News
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
May 03, 2024
Located less than 15 miles from downtown San Diego, La Jolla offers a blend of natural beauty, upscale charm and a vibrant cultural scene, making it a highly desirable destination for leisure visitors and business event groups alike. Scattered among the destination’s scenic coastal environment sit more than two-dozen hotels and resorts, ranging from upscale and luxurious to more modest boutique accommodations.
Two of these properties, Hotel La Jolla and Estancia La Jolla, completed extensive renovation projects that corporate event organizers will find appealing when planning their next… more
May 02, 2024
Let’s start with this statistic: On average in 2023, 45% of conference attendees delayed registering until four weeks or less before an event.
That’s among the eye-popping findings in a new Registrations Insights Report from experience design company Maritz, the result of a deep dive into more than 360,000 attendee registrations across 30 trade shows over the past few years.
The report looks at registration pacing, which attendees are most likely to register late and why, and how to adapt to this changing attendee behavior. Significantly, the authors also work to reframe the discussion… more
Apr 30, 2024
Throughout the U.S. and across the pond, event technology companies are unveiling new solutions, enhancing existing offerings and teaming up with other providers to deliver more compelling features for event organizers and exhibitors alike.
GlobalMeet Unveils New AI Capabilities
Virtual event and webcasting technology leader GlobalMeet announced new artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities and a refreshed user interface for more immersive event experiences.
Able to work seamlessly with any camera-enabled device, the new AI capabilities within GlobalMeet’s webcasting platform and Live… more
Apr 29, 2024
Since the TED conference was launched by Founder Richard Wurman in 1984, it’s estimated that TED Talks have been seen or listened to more than 30 billion times, according to Head of TED Chris Anderson.
Over the last 40 years, business leaders, politicians, celebrities and musicians have been compelled to the TED stage.
For the first half of its existence, the annual conference brought together a few hundred people every year to think about Technology, Entertainment, Design (TED) and all that connected them, said Anderson in a blog.
Just under 20 years ago, online video gave the… more
Apr 26, 2024
Who’s moving up at event-related organizations and companies throughout the U.S. and abroad? Take a look at our latest roundup of industry professionals making career moves in the corporate events industry.
Event Leaders Exchange
The Event Leaders Exchange (ELX), an invite-only community for global heads of events from the world’s largest corporations, appointed Nicola Kastner as its new CEO.
Renowned for her expertise in event marketing strategy, Kastner brings a wealth of experience and accolades to her leadership role at ELX. Most recently, she was the founder of The Event Strategist, a… more
Apr 25, 2024
Adobe, a public company that produces two major corporate events in the U.S. annually, drew more than 10,000 attendees to its annual Adobe Summit at The Venetian Convention & Expo Center when it was held March 25-28.
The event featured 12 tracks with more than 200 sessions and keynotes with leaders like Adobe President, Digital Experience Anil Chakravarthy; GM Chair and CEO Mary T. Barra; Pfizer Chief Digital & Technology Officer and EVP Lidia Fonseca; and basketball legend, entrepreneur and media personality Shaquille O'Neal.
We caught up with Adobe Senior Event Marketing Manager… more
Apr 23, 2024
The Events Industry Council (EIC) has formed a strategic sustainability partnership with venue development, hospitality services and solutions provider Oak View Group (OVG) to certify its entire convention portfolio of more than 60 venues in cities like Chicago, Dallas and Miami.
OVG’s convention center portfolio will be certified in accordance with the EIC Sustainable Event Standards, a collection of eight specific standards that assess events and industry suppliers on a wide range of sustainability criteria that support environmental and social responsibility.
The partnership — the… more
Apr 22, 2024
In celebration of Earth Day 2024, we want to share highlights from our latest podcast interview with Honeycomb Strategies CEO and ASM Global Chief Sustainability Officer Lindsay Arell. These 10 takeaways highlight the multifaceted approach to sustainability in events, encompassing operational changes, partnerships, transparency and a broader industry shift towards sustainable practices.
1. Integration of Sustainability Practices: Natural Products Expo West is one trade show that’s leading by example. The trade show has successfully integrated sustainability practices into nearly every aspect… more
Partner Voices
Just when it seems like Las Vegas can’t get any bigger, brighter or more exciting for groups, MGM Resorts raises the bar again. The company continues to invest and innovate across its portfolio of Las Vegas resorts, with new attractions and upgraded experiences for attendees of all interests.
Remodeled Guest Rooms
MGM Grand is the largest single hotel in the world with over 5,000 guest rooms and an 850,000-square-foot conference center. It is home to the newly remodeled MGM Grand Studio Tower—700 reimagined guest rooms with a fun mid-century vibe. Nearby, the iconic New York-New York Las more