News

Jun 15, 2018
On May 30, Shepard launched eventVOICE, a voice-driven assistant designed specifically for events to enhance attendee experience, improve exhibitor engagement and help organizers work smarter. This tool is a template-based operating platform that boasts ease of set-up, personalized notifications, and a responsive artificial intelligence database - giving a broader range of event organizers the ability to respond to the demand for voice-first search customer experience.  “The launch of this service aligns with our strategic imperatives to provide clients with innovative solutions which … more
Jun 14, 2018
Situated in Southern Kentucky’s Cave Country and only an hour north of Nashville, Bowling Green, Kentucky is an interesting off-the-beaten-path option for your next small or mid-sized meeting or corporate retreat. Bowling Green’s Sloan Convention Center offers 60,000 square feet of meeting and pre-function space. Its 19,500 sq. ft. grand ballroom, which can be divided into four sections, has a reception capacity of 1,500 attendees. There are also six breakout rooms ranging from 350 to 2,600 sq. ft. The convention center has indoor access to the adjacent Holiday Inn University Plaza, which… more
Jun 12, 2018
The Corporate Event Marketing Association (CEMA) advances strategic event marketing and marketing communications for senior-level event marketers and industry professionals.   CEMA strives to offer programs to its members and the industry that help bring the community together through a spirit of sharing information and best practices. One such offering is the CEMA Study Tour program. CEMA Study Tours are truly unique. “It’s not a fam (familiarization trip) and it’s not just ‘fun’,” said Olga Rosenbrook, CEMA’s director of member services. “It’s education, networking and getting the… more
Jun 11, 2018
Most event technology is sold through business-to-business (B2B) channels. However, B2B sales processes can take more time than some planners have for smaller events.   To help ease the process, etouches is selling its LOOPD Smart Tags and mobile event apps on a new online store and also on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest. This new low-touch sales model presents a unique way for event professionals to buy enterprise event technology. The LOOPD Smart Tag enables attendees to network at an event without worrying about lead scanners, business cards, or session check-ins.  Acting as a digital… more
Jun 08, 2018
Forget talking about event technology, it's time to take action. Find out how a strategic event tech plan can fuel real results and ROI for your corporate event.  Join us June 28 at 1pm ET for a deep dive into the tools, techniques and talent you'll need to make your corporate event tech investment pay off with a complimentary webinar hosted by Core-apps. Register for this valuable webinar HERE. Learn more about: Tips for evaluating your current tech stack How to simplify your work flows for better team collaboration and efficiencies Consolidate! Suggestions for bundling tech and vendors… more
Jun 07, 2018
Last year, Meeting Professionals International (MPI), in conjunction with the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS4) developed the MPI Academy Emergency Preparedness for Meetings and Events Certificate Course. Now, MPI has created a new asset designed to serve as a reference tool for planners to use in developing safety and security plans and procedures.   “The Essential Guide to Safety and Security: Best Practices for Meeting and Event Planning 2018” contains best practices to help meeting and event planners identify vulnerabilities, protect assets and mitigate… more
Jun 07, 2018
The Eliza Jane, a 196-room hotel located just two blocks from the French Quarter, opened on Apr. 24, 2018 as the newest member of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand. The Unbound Collection by Hyatt launched in 2016 as a unique collection of new and existing luxury and upper-upscale properties offering unique stay experiences and story-worthy moments. The hotel is contained within nine historic warehouses that appear distinct on the outside but have been united inside. The Eliza Jane’s design team drew inspiration from many of the buildings’ original occupants: The Daily Picayune, the Gulf… more
Jun 06, 2018
Carlson Wagonlit released its latest CWT Safety & Security Study on May 31 – and the results might surprise you. Based on survey results, the lure of hotel rewards and incentives trumps safety concerns for three out of ten business travelers globally. To participate in the study, travelers were required to have made more than four business trips within the past 12 months, increasing the likelihood of their having preferred hotels or hotel chains. Forty-seven percent of the more than 2,000 travelers surveyed said they would choose hotel points over personal safety. Only 35 percent of… more
Jun 05, 2018
SPIN:Senior Planners Industry Network is encouraging meeting planner “veterans” to apply for SPIN:40 Over 40 2018, which recognizes and honors planners who are industry role models, influencers, innovators and pioneers. SPIN is the world’s largest association for senior-level planners. All hospitality professionals who have at least 10 years of experience are eligible to join. SPIN:40 over 40 was introduced in 2017, and the inaugural list of honorees was announced at SPINCon 2017. Nominations are being accepted from Jun. 1 to Jun. 25, 2018. Applicants must be at least 40 years old, have… more
Jun 04, 2018
A “pep rally,” according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, is an event before a school sports event that is meant to get students and fans excited and to encourage the team to win; also: a similar event in which speakers try to get a group of people excited and enthusiastic about something. Meeting Professionals International (MPI) drew upon both of those definitions when designing its 2018 World Education Congress (WEC), held in Indianapolis. Indianapolis, or Indy as it is affectionately called, is of course known for sports. The conference Pep Rallies replace the traditional keynote with… 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