News

Sep 13, 2018
In the wake of the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements, addressing workplace harassment has never been more important or timely, including in the events industry. To address this pressing issue, the Events Industry Sexual Harassment Task Force will be hosting its first webinar on Sept. 26 at 11 a.m. ET, which is free and open to the public, with attendance within the events industry encouraged. Titled “Understanding and Eliminating Workplace Harassment,” this interactive webinar will define workplace harassment, review the different types of sexual harassment and give participants a chance to make… more
Sep 12, 2018
Event registration and ticketing platform company Eventbrite plans to go public. The company filed for an initial public offering (IPO) on Aug. 23, stating that it intends to raise $200 million from sales of its Class A shares. Goldman Sachs, J.P. Morgan, Allen & Company and RBC Capital Markets are underwriting the IPO, and Eventbrite stock will be listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) with the ticker symbol “EB.”   On Sept.7, Eventbrite announced that it plans to sell 10 million shares priced at $19 to $21 each, to raise $200 million at the midpoint of that range. The valuation… more
Sep 11, 2018
On Aug. 13, Governor Rick Smith declared a state of emergency in seven counties along the Florida Gulf Coast, and the red tide continues to have a negative impact on the state’s shores and beaches. The toxic algae bloom is responsible for a drop in tourism that many local businesses worry will continue. The red tide is a natural phenomenon that has been documented since the 1500s. However, this most recent occurrence has been particularly troublesome. The harmful algae bloom (the term that scientists prefer) emits toxic gasses that have killed a vast quantity of marine life. These gasses and… more
Sep 07, 2018
IMEX America, America’s worldwide exhibition for incentive travel, meetings and events, will be held Oct. 16 – 18 at the Sands Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada. Now in its eighth year, IMEX America 2018 will bring together more than 12,000 event professionals from around the world. The event is free for event professionals to attend.  If you regularly plan or manage large events domestically or globally, there are also options to apply to attend as a hosted buyer. All expenses are paid, and in return, planners commit to a minimum number of scheduled meetings with the suppliers of their choice.… more
Sep 06, 2018
The International Live Event Association (ILEA)’s annual ILEA Live conference, held Aug. 16-18 in Denver, Colo., brought together 505 creative event professionals from around the globe for two and a half days of educational content and networking. “The event continues to be a rich setting for live event professionals to exchange ideas about managing their event business, build relationships and learn from education sessions addressing relevant industry trends and the business of creativity,” said Sara Grauf, CSEP, ILEA International president. During a special evening gala event held on Aug… more
Sep 04, 2018
As the exhibitions industry continues to surge full speed ahead, more and more destinations are recognizing the need to upgrade, revamp and expand their convention centers in order to compete for major trade shows and events.  These days, myriad facilities are celebrating ground breakings, undergoing new construction projects or anticipating grand openings, while others have put their plans on hold.  Here are some of the major U.S. convention centers proposing, building and completing bigger, better, state-of-the-art spaces. Caesars Forum On July 16, Caesars Entertainment broke ground on … more
Aug 31, 2018
While a reopening of one hotel is always interesting, the reopening of two sister properties is doubly so. The adjacent Westin Carlsbad Resort and Spa and Sheraton Carlsbad Resort and Spa recently reopened after extensive renovations, offering new opportunities for corporate events. “These hotels each stand on their own or can be combined for an event that will set the bar for your organization,” said Katie Goldberg, marketing manager for the Westin Carlsbad Resort and Spa and Sheraton Carlsbad Resort and Spa. “Each property has distinct features that provide many options to event managers… more
Aug 30, 2018
Exhibiting internationally is a big opportunity for many marketers looking for global awareness. But for even the most experienced trade show managers, exhibiting in another country can bring unexpected challenges.   Exhibitors can’t simply replicate what they’ve done in the United States.  It’s important to understand the differences in meeting experiences in different countries and know the best strategies and tools to use to address these nuances.  There are three key areas to focus on to prepare for international exhibiting: exhibit stand space, construction and services; budget and… more
Aug 28, 2018
The International Live Events Association (ILEA)’s annual conference, ILEA Live, was held Aug. 16-18 in Denver, Colo. The event, and the association itself, brings together creative event professionals from across all industries. The common theme across all these event disciplines is the need to provide transcendent, immersive experiences. People today are looking for more than just an old-school event with a single screen and classroom-style lecture presentation. They want their event to stand out from the crowd and are looking for ways to turn that idea into reality. The featured keynote… more
Aug 27, 2018
Springfield, Mass. has a rich history of innovation. From Webster’s (now Merriam-Webster’s) dictionary to the first American gasoline-powered automobile to basketball, the city has spawned numerous inventions during its 375-year history — in fact, its nickname is “The City of Firsts.” Now, the city has another first to add to the books, with the opening of the state’s first resort and casino. MGM Springfield ushers in a new era for Massachusetts, not too long ago a state with blue laws prohibiting the sale of alcohol on Sundays. The 250-room MGM Springfield takes up three city blocks in… 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