News

Sep 18, 2018
Eau Claire, Wisconsin is full of unique and unusual meeting spaces. On Sept. 22, another venue will be added to the list with the official opening of the long-awaited Pablo Center at the Confluence, the city’s new arts center. In addition to hosting performing arts and providing rehearsal, teaching and support space for the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire’s university's theater and music program, the venue will be available to rent for meetings and events. "In the last five years Eau Claire has really been making a name for itself as a meeting destination for those seeking the unique,”… more
Sep 17, 2018
To buy, or not to buy? That is the question — Which is more cost effective, to buy or rent booth structures for corporate exhibiting, and what about the custom rental option? It is such a dilemma. Chances are, if you’re responsible for managing your company’s exhibits and/or event marketing, you’ve thought about — or will think about — whether to buy or rent booth properties. Buy Your Own Many exhibit managers who have been in the industry for a while started with the tried-and-true 10’ x 10’ or 8’ x 10’ pop-up booth or pull-up banner stands as their go-to properties. While these could… more
Sep 14, 2018
 “Chautauqua” is an Iroquois word that is literally translated either as “a bag tied in the middle” or “two moccasins tied together,” and describes the shape of Lake Chautauqua, in Celoron, New York. Chautauqua Harbor Hotel is a new luxury property on the shores of that lake, in the area that gave rise to the Chautauqua Movement of educational and cultural centers in the late 1800s. Chautauqua Harbor Hotel, located on the nine-acre former site of the Celoron Amusement Park, is the newest addition to Hart Hotels' Harbor Hotel Collection, a portfolio of AAA Four Diamond properties operated by… more
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
Partner Voices
  MGM Resorts is renowned for its exceptional service and diverse venue options across Las Vegas, Detroit, Springfield, National Harbor, Biloxi, and Atlantic City, providing flexible spaces for meetings of any size. Beyond these offerings, MGM Resorts distinguishes itself through a strong commitment to social responsibility and sustainability, making it an ideal choice for your next meeting.  At the core of MGM Resorts' company values is its platform, "Focused on What Matters," dedicated to meeting customer needs while advancing socially responsible practices. This commitment is evident more