Jun 27, 2019
New York City has been making tourism headlines this summer for the big debut of Hudson Yards, which officially opened in March as the city’s newest neighborhood. It has more than 100 shops and restaurants, plus offices, 14 acres of outdoor space, public art and new cultural institutions like The Shed. It will also be home to the world’s first Equinox Hotel next month. Read on for more ideas on where to plan in Hudson Yards and beyond in the Big Apple. Open Now Those with corporate or individual membership, as well as nonprofits, can hold events at The Shed, the latest cultural space within… more
Jun 10, 2019
Adding a page to the comeback story of Puerto Rico, Connect announced it has selected the destination as host of Connect 2021. Formerly known as Collinson Media & Events (and also now owned by Corporate Event News’ parent company, Tarsus Group), Connect is known for its national marketplace-style shows for meeting planners in the corporate, sports, diversity, association and faith sectors. Connect 2021 is expected to bring 3,500 planners, suppliers and other industry leaders to Puerto Rico for face-to-face meetings, education, networking and its signature lively receptions. “We are… more
May 30, 2019
When Brad Dean, previously president and CEO of Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce for nearly two decades, had the opportunity to take the reins as CEO of the newly formed Discover Puerto Rico in May 2018, it seemed to be the perfect fit. After all, his wife was from the island; he knew the area somewhat well; and he’s never been one to shy away from a challenge — which was important, because he certainly had his work cut out for him. We caught up with Dean, who just received the 2019 Destinations International Destination Organization Leadership Award, to learn about the progress he’s… more
May 15, 2019
The 671-room Encore Boston Harbor was scheduled to open its doors on June 23, but that opening may now be delayed until July according to Wynn Resorts CEO Matthew Maddox. The $2.6 billion resort and casino, which is located four miles from downtown Boston in Everett, Mass., is reportedly the country’s most expensive resort development of 2019. The casino was in question for a time due to the sexual misconduct scandal involving former CEO and chairman Wynn Resorts owner Steve Wynn, but in late April the Massachusetts Gaming Commission ruled that Wynn Resorts could keep its gaming license.… more
May 13, 2019
The city of Madison, Wisconsin, while less than half the size of Milwaukee, has a lot of things going for it. For one, it has one of the best farmer’s markets in the United States (visit in July and you’ll see what we mean). It also sits right on Lake Mendota, making it a prime spot for water recreation; ranks among the top five healthiest cities in the country; and has a creative, energetic vibe thanks to University of Wisconsin-Madison. It makes sense that many trade show organizers and meeting planners want to capitalize on all of those amenities by hosting events in Madison (among the… more
May 08, 2019
MGM Springfield, Massachusetts’ first resort and casino, opened in August 2018. The 250-room, $960 million resort takes up three city blocks in downtown Springfield and blends in with the surrounding real estate and overall feel of the city. Like its Las Vegas brethren, MGM Springfield offers far more than just a casino experience. If gambling isn’t your thing, not to worry: in the sleeping rooms and meeting space, it’s almost possible to forget that there is a casino floor (and a good-sized one, at that) nearby. Kimberly Altobelli, national sales manager for MGM Springfield, says that the… more
May 01, 2019
The 19-story Hilton Rochester Mayo Clinic Area, located just blocks from Minnesota’s Mayo Civic Convention Center and Mayo Clinic, opened its doors on Apr. 16. Designed to reflect nature, with tile, stone and wood elements, each of the hotel’s 264 guest rooms features Cambria countertops with a custom-designed stone pattern. The focal point of the lobby is a giant master staircase with handcrafted wooden rails and granite stairs. Guests can take advantage of the hotel’s 24-hour fitness center, heated indoor infinity pool, whirlpool, sauna and steam room. For those who prefer outdoor… more
Apr 25, 2019
America’s Center Convention Complex in St. Louis is about to get a major makeover. On April 16, the St. Louis City Council joined the City of St. Louis’ Board of Aldermen in approving the AC Next Gen Project, an estimated $175 billion plan that will update, modernize and expand the multi-venue complex to ensure its place as an economic and employment driver for the region.  The ACCC currently comprises the 42-year-old Cervantes Convention Center, St. Louis Executive Conference Center, The Dome at America’s Center and Ferrara Theater. Proposed last fall, the project will include the addition… more
Benzinger Family Winery
Apr 11, 2019
Wine regions around the country have many beautiful hotels and gorgeous convention spaces to choose from. But when you’re searching for a more unique corporate event venue, perhaps for a board retreat, more unusual locales can fit the bill. Check out these five inspiring locations — with outstanding vino, to boot. Benziger Family Winery When Heather Pilcher of Blue Spark Event Design was searching for a unique venue for a makeup/skincare client based in New York City, she turned to this winery in Sonoma for its wine cave. Held last May, the event included a happy hour, a three-course plated… more
Javits Center
Apr 04, 2019
Implementing sustainable practices isn’t just good for the environment, it’s also good for business, as many convention centers have discovered. According to the 2017 Green Venue Report (the 2018 report has not yet been released), event venues are saving millions of dollars each year thanks to sustainability upgrades through energy, waste or water conservation programs. Energy tracking for events is also improving, with 88 percent of venues surveyed reporting doing so. Yet technology is constantly changing, and what was good (or good enough) a few years ago is likely behind the times now.… 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