News
Mar 08, 2018
People want to work smarter, not harder: leveraging technology to reduce repetitive administrative tasks seems like a clear path to getting there. Potential applications of artificial intelligence (AI) within the events industry also focus on the win-win concept of gathering data to provide an improved, personalized customer experience.
Sciensio promises all of that with their EventBot chatbot, specifically developed for events. One might even be tempted to say “who” was developed for events: it is easy to personify the technology. Event organizers can give the bot a name, specific tone (for… more
Mar 06, 2018
Opus Agency, a provider of global event experiences, announced its acquisition of CRG Events on Mar. 6, 2018. Established in Seattle in 1984, CRG is known for its comprehensive event management service offering including event logistics, event registration and onsite management.
CRG specializes in corporate conferences, meetings, product launches, roadshows, recognition/reward programs and tradeshow management. CRG clients include the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Microsoft, Columbia Sportswear and Unity.
Monte Wood, CEO of Opus, said that adding CRG to the Opus family was an easy… more
Mar 06, 2018
Hilton has expanded its hotel footprint into Vail, Colorado. On Mar. 1, the DoubleTree by Hilton Vail opened for business. The completely renovated landmark property, located less than two miles from Vail Ski Resort, features 116 modern guest rooms with complimentary WiFi and 2,782 square feet of meeting and banquet facilities.
The property offers three event spaces. The Terrace Ballroom features 1,935 sq. ft. of event space and can accommodate up to 200 guests theater-style or for a reception. The ballroom overlooks the patio and pool area, which can be booked as an adjoining option for an… more
Mar 05, 2018
Meeting Professionals International (MPI) is the largest meeting and event industry association worldwide. The association’s mission statement is to provide the best education, experiences and relationships to help members produce the best meetings and events.
MPI Chapters provide an education and networking link between members in a specific locality, including newsletters, directories, and monthly educational programs. Many chapters also host a yearly educational event designed to bring together local members.
The largest chapter within MPI is the Northern California Chapter (NCC), with… more
Mar 02, 2018
The Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) has released its 2018 Marketing Spend Decision Report, new research profiles marketing practices among business-to-business (B2B) exhibitors of all organizational sizes.
Exhibiting remains the largest slice of the marketing budget, but integrated marketing is key to the strategy at most corporations. Sixty-eight percent of exhibitors surveyed also allocated marketing dollars to digital channels. Free or low-cost channels, such as e-mail promotion and social media topped the list.
The report indicates that top objectives for B2B exhibiting… more
Mar 02, 2018
As the events industry continues to be tasked with making the case for the value of face-to-face meetings and events, a new report commissioned by the Events Industry Council (EIC) has been released that will not only help the industry drive that case home but also prove what it has long known to be true: the meetings and events sector is critical to a healthy and thriving national economy.
According to the Economic Significance of Meetings to the US Economy, conducted by independent global advisory firm, Oxford Economics, and supported by the Meetings Mean Business Coalition and other… more
Mar 01, 2018
Global brand design and brand experience consultancy Elmwood has acquired digital design agency Framework Creative. The London-based agency specializes in the design and production of virtual brand experiences using the latest immersive, simulation technologies, including augmented reality and virtual reality.
Framework Creative specializes in design for digital and immersive technology. Framework works directly with end-clients, as well as through other agencies having designed for clients like Ikea (through BWP Group), Virgin Holidays (through Big Bear X and YourStudio), Dell (through… more
Feb 27, 2018
ARIA Resort & Casino has completed the expansion of its convention center, adding 200,000 sq. ft. of space over four floors of the hotel. The new space incorporates features including views, natural light, outdoor areas and non-traditional meeting areas.
The $170-million-dollar construction project began in May 2016, and the expansion was completed in Feb. 2018, increasing the footprint of the convention space to 500,000 sq. ft. The new space officially opened on Feb 15.
I asked Tony Yousfi, ARIA’s vice president of sales, why meeting organizers might choose ARIA when there is such a… more
Feb 26, 2018
Guidebook, Inc. has launched new Integrations and an Open API that enables event planners and organizations to seamlessly connect CRM, event registration and marketing automation software with their mobile event apps.
A self-service event app builder platform, Guidebook makes it easy for users to create, customize and manage mobile apps for events of all types and sizes using simple, built-in features and templates.
According to Guidebook officials, the company’s plug-and-play Integrations further extend the mobile app platform’s ease of use without the need for developer resources to… more
Feb 23, 2018
The San Diego Convention Center has selected ON Site, a division of ON Services, as its preferred provider of audio-visual services and its exclusive provider of production rigging and in-house sound. The contract will begin May 1, 2018.
Owned by GES, ON Services is a leading provider of global live event audio visual services that include AV design, lighting, projection mapping and scenic design services. ON Site provides in-house audio-visual and technology services to convention centers, hotels and resorts across the United States.
The San Diego Convention Center hosts conventions, trade… 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