Event Tech Live Opens Registration for First In-Person U.S. Show; Unveils New Competition and Call for Speakers

Event Tech Live (ETL), which was founded 10 years ago and has been held annually in London, is revving up for its grand in-person entrance in the U.S. with a Las Vegas edition this spring—the only conference and exhibition in the country focused exclusively on event technology.

VSef Makes New Versions of Standards Guides for Event Data Available for Download and Implementation

Responding to the event industry’s need for a standardized data structure and communications protocol for digital, in-person and hybrid events, global assurance provider BPA Worldwide announced that versions 2.0 of the VSef (Virtual Standard Export Format) Standards Guide and VSef API Standards Guide are now available to download, review and implement. 

Event Tech News: Bizzabo Certification, Notified Benchmarking Report and ETA Call for Submissions

The event tech landscape continues to evolve as the industry approaches a new year. From security and trust certification to a virtual event and webinar benchmarking report to the opening of award submissions, check out the latest happenings with Bizzabo, Notified and the Event Tech Awards.

Tech Giants: venueScout’s Jimé Essink on His Big Transition, Seamlessly Uniting Organizers, Venues and Suppliers, and the Future of Events

After being introduced to trade shows 40 years ago during his first job in public relations for the Netherlands Chambers of Commerce, Jimé Essink has had a prolific career in the trade show and conference industry, and his enthusiasm for events has never waned.  

Tech Giants: Metavent’s Anna Marie Rembold on Connection, Leadership, the Evolution of Events and Sustainable Balance  

Ever since she can remember, Anna Marie Rembold has been gathering people—starting with being the wrangler and organizer of friends as a kid, to organizing large groups of youth, to applying that passion to the corporate world.

“I absolutely love people, and I love—like it’s new every time—seeing the power of people gather and make connections,” Rembold said. “Those connections power the world, and that’s inspiring."

Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.    Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.    Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.   The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.    MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.     MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.