Events Industry Veteran Mary Larkin Joins Arc as Americas CEO
March 29, 2023
Global B2B events, data and media platform Arc, which is backed by investment funds managed by EagleTree Capital, has tapped 25-year events industry veteran Mary Larkin as Americas CEO and Executive Committee member. In her new leadership role, she will be responsible for leading the company’s Americas businesses on its growth journey and will work alongside Americas Executive Vice President Tim Hart to further develop Arc’s North American business.
The announcement comes on the heels of two U.S.-based acquisitions that Arc has made within the past seven months that have added substantial scale to the business and added a large international footprint to the network. These include HighQuest Group, which includes media and events in agribusiness and investing sectors, and ETC, the HR technology and education media and events portfolios of LRP.
“I’m delighted to welcome Mary to Arc,” said Simon Foster, Arc Group CEO. “She brings a wealth of experience in growing event portfolios and developing strong content-centric membership communities. I have long admired the passion and commitment that Mary brings to the industry, to her customers and to her teams. I’m looking forward to working with her on developing our U.S. business and having her counsel and experience on our Executive Committee.”
An events and media industry veteran for more than two and a half decades, Larkin joins Arc from Diversified Communications, where she has served as the U.S. lead for the past five years, building her career through brand, portfolio and divisional leadership roles. She has worked across several B2B sectors, including overseeing Diversified’s flagship seafood group, where she was responsible for national and international development, and expansion of the portfolio and industry news platforms.
An active member of the events community, Larkin has served as chair of industry associations UFI and SISO. She is an avid supporter of cross-industry initiatives promoting women in events, increasing diversity and inclusion and promoting event sustainability.
“Arc has posted an impressive track record in building its platform, but I am particularly excited to join the network because it has chosen to build with strong, community-focused brands in responsible and sustainable sectors,” Larkin said. “This is a group that is focused on the long-term success of the communities it serves as well as that of the brands and teams who passionately deliver those meaningful connections.”
She added, “There is so much potential with these incredible products and the wider network, and I am looking forward to working with the team to develop the possibilities.”
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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.
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