Apr 15, 2024
While exhibition rates are more broadly aligning with inflation this year, specific areas, such as material handling rates, continue to outpace inflation, according to the findings of the Annual Survey of Exhibition Rates. The Exhibitor Advocate — a non-profit organization dedicated to providing industry stakeholders with expert advice, research and tools to amplify the voice of exhibitors — has released its latest survey that analyzes labor and equipment costs across 24 major U.S. cities.
This year’s report demonstrates that while corporate events continue to be a valuable sales and… more
Apr 12, 2024
What are the top trends expected to have the biggest impact on the meetings and events industry in 2024 and beyond?
Meeting planners are expecting live event attendance to grow over the next three years, but they are also facing rising costs, a wider impact on destination selection due to politics and a growing importance of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) of meeting attendees and speakers, according to the 7th Annual State of the Meetings & Convention Industry.
Conducted by creative insights firm Future Partners in collaboration with travel and tourism strategic marketing… more
Apr 10, 2024
Visit Anaheim, the official destination marketing organization (DMO) for Anaheim, Calif., has appointed Mike Waterman as its new president and CEO, effective April 29. A hospitality industry veteran with more than 30 years of leadership and sales experience, Waterman comes to Anaheim from Visit Orlando, where he previously served as chief sales officer.
Upon assuming the helm of Visit Anaheim, Waterman will be responsible for developing, directing and overseeing the CVB as well as leading its efforts to draw conventions and visitors to the Anaheim area to bring economic growth to the… more
Apr 09, 2024
Three travel, tourism and event organizations and two leading hospitality companies recently announced strategic alliances and partnerships to benefit their members and audiences. Take a look!
Destinations International Forms New Partnerships
Destinations International (DI), a leading resource for destination organizations, has been establishing collaborative relationships with event and tourism organizations to spearhead business development efforts for its members.
Connect
The organization recently formed a multi-year partnership with Connect, a leading business-to-business events… more
Apr 05, 2024
After a nearly 20-year tenure at NYC Tourism + Conventions, Fred Dixon has been appointed president and CEO of the U.S.’s official destination marketing organization, Brand USA, effective July 15. He is succeeding Christopher Thompson, who announced his retirement in July 2023 and has held the role of president and CEO since 2012.
Bringing more than 30 years of experience along with a proven track record of leadership in the travel industry to his new role, Dixon currently serves as president and CEO of NYC Tourism + Conventions, New York City’s official destination marketing organization, a… more
Apr 02, 2024
As an annual international day of advocacy that showcases the incredible and undeniable value that business meetings, trade shows, incentive travel, exhibitions, conferences and conventions bring to people, businesses, communities and the global economy, Global Meetings Industry Day (GMID) will once again gather event industry professionals virtually and in person on Thurs., April 11 to communicate and celebrate the importance of the events industry.
An initiative of Meetings Mean Business (a division of U.S. Travel), the event is again being hosted virtually by Meeting Professionals… more
Apr 01, 2024
As wellness comes to the forefront for some corporate leaders, planners may be tasked with producing a retreat for their organization.
In fact, the corporate wellness market was valued at an estimated $61 billion in 2023, and this number is expected to rise to $85 billion by 2030, according to Fortune Business Insights.
Where are companies spending on wellness?
In 2024, employers are anticipating a greater investment in mental health solutions (91%), stress management and resilience tools (66%), telemedicine (65%), mindfulness and meditation programs (55%) and lifestyle spending accounts… more
Mar 29, 2024
For organizers who are truly serious about sustainability and lowering the environmental footprint of their trade shows, meetings and events, incorporating plant-forward menus is more than a culinary trend — it’s a strategic choice that aligns with broader societal shifts, especially among younger generations. By making this change, event organizers can not only enhance the attendee experience but also cut carbon and costs while contributing to a more sustainable and equitable world.
The demand for plant-based options is growing steadily, driven by a combination of health concerns,… more
Mar 28, 2024
Connect is building upon its reputation as a leading provider of experiences, business opportunities and inspiration through an enhanced media coverage offering. Effective immediately, Connect’s portfolio will expand to include:
• Trade Show News Network (TSNN), the prestigious online news outlet covering the exhibition, trade show, and events industries since 1996
• MeetingsNet, the award-winning publication for market-segmented meeting decision- makers planning meetings
• Corporate Event News, the media brand that reaches corporate event… more
Mar 28, 2024
Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) President and CEO Antonio Neri will be the first corporate leader to deliver a keynote address at Sphere in Las Vegas during HPE Discover 2024. On June 18, Neri will take the stage for the company’s gathering that kicks off on June 17 at the Venetian Convention and Expo Center.
Backstory: Since opening in Las Vegas in September 2023, Sphere has hosted concerts like U2 and Phish, as well as films like Postcards From Earth. Since then, UFC announced plans for the first sporting event inside the Sphere in September. HPE’s session will be the first corporate… 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