News
Aug 31, 2020
Following the implementation of a “back on track” reopening program that included new health and safety measures directed by a local task force, Indianapolis has seen a surge in meetings activity. In the four-week period following the July 7 reopening of Indiana Convention Center (ICC) — which recently spent $7 million on health and safety improvements — the city successfully hosted 18 meetings and events with a total of more than 40,000 attendees.
“With more than 50 percent of the nation’s population within a day’s drive of Indy, coupled with the health upgrades to our center, we’ve seen a… more
Aug 28, 2020
Despite a modified format, smaller footprint and lighter traffic than usual, the Summer 2020 Atlanta Market experienced a better-than-expected outcome. Held Aug. 13-18 at AmericasMart in downtown Atlanta, the biannual gift, home décor and lifestyle event experienced positive buying activity buoyed by extensive health and safety measures.
According to officials from International Market Centers, the world’s largest operator of premier showroom space for furniture, gift, home décor, rug and apparel industries, the event’s showroom-only appointment format took place in 74 percent (950) of its… more
Aug 27, 2020
To showcase measures being taken to support the safe return of in-person meetings and events, the Meetings Mean Business Coalition (MMBC) is enlisting corporate executives, policymakers and meetings industry leadership to engage in critical conversations in ongoing virtual discussions. The series, which premiered in July, will continue through this fall. Here are five highlights of conversations thus far:
1. Safety Comes First
The meetings and travel industry has been hard at work putting protocols in place so that those who want to meet in small numbers can do so safely, even now. Each… more
Aug 26, 2020
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events is moving forward with a different event model for this year’s Expo! Expo! IAEE’s Annual Meeting & Exhibition. Set for Dec. 8-10 at Kentucky International Convention Center in Louisville, the annual show for exhibition and event industry professionals will be produced as a hybrid event that will include a virtual and a live, face-to-face experience.
According to Scott Craighead, IAEE vice president of exhibitions and events, the virtual component will still allow attendees who are unable to participate in person the opportunity to… more
Aug 25, 2020
In an effort to update event professionals on the processes for meetings and events that have been redefined in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Marriott International has published a series of new materials on its Marriott Bonvoy Events site.
Part of Marriott’s “Commitment to Clean,” the new digital content highlights the latest sanitation guidelines, operational training for associates and conference technologies the company’s hotels have implemented to ensure groups can gather when they are ready. Included in the new materials are an informational video, customer stories and other… more
Aug 25, 2020
With a new report showing nearly one out of every four hotel commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS) loans are delinquent, industry leaders continue to press Congress to enact the HOPE Act. This bipartisan piece of legislation was introduced by Representatives Van Taylor (R-Texas), Al Lawson (D-Fla.), and Andy Barr (R-Ky.) to provide assistance to small businesses operating in the commercial real estate market.
As part of the push to pass the legislation, nearly 4,000 hotel industry leaders — including those from the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), Asian American Hotel… more
Aug 24, 2020
Joining the pack of annual trade shows and conferences that have been going virtual in recent months, JCK Events pulled off its first edition of JCK Virtual, an online version of the annual JCK Las Vegas and Luxury by JCK events for the global jewelry and watch industry. Held Aug. 10-14 with the theme “Reconnection,” the digital show offered global jewelry and watch buyers and suppliers a full slate of programming, including virtual networking and appointments, expert insights and education, and product discovery via virtual showrooms.
Upward of 5,000 jewelry industry professionals… more
Aug 21, 2020
New appointments, promotions and awards have kept leading industry names in the news this summer, despite the ongoing pandemic continuing to make deep impacts on events. Take a look at some positive news:
Susan Schwartz was named IAEE’s 2020 Legend of the Industry on Aug. 7. Each year, this award is selected from IAEE members who’ve made remarkable contributions in innovation and leadership. Schwartz is managing director and co-founder of ConvExx, an independent exhibition management company in Henderson, Nevada.
Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) named Dave Hilfman the organization’… more
Aug 20, 2020
To help exhibitions and events professionals return to the face-to-face business environment safely and effectively, the International Association of Exhibitions and Events has partnered with global cleaning industry association ISSA on a Global Biorisk Advisory Council technician training course. Designed to teach participants how to prepare for, respond to and recover from biohazards in the workplace, the GBAC Fundamentals Online Course: Cleaning & Disinfection Principles teaches the principles behind infection and contamination control measures for infectious disease outbreak… more
Aug 19, 2020
Thanks to strong health and safety measures and a new touchless registration system to protect event participants, more than 95 percent of permanent showrooms will be open for business during the August Market events at Dallas Market Center. This 5-million-square-foot wholesale marketplace for retailers and interior designers is located near downtown Dallas.
More than 800 permanent showrooms and 450 temporary spaces will be open during the Total Home & Gift Market, set for Aug. 19-25; and the Apparel & Accessories Market, KidsWorld and the Western & English Market, all three of… more
Partner Voices
Dallas already boasts 35,000 hotel rooms, award-winning global cuisine, and a walkable downtown. But we are just getting started.
Visit Dallas is thrilled to announce that the city of Dallas is doubling down with a massive new convention center and entertainment district. Featuring 800,000 square feet of exhibit area, 260,000 square feet of meeting rooms, and 170,000 square feet of ballroom. The center will connect business travelers with dining and shopping options in the popular Cedars District means more places to get down to business, and even more ways to unwind.
“Dallas is already a great meetings and conventions destination, with the accessibility of two major airports, affordable labor, and an outstanding hotel product,” said D. Bradley Kent, Visit Dallas senior vice president and chief sales officer. “The new center and Convention Center District will enhance Dallas’ competitive position and are exactly what our customers’ need and have been asking for."
What’s New – AT&T Discovery District
Located in the heart of Downtown Dallas, this new district on the AT&T corporate campus is tailor-made for groups of all sizes. It boasts a multi-sensory experience, including outdoor event space, the AT&T Theater, and multiple dining outlets including JAXON Beer Garden and The Exchange, a bustling food hall.
Hotels Coming Soon
Names like the JW Marriott (Downtown), lnterContinental Dallas (Uptown), and Hotel Swexan (Uptown) are adding luxury amenities and bountiful event spaces. The projects will debut in 2023 and beyond.
JW Marriott
This new, 15-story, 283-room hotel will open in the heart of the city’s downtown Arts District this year. The property features a 25,000-square-foot grand ballroom, as well as a spa, restaurant, lobby bar, fitness center, and a rooftop pool deck and bar.
InterContinental Dallas
Located in Cityplace Tower in Uptown, InterContinental Dallas will feature sweeping panoramic views of the Dallas skyline. Guests will enjoy spacious, high-end rooms and amenities, including more than 21,000 square feet of event space.
Hotel Swexan
Hotel Swexan, a new, 22-story luxury property, is rising in Uptown’s Harwood District and will make its mark on the Dallas skyline. Opening this year, it is a sculptural building with cantilevered upper floors, as well as a 75-foot rooftop infinity-edge swimming pool and a hidden underground lounge.