News
Dec 04, 2020
In an effort to speed the pace of recovery in Indianapolis, Visit Indy has pooled together its tech partners to offer discounted prices for citywide hybrid meetings.
The CVB says it is the first in the nation to present citywide discounts on audiovisual and WiFi. Planners who take advantage of the offer can receive 25 percent off WiFi and 10 percent off AV equipment. Thirteen venues, including Indiana Convention Center and a mix of hotels, are participating.
Visit Indy’s discount is available for events booked by the end of next year and held by Dec. 31, 2022.
As a destination designed… more
Dec 04, 2020
While the 2020 edition of Expo! Expo! IAEE’s Annual Meeting and Exhibition will look different this year, that doesn’t mean the first-ever virtual “show for shows” isn’t going to be packed with tons of valuable content, business and engagement opportunities.
Set for Dec. 8-10, the annual trade show and conference will once again offer exhibition and events industry professionals the chance to learn about the latest, top-of-mind industry trends and technology, participate in special events and network with like-minded professionals as the industry looks toward a brighter future after one of… more
Dec 03, 2020
Destinations International has released two studies that look at key issues facing the travel industry. The first focuses on the role destination organizations play in advancing equity, diversity and inclusion, while the second—conducted with Longwoods International—examines the perception of the travel industry by U.S. residents.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
A follow-up to the baseline data compiled in 2019, DI’s 2020 Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Study on Destination Organizations found a need and desire for destination organizations to drive growth in diverse leadership… more
Dec 02, 2020
In a sign of the times, NAB Show is springing forward with a back-loaded plan for 2021.
Traditionally a springtime event in Las Vegas, the National Association of Broadcasters’ largest gathering will be held Oct. 9-13, 2021, at the renovated and upgraded Las Vegas Convention Center. The event was originally scheduled for April 11-14, a period that falls into a window of “growing concern and uncertainty,” said NAB President and CEO Gordon Smith in a statement announcing the move.
The show’s move is not surprising, and could signify one of many trade shows to rearrange their schedules to buy… more
Dec 01, 2020
The slow-moving transition of power in Washington, D.C., is causing far more damage than anguish and partisan bickering.
With hopes dimming on a new stimulus package before the new year, the American Hotel & Lodging Association reports stalled negotiations are endangering properties that have survived the pandemic so far.
A new survey shows dim health predictions before a vaccine is released, combined with economic hardship, point toward closures and significant layoffs within six months. That is, unless the federal government passes new relief measures.
“Every hour Congress doesn’t… more
Nov 30, 2020
Trade Show News Network (TSNN) is thrilled to welcome Matt Swenson on board as editorial director.
Swenson will be overseeing TSNN, the top online news source in the trade show industry, as well as Corporate Event News, for corporate event planners.
“Matt has a strong background in not only journalism, but also the meetings and events industry,” said EVP of Business Development, Tarsus US and Tarsus Media President Rachel Wimberly.
She added, “The TSNN and Corporate Event News teams are excited to work with Matt and look forward to providing high-quality content to our extensive… more
Nov 29, 2020
According to colleagues who have known him for years, Ed Nichols is a force for making things happen in the trade show industry. As vice president of events for Hannover Fairs USA, this 24-year industry veteran says he not only loves the challenge of launching, acquiring and growing events to meet the needs of exhibitors and attendees, but also the incredible people who comprise this dynamic industry. TSNN sat down with Nichols to learn how he and his teams have been fairing during the COVID era, what he expects for the industry going forward and why he can’t imagine doing anything… more
Nov 25, 2020
With virtual elements taking an increasingly prominent role in the events industry, new digital technologies continue to emerge to aid planners with the various components involved in a meeting or exhibition.
Here are four recently launched tools that help organizers in everything from site selection and exhibit booth design to networking and awards.
IFEMA Virtual Site Tour
Madrid-based IFEMA launched a new digital tool that offers a 360-degree virtual tour of the indoor and outdoor spaces, rooms and halls at its Feria de Madrid and IFEMA Palacio Municipal meeting venues. The new… more
Nov 25, 2020
Many of us will not be celebrating this year’s Thanksgiving in the same way we’re used to. But while life may not go “back to normal” for quite some time, it’s important to find things to be grateful for to keep our spirits up as we move into the season of giving. Here, event industry leaders share what they’re thankful for this year – professionally and personally – despite one of the most challenging years on record.
David DuBois, president and CEO, IAEE
“As we begin to make our way into the extended holiday season, I would like to thank everyone in our industry for doing our best to… more
Nov 24, 2020
Due to continued concerns for the health and safety of its members, industry partners, volunteer leaders, staff and other stakeholders during the COVID-19 pandemic, the American Society of Association Executives will continue to hold its events virtually through February 2021.
This decision means that all ASAE events including the CEO Symposium programs scheduled in January and February; an Exceptional Boards program in January and ASAE’s Great Ideas Conference, which was scheduled to take place Feb. 21-23 in Salt Lake City, will be held online. The next in-person edition of Great Ideas will… 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 Vegas Hotel & Casino recently completed a $63M redesign and remodel of its 1,830 guest rooms and 155 suites.
Down the street, Bellagio Las Vegas is sporting renovated rooms in the Spa Tower with sunrise-inspired decor and luxurious soaking tubs in Premier King rooms after a $110-million transformation.
Reinvented Luxury Experiences
The Luxury Meetings District, made up of Bellagio Las Vegas, ARIA Resort & Casino, Vdara Hotel & Spa, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, Park MGM and NoMad Las Vegas, is now more connected than ever before. A new interior walkway opened this October for a seamless attendee experience – connecting Vdara, Bellagio, and The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, guests can now walk from Park MGM to Bellagio in around 15 minutes.
New on the scene in the Luxury Meetings District is Cathedrale at ARIA, TAO Group’s upscale establishment specializing in exquisite French-Mediterranean cuisine offering elevated private dining experiences that opened in May.
Heralded by World’s Best 50 Restaurants, GQ and VOGUE, LPM at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas is opening this fall and will deliver its signature spontaneity and imaginative celebration of France’s Mediterranean cuisine, art, and culture to the unique luxury resort in impeccable fashion.
A “New Wave for Mandalay Bay
A new wave of enhancements and experiences has arrived at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, including Flanker Kitchen + Sports Bar, an 8,445-square-foot restaurant that opened this June, perfect for pre- and post-game eats and drinks. Event planner’s favorite, Chef Michael Mina’s StripSteak, received a full renovation and now includes one of the largest private dining rooms on The Strip. Retro by Voltaggio debuts a one-year residency with a fun take on pop culture of the 80s and 90s with classic American dishes. An exciting addition planned for 2024 is Swingers, a 40,000-square-foot oasis of street food, miniature golf and art at Mandalay Bay.
Most exciting for meeting planners, the 2.1 million-square-foot Mandalay Bay Convention Center is undergoing a complete refresh, with lightened space, added eye-catching art, and improved technology infrastructure for even more flexible space. Energy-efficient digital signage now leads the way with faster internet speeds and new AV options.
From renovated guest rooms and meeting spaces to celebrated dining options and dedicated teams, MGM Resorts is dedicated to delivering exceptional and innovative meeting experiences.