News

Sep 21, 2021
Technology and live event professionals seem to come from two different worlds. One is comfortable pivoting, disrupting and scaling, while the other focuses more on human interaction, creativity and hospitality to build impactful live experiences. But with the ever-increasing crossover of technology into the events space, both parties will be joined at the hip moving forward as event clients demand more data proofs, ROI and results.  This “new normal” in the events industry begs the question: How can event planners and technology providers understand each other better in order to work more… more
Sep 21, 2021
In what was perhaps the strongest argument to date calling for the full return of in-person professional gatherings, leaders from the business and travel sectors joined together Sept. 15 at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. to deliver a powerful, data-driven, science-backed message: Travel for and participation in professional meetings, exhibitions and events can safely resume, and doing so will significantly accelerate America’s economic recovery.   Under the Let's Meet There initiative, the broad alliance included representatives of the American Society of Association Executives… more
Sep 20, 2021
The future is bright for the meetings and events industry in Mexico and Latin America, as evidenced by the recent in-person success of IBTM Americas, the leading annual event for the region’s meetings, incentives, conference and events industry. Held Aug. 18-19 at Centro Citibanamex in Mexico City and organized by RX Mexico, the two-day event hosted just under 8,000 business meetings and created an economic impact of more than 70 million Mexican pesos, according to IBTM officials.  More than 2,000 attendees participated in the bustling show, including more than 350 exhibitor and co-exhibitor… more
Sep 17, 2021
Gavin Escolar, a happy Uber driver, made $252,000 a year, only $36,000 of which came from his daily trips. The "Uberpreneur" made the extra money by using his car as a "showroom" for his jewelry design company. Much like Gavin, event profs too, try to make the most from organizing an event. Here are 5 ways for event profs to engage with customers and make that extra buck for their brand, virtually. Ticket sales - Ticket sales are like the mafia of events. Want to learn how to make pretty pennies from them at virtual events? Bifurcate ticketing based on: Early bird discounts VIP tickets… more
Sep 17, 2021
While the words “startup” and “epiphany” seem to go hand-in-hand nowadays, a pivotal moment of realization is not what inspired Adam Riggs to create Frameable and build out its suite of remote-first digital experiences, including its virtual and hybrid event platform, Social hour. “Many founder stories start with a magical ‘aha!’ moment—a sudden spark of inspiration an aspiring entrepreneur scribbles on a coffee shop napkin,” he said. “I don’t have one of those.” What Riggs does have is an incredibly varied career that has led him to reflect on learnings from his many prior roles, including… more
Sep 17, 2021
Naylor Association Solutions, a leading provider of innovative association tools and services that strengthen member engagement and increase non-dues revenue, recently unveiled the findings of its "2021 Association Communications Benchmarking Report.”  The 10th annual report analyzed survey data from 500 senior executives at North American trade associations, professional societies and association management companies, providing an inside look at how associations are navigating the impacts of COVID-19 on member engagement and communications, live and virtual events, staffing and non-dues… more
Sep 16, 2021
After realizing that he wasn’t ready to pursue a career in engineering, Phelps Hope dropped out of college and took a job as a bellman at a local hotel. The decision turned out to be a life-changing one, prompting him to leave his home country of Australia to study at the University of Denver’s Hotel & Restaurant Management School while starting his career at Marriott at the same time. But it wasn’t until he’d spent more than a dozen years holding key positions with Marriott, Sheraton, Hilton and Loews Hotels, that he decided to chase his true passion: meeting and event planning.   Forty… more
Sep 15, 2021
Dallas Market Center (DMC), global B2B trade center and wholesale marketplace, recently hosted the world’s largest trade events for western and equestrian buyers and brands. Held Aug. 26-29, the venue’s second edition of the biannual WESA International Western/English Apparel & Equipment Market overlapped with the collocated Dallas debut of the AETA International Trade Show, which was presented by the American Equestrian Trade Association and took place Aug. 24-27. Throughout the equine-themed marketplace, more than 1,000 western and equestrian lifestyle brands in temporary exhibits and… more
Sep 14, 2021
On Aug. 26, the PCMA Foundation recognized more than 20 business events industry leaders at the 2021 PCMA Visionary Awards, which honors exceptional industry professionals for their significant contributions to their organizations and the business events community.   Held at the Hilton Washington in Washington, D.C., the vibrant event hosted more than 500 guests, who celebrated with a red carpet experience, an awards show and an after party featuring Austin-based band, The Nightowls.  “The Visionary Awards is an opportunity to celebrate our amazing colleagues, while also supporting the PCMA… more
Sep 13, 2021
Meetings, events, travel and tourism industry leader, Connect is gearing up to launch a second signature conference next year. Set for May 22-24, 2022 at the Puerto Rico Convention Center, Connect Puerto Rico will host more than 2,000 meeting and event professionals at a multi-track event designed to serve as a hub for networking and business development for corporate, association and sports planners. Connect will host a second large-scale conference in Detroit, Aug. 8-10. The 2022 plans come on the heels of Connect’s successful 2021 marketplace in Tampa, Fla. Held Aug. 30-Sept. 1 at the… 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 in several key areas:  Protecting Natural Resources  MGM Resorts is home to industry-leading recycling, renewable electricity and water conservation programs. Some highlights include a cogeneration power plant at ARIA, producing ultra-efficient electricity; one of America’s largest contiguous rooftop solar arrays atop the convention center at Mandalay Bay; and onsite wells that provide water for the celebrated Fountains of Bellagio, avoiding reliance on precious Colorado River water. These efforts and many more save on natural resources while boosting attendee satisfaction.  Committed to Community  Always striving to be good neighbors, MGM Resorts works to avoid food waste and combat food insecurity with the Feeding Forward program. In partnership with local food banks, they safely divert unserved food to food insecure members of the community. Since 2016, over 5 million meals have been provided, highlighting MGM Resorts' commitment to minimizing food waste and addressing community needs.  MGM Resorts supports clients in their responsible-meetings efforts, not only with efficient venues but also waste-reducing décor and signage; sustainable food and beverage options; and outreach to help planners communicate sustainability efforts to attendees. What’s more, they offer a Mindful Meetings series that puts attendee wellness first—through fitness and mindfulness activities, and in give-back events with local charity organizations.   Fostering Diversity & Inclusion  To MGM Resorts, a diverse and talented workforce is essential to success. By cultivating innovative strategies that consider multiple perspectives and viewpoints, the company creates an inclusive workplace culture that benefits its employees and community. MGM Resorts takes pride in being a welcoming home for veterans, individuals with disabilities, people from diverse backgrounds, LGBTQ+ community members, and more. This commitment to inclusion is reflected in the company's recruitment and hiring practices and its social responsibility initiatives. From the workplace to the community, MGM Resorts' commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion remains unwavering, and its efforts continue to create a more equitable and sustainable world for all.  MGM Resorts offers unparalleled service and venue options while standing out for its proactive approach to sustainability and community engagement. Choosing MGM Resorts for your next meeting means aligning with a company that values social responsibility, efficiency, and attendee satisfaction, ensuring a meaningful and impactful event experience.