“Reinventing Live” Explores the Future of Events
May 4, 2021
It’s now a matter of when, and not if, events return. That’s all that is certain. Change is coming, but in what form is anyone’s guess.
Two industry veterans with as much of an educated opinion on the future of events are Denzil Rankine, founder of and executive chairman of consulting firm AMR International, and Marco Giberti, a tech whiz who is founder and CEO of Vesuvio Ventures. The pair have written the book on where events are headed, “Reinventing Live: The Always On Future of Events,” which they will discuss in-depth with TSNN Editorial Director Matt Swenson during a webinar on May 11 at 11 a.m. EST.
As the title suggests, the authors “already had ideas about how events needed to change,” Rankine writes in an introduction to the book. “The pandemic merely became the catalyst, triggering the biggest turning point in the history of the global events industry and causing organizers and suppliers to be collectively concerned about their survival.”
Anyone involved in events should have used the past 14 months to evaluate their way of doing business. Are companies putting on the right kind of shows? Are exhibitors engaging attendees properly? Are planners able to see the big picture rather than organizing a set of education sessions broken up by meals and functions?
How those answers play out will dictate whether an event maintains lasting power — an onus that falls largely on the planner. See this excerpt from the book:
“Today’s organizers need to adapt to being more than just organizers. Their challenge will be to translate trusted brands, market knowledge, attendee databases, industry- supplier databases, and content into meaningful platforms that emulate and improve what we do in the physical world online. This means hybrid online- offline- online platforms will prompt communities to interact in many new ways.”
Rankine and Giberti interview a who’s who of industry experts in analyzing technology, revenue generation and more in this comprehensive examination. Those interviewed are impressed with the final results.
“This book elegantly bridges the legacy live exhibition business to what the authors call 'community catalyst’,” said Charlie McCurdy, president and CEO of Informa Markets. “The challenge is now with us, the exhibitions organizers of the world, to engage."
Said Douglas Emslie, Group Chief Executive of Tarsus: “Denzil’s and Marco’s book is an essential read for executives working their way through the digital change and looking to make sure they cover all the angles. This book is a key read in establishing your strategy for the future of your business.”
To register for the upcoming webinar, click here.
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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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