News
Jan 19, 2021
The first fully virtual CES put the spotlight on nearly 2,000 technology companies to see how the future is unfolding. In that regard, and in many other aspects, the event—proclaimed the largest digital industry event ever—was an unqualified success despite moving to an all-digital venue this year.
“CES showed how the pandemic accelerated the arc of innovation and illustrated the resilience and innovative spirit of our industry,” said Gary Shapiro president and CEO of the Consumer Technology Association, the group behind the annual mega-event, in a statement.
As trade shows have been forced… more
Jan 18, 2021
In an effort to speed the process of distributing COVID-19 vaccines, the hotel industry is offering its services to the incoming Biden-Harris administration.
Chip Rogers, president and CEO of the American Hotel & Lodging Association, sent a letter to the transition team detailing why hotels are well-positioned to assist the effort. Among the compelling arguments:
With 50,000 properties across the country, the hotel industry has the geographic reach to touch all Americans.
Hotels have available private rooms, meeting spaces, ballrooms, outdoor venues and more to administer shots without… more
Jan 14, 2021
Swapcard, the Paris-based leading AI-powered engagement and matchmaking platform for premium virtual and hybrid events, has acquired Avolio, Inc., a registration platform headquartered in Atlanta and its event management software, IPReg.
This move is the first step in Swapcard’s answer to the biggest challenge organizers are currently facing: finding one technology partner that can run all their virtual, hybrid and face-to-face events throughout the year.
Swapcard, which ran more than 1,570 successful virtual events in 2020, experienced unprecedented growth in 2020, with a 400% growth in… more
Jan 14, 2021
Emerald Expositions recently acquired the EDSpaces Trade Show & Conference from the Education Market Association.
“Through our alliance with Emerald, with its added resources and trade show creativity, we look forward to growing EDspaces and making it an even better investment for the exhibitors, buyers and our industry members,” said Lee Stapp, president of Officescapes and 2021 EDmarket chair of the board.
As part of the business agreement, EDmarket will remain committed to EDspaces by continuing to sponsor and support the event.
The EDmarket team will be working closely with the… more
Jan 13, 2021
If any destination knows about comebacks, it’s Puerto Rico.
“We have a Pd.D. in recovery,” joked Brad Dean, CEO of Discover Puerto Rico. “We’ve seen this movie before.”
First, it was Zika—that mosquito-bred virus that targets pregnant women and their unborn children. Hurricane Irma then brought its category 5 winds to the island. For good measure, Hurricane Maria brought Puerto Rico to the brink, putting water and electricity in short supply for months. And to think all of that was a warm-up act to what 2020 brought upon the entire world.
Through prior adversities, the island that could… more
Jan 12, 2021
Las Vegas Sands Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Sheldon G. Adelson passed away Monday evening after a two-year battle with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. He was 87.
Known as one of the most successful luxury resort developers and transformational figures in Las Vegas history, Adelson founded Las Vegas Sands Corp in 1988. Under his leadership, the company innovated the successful integrated resort and convention center development model that has since become a staple in the Las Vegas resort industry, and one that has been replicated in other leading destinations.
Said his wife, Dr. Miriam… more
Jan 11, 2021
Imagine an event in which attendees are not skittish to touch a surface. While many never gave such a simple movement a second thought before, it will be a point of interest in a post-COVID world.
But a new technology, XTI-360, could put the fear factor back in Pandora’s box. Through nano-coating, seeping into the pores of surfaces, the product kills germs essentially on contact. The company pledges that any product sprayed is safe for up to one year.
“The general idea of this is to substitute technology with human behavior,” explained Joel Hartstone, CEO and chairman of XTI-360. “This lets… more
Jan 11, 2021
IMEX announced on Monday that it is cancelling its annual trade show and conference in Frankfurt this year. The prestigious trade show and conference was scheduled to be held in Frankfurt, Germany, May 25-27.
In making the announcement, IMEX Group Chairman Ray Bloom and CEO Carina Bauer said that the organization believed the pace of the coronavirus recovery would prohibit the type of event attendees are used to experiencing.
According to the statement, “We still believe wholeheartedly that a resurgence will come, but sadly we do not believe it will happen in time for us to deliver a strong… more
Jan 07, 2021
Leading travel and hospitality associations, many based in and around Washington, D.C., swiftly released statements condemning Wednesday’s violent attack on the U.S. Capitol.
A large group of protestors stormed the iconic structure, breaking windows, defacing the building and temporarily halting the certification of President-elect Joe Biden’s electoral college victory. At least four people died, many more injured and more than a dozen have already been arrested.
Congress ultimately reconvened and completed the process of certifying Biden as the next president. He is to be sworn in on Jan… more
Jan 07, 2021
It was a dark and stormy night. The internet connection in Maor Ezer’s Israeli home kicked out only for the senior vice president of marketing at WalkMe to return to a Zoom call via a mobile hotspot.
The scenario speaks to 2020’s challenges and the rewards that can be reaped by those agile enough to quickly adapt from business as usual.
In the case of WalkMe, a digital adoption platform, the decision was to build fast, with company leaders like Ezer believing their product is a solution to challenges that have been amplified during the pandemic.
Conceived when CEO and Co-founder Dan Adika… 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.