New Tech Tools Help Planners Along Each Stage of an Event
November 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 technology, created with Recorrido Virtual and available on any device, also allows meeting planners to book and reserve space and receive comprehensive advice throughout the process from IFEMA staff without having to travel to the site.
Convey Services Cloud Exhibit
Convey Services expanded its Cloud Conventions platform with the launch of Cloud Exhibit, the digital version of a custom trade show booth. “Large corporations and big sponsors asked us to develop a way for them to have a custom exhibit inside any virtual event space,” said Bruce Ahern, founder of Convey Services. “They didn't like the flat environment many virtual environments provide.”
The new universal, portable, virtual Cloud Exhibit environment was designed to improve branding and enhance the attendee experience for companies sponsoring or exhibiting at any virtual event, regardless of the platform used. Cloud Exhibit also can showcase products and services by selectively displaying from a collection of formats and assets to match every audience.
Glue Up Speed Networking Tool
Glue Up (which recently changed its name from EventBank) debuted a new Speed Networking Tool designed to help businesses and professionals connect in a virtual environment. The new platform boasts a fully immersive virtual networking experience that allows clients to host meet-ups, exchange business cards and socialize with one another all online and all in one place.
“This feature is like speed dating for professionals,” said Olivia Ji, president and co-founder of Glue Up. “Instead of looking for a date, you are looking for a person that will help expand your business, professional goals, increase revenue, etc.”
Evessio Awards Room
Recently launched by Evessio, the Awards Room was designed to provide an ideal hybrid experience by combining physical and digital award ceremonies. “Our aim was to create a product for organizers that has it all in one place,” said Thomas Howie, COO of Evessio. “We believe it really does offer a truly global extension to their event brand.”
The Awards Room allows organizers to invite audiences from anywhere in the world and provides sponsors with exposure throughout the ceremony regardless of whether they are in the room or on the screen. The platform also allows networking opportunities and sponsor package ideas, among other tools.
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.
Add new comment