Tech News

Jan 20, 2020
Last month, Events Industry Council launched the EIC Knowledge Hub, a new online learning platform for event professionals designed to be a go-to source for the latest education, best practices, courses and trends. Besides allowing users to access the organization’s extensive education archive, the new hub complements EIC’s other educational resources, including webinars, industry research and live events. “The new hub allows current and those interested in becoming Certified Meeting Professionals the opportunity to easily access, track and advance their learning,” said Amy Calvert, CEO of… more
Jan 14, 2020
Every successful corporate event is powered by suppliers. Once you’ve found the right agency and/or suppliers to work with you, it’s impossible to underestimate the importance of the partnerships — because that’s truly what these relationships are. Together, you can make your events greater. Siemens Digital Industries Software (DI SW) has worked with InVision Communications since 2014 to ensure consistent, high-impact performance for their portfolio of 20 global events each year. We spoke with Lynn Randall, senior solutions strategist at InVision, about the relationship between the two… more
Jan 07, 2020
As more companies begin implementing virtual customer service agents to assist attendees at events, tech companies specializing in conversational artificial intelligence software are getting busier. Case in point: Boost.ai, which recently supplied an AI bot to Slush — a leading international startup and technology event held each year in Helsinki, Finland — to positive results.  Nicknamed Botzilla, the virtual assistant tapped Boost.ai’s proprietary conversational AI technology to offer personalized information and assistance for the more than 25,000 conference attendees who converged Nov.… more
Dec 17, 2019
There’s a whole new component coming to face-to-face events, with “face” being the key factor. Facial recognition for on-site check-in is slowly gaining traction, with more registration suppliers adding the technology to their portfolios. Launched at IAEE’s Expo! Expo! in Las Vegas in Dec. 2019, registration and housing provider Streampoint Solutions’ FaceReg promises to reduce wait times for on-site check-in.  Dharmesh Dayabhai, Streampoint Solutions’ co-founder, says that the time from face detection to badge print is around 3-5 seconds. “The time savings is due to not trying to locate… more
Dec 11, 2019
This year, the trade showfloor at Expo! Expo! IAEE’s Annual Meeting & Exhibition, which took place Dec. 3-5 at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, featured plenty of new and innovative event technology and tech partnerships to keep attendees buzzing. Here are a few event tech providers that generated lots of on-site excitement. CadmiumCD Upgrades Exhibitor and Sponsorship Management Software  CadmiumCD announced the launch of upgrades to its Expo Harvester software, which now features registration badge allocation, improved administrative functionality and more robust financial… more
Dec 04, 2019
Food and beverage trade show producer Clarion UX Food & Beverage Group has launched a virtual learning experience for restaurant, foodservice, hospitality and catering industry professionals as a complement to its live trade show education programs. The 12 webinars in the series so far cover key industry topics including grassroots marketing, food safety, social media, hot trends, elevating coffee programs and more.  The series is led by foodservice industry experts who are also speakers at several Clarion UX trade shows, including the upcoming International Restaurant & Foodservice… more
Nov 26, 2019
Attending IAEE’s Expo! Expo! In Las Vegas from Dec. 3-5? As you’re planning your schedule, be sure to slot in time to stop by the AV Experience by SmartSource. Together with AVIXA and IAEE, SmartSource will deliver audiovisual-focused education on the showfloor, ranging from practical advice for exhibition planners tasked with changing the attendee experience, to checking out next-gen and experiential AV technology. “SmartSource has enjoyed a long and productive relationship with IAEE,” said Sonny Goyal, SmartSource CEO. “We are excited to be a part of the AV Experience with AVIXA to help… more
Nov 20, 2019
The forthcoming expansion of the Wynn Las Vegas convention center, set to be complete in February 2020, is getting more high tech. Cox Business announced this week that it will support the property with increased connectivity. When the expansion is complete, Wynn Las Vegas will have 300,000 new square feet of rentable space, offering a total of 560,000 square feet across four pillar-free ballrooms, 57 meeting rooms, a 20,000-sq.-ft. outdoor pavilion and a 20,000-sq.-ft. adjacent lawn. Cox Business has provided managed Wi-Fi services for the Wynn and Encore meeting and convention space since… more
Nov 11, 2019
Event organizers today are using digital tools to provide better end-to-end experiences. Attendees expect convenience along with accurate, real-time information and crave two-way conversations, says Danielle Puceta, Freeman’s senior vice president of digital. These are the main drivers for Freeman’s new Explore, Luminate and Fluent digital products. The offerings are designed to help event marketers increase and enhance attendee engagement. Explore by Freeman Explore is a set of packaged immersive products that help brands showcase their products and tell their stories in multisensory, eye… more
Nov 07, 2019
Several event technology companies have been busy creating new and enhanced platforms as well as upgrading technologies to help venues and exhibiting companies enhance the trade show experience.  Concept3D Unveils New 3D Panorama Feature Concept3D, provider of immersive online experiences with 3D modeling, interactive maps and virtual tour software, has launched a new 3D Panorama feature that integrates into its interactive map and virtual tour platform.   Designed to replace cumbersome, static practices such as setting up and photographing rooms with multiple layout options or providing… 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.