Hawaii. AHLI’s member… more
May 09, 2024
For corporate event groups wishing to conduct their meetings in the most environmentally responsible way possible, sustainable hotels are a no-brainer venue option. Dedicated to reducing their environmental impact and carbon footprint, green hotels are properties that promote sustainability and work to protect the environment via sustainable practices, such as improving energy efficiency, mitigating carbon emissions and solid waste, and improving the well-being of their guests and staff through various corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. As the demand for green venues… more
May 07, 2024
Viad Corp., a global provider of business event management and experiential marketing services, reported first quarter (Q1) 2024 revenues of $273.5 million, an increase of $12.7 million or 4.9% from Q1 2023. For Q1, GES, which includes Spiro, reported revenues of $236.3 million, compared with $228.1 million in the same period last year. GES reported an increase of $8.1 million or 3.6% year-over-year, which the company attributed to continued underlying growth that more than offset a $4 million decline due to the timing of major non-annual shows. Context: GES is a global exhibition… more
May 06, 2024
When Usher took the stage on Sun., Feb. 11, at the 2024 Super Bowl halftime show at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) Show Manager Ashley Van Der Stuyf was one of 129.3 million people who tuned in to watch the performance. Once she took a look at the elaborate staging and production, she understood why the NFL canceled the association’s contract to host a party at the venue scheduled for less than a month before the big game. But it wasn’t an easy pill to swallow when she got the news on Nov. 8, about 60 days out from the Ultimate Tailgate… more
Partner Voices
One of the most iconic names on the Las Vegas Strip just got an upgrade. Mandalay Bay has everything that your business needs from a refreshed convention space designed to inspire productivity and creativity, to an impressive selection of world-class restaurants and amenities. If you're looking for a venue that's both inviting and innovative, you have to be here.   New Wave Experiences Mandalay Bay continues to invest in a new wave of enhancements both in the convention space and within the resort as a whole. New restaurant openings including Orla by Michael Mina, more