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Jun 23, 2017
Licensing professionals have come to expect a plethora of cutting-edge show features when they converge at the annual Licensing Expo in Las Vegas, including a bustling expo floor, keynotes, presentations, celebrity appearances, educational sessions and invite-only entertainment showcases.
But for the second year in a row, the world’s largest licensing event offered something even more compelling to help attendees and exhibitors make more meaningful, face-to-face business connections: matchmaking technology.
Conducted at its most recent event, held May 23-25 at the Mandalay Bay Convention… more
Jun 20, 2017
Maryland-based event management and marketing solution provider, a2z, Inc., has partnered with the Association of Government Accountants to offer its award-winning ChirpE Premium mobile app solution at all AGA chapter events.
This initiative will enable AGA members attending chapter education and leadership conferences to leverage a fully-functional, state-of-the-art mobile app solution to maximize their event experience.
“We are excited and honored to be AGA’s chosen partner for providing a fully-integrated mobile app technology to its chapter members across the globe,” said Rajiv Jain,… more
Jun 16, 2017
Detroit’s Cobo Center is working to stay ahead of the event technology curve by investing an additional $2 million in a network upgrade to support its 10-gigabyte (Gb) broadband offering.
The work includes the installation of 60 intermediate distribution frames (IDF) throughout the convention center that will reinforce and enhance the 10Gb broadband network now offered to Cobo Center customers.
“We are creating a network that will accommodate the largest technology power-using events in the industry,” said Claude Molinari, general manager of the Cobo Center, the… more
Jun 13, 2017
The Cincinnati USA Convention & Visitors Bureau recently was honored with an American Marketing Association Cincinnati Pinnacle Award for its Cincinnati Virtual Reality Experience.
The AMA’s “Best Use of Technology for SALES Enablement” award recognizes the innovative use of technology for driving sales initiatives, asset creation, relationship development, and conference and trade show participation.
Launched in 2016, the Cincinnati USA Virtual Reality Experience provides a motion-focused, guided tour through Cincinnati that showcases some of the city’s top… more
Jun 10, 2017
A 2014 study published by Cornell University’s Thomas Gilovich and Amit Kumar concluded that experiences are a better buy than things. People get more long-lasting satisfaction from vacations, concerts, and meals out than they do with say upgrading their car or buying a new gadget. Their research revealed that in an overwhelming material economy, experiences are valued by consumers as these foster social well-being and successful relationship building.
At the same time, other studies by leading groups, such as Think with Google, reveal that consumers interact with their devices… more
Jun 09, 2017
Smart City Networks has rolled out a nationwide upgrade of its wireless networking services that will enhance the speed and flexibility of wireless offerings at 39 convention centers and other venues it manages throughout the U.S.
The system-wide implementation of the MikroTik captive portal included installation of 234 new gateway devices at Smart City facilities designed to increase capacity and speed.
The upgrade means convention attendees will be able to log in to the gateway at a convention – much like they would at a coffee shop or airport – quicker than ever before,… more
Jun 02, 2017
Technology enjoyed an ample time in the spotlight at last month’s IMEX, held May 16-18 at Messe Frankfurt in Frankfurt, Germany.
One of the biggest tech highlights was the annual #IMEXpitch competition, which gives event professionals the chance to check out the rising stars of the event tech sector as new start-ups compete for audience attention and votes via live, five-minute presentations in front of an expert judging panel.
The five finalists showcased innovative technologies dedicated to business networking, streamlining travel, audience interaction, crowdsourcing of content and… more
May 31, 2017
The Outdoor Advertising Association of America, the trade association for the out of home (OOH) advertising industry, joined forces with event technology solutions company ACCESS Event Solutions and digital experience engine Blue Bite to deliver interactive engagements to attendees at the 2017 OAAA\ Geopath National Convention + Expo, held May 15-17 at the Hilton Riverside in New Orleans.
In an effort to engage attendees throughout the annual event, each conference badge was enabled with dual-sensor technology.
Attendees simply tapped their phones against their NFC-enabled badges to receive… more
May 25, 2017
American Quarter Horse Association Improves Event Communications with AlertMedia Notification System
Once upon a time, the American Quarter Horse Association relied on the antiquated method of using email to communicate with attendees and event staff during their world shows and events throughout the year.
As a result, the largest equine breed registry and membership organization struggled to provide real-time updates and other important notifications that were crucial to the success of their events.
Enter emergency notification system provider AlertMedia, which helped bring AQHA’s mass communications methods into the modern age via a user-friendly, two-way notification software… more
May 23, 2017
By their very nature, face-to-face events tend to draw and bring out the best in people with extrovert personalities. However, as Susan Cain mentions in this now very popular TED Talk “The Power of Introverts,” introverts bring extraordinary talents and abilities to this world, and we need to pay attention to what they think and do.
Much of the focus in the industry lately has been on the younger generations. But introverts can belong to any generation, and if they are coming to your event for the first time, then you may need to figure out how to identify and draw out the… more
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.