Aug 28, 2019
There’s nothing like hosting a big event to celebrate the expansion of a convention center, and that’s exactly what Kalahari Resorts and Conventions did earlier this month.
Following the completion of a $35 million expansion to its now 212,000 square feet of meeting space, Kalahari Wisconsin Dells hosted THAT Conference as the first event in the new space from Aug. 5-8.
The family-friendly, technology-focused conference — dubbed “Summer Camp for Geeks” — showed off Kalahari’s convention space and amenities to more than 1,700 attendees, spouses and children, who took part in more than 200… more
Aug 15, 2019
Atlantic City has a long and rich history. The New Jersey city has been home to the Miss America pageant since 1921, and its 5-mile boardwalk, constructed in 1890, is the oldest in the country and the longest in the world.
Best known for its casinos, boardwalk and beach, the city also has much to offer in the way of teambuilding activities. From beach yoga on to spa experiences, a waterfront cruise, beer pairings and chocolate making, there are plenty of options to suit any group’s needs.
Music, Pampering and Dining at the Hard Rock Hotel
My window at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino… more
Aug 07, 2019
Facility leadership and showfloor trade partners of Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia have signed a five-year extension and amendment of its 10-year labor agreement. The contract builds on the competitive work rules and expanded exhibitor rights initially put in place in 2014.
Known as the Customer Satisfaction Agreement, the extended labor agreement, which went into effect Aug. 1, allows exhibitors to setup and teardown their own booths without limitations on booth size. This marks a significant shift from the facility’s previous practice, which limited exhibitors to… more
Jul 23, 2019
With the goal of reshaping the food and beverage industry for meetings and conferences, New York Convention Center Operation Corporation (which operates Javits Center) has launched a new hospitality brand called Cultivated. Created in partnership with Levy Convention Centers and CxRA catering, Cultivated will design creative dining presentations and high-end catering for events, incorporating local ingredients from New York producers.
“We are thrilled to announce the launch of this new hospitality brand, Cultivated, which illustrates our strong connection to New York and our mission to host… more
Jul 11, 2019
Seattle is in the midst of a growth spurt. Population-wise, the city has made the top five fastest-growing U.S. cities list for the past several years. In the past two years, eight new hotels have added 2,200 rooms to the city’s downtown area alone, according to Visit Seattle. And the Washington State Convention Center’s expansion will continue to fuel the city’s growth, opening up opportunities for mid-size conventions that are too large for the existing space.
Workers broke ground on WSCC’s new multi-level convention building, The Summit, in August 2018. It’s expected to be completed by… more
Jul 09, 2019
We’ve reported a lot recently on green convention centers, from LEED status to sustainability efforts in 2019. However, let’s not forget hotels, which are also doing their part to make meetings and conferences more eco-friendly. Take a look at some of the latest initiatives from hotels across North America and beyond.
The Setai, Miami Beach in Florida has partnered with Danish water company Iskilde to introduce completely compostable plant-based water bottles for guests. The hotel is the first in the U.S. to pioneer this product.
Demonstrating its commitment to protecting the natural… more
Jul 02, 2019
As event destinations search for more recession-proof market segments to generate strong economic impact for their communities, the convention industry is taking a serious look at the rapidly growing world of esports, aka competitive video gaming.
This year alone, the global esports industry is set to surpass the $1 billion mark, with no signs of slowing down anytime soon. And with many association and corporate events continuing to grapple with flat budgets and shrinking attendance, an exploding industry such as esports, with its broad appeal and growing fan base, has become all the more… more
Jun 06, 2019
A new state-of-the-art exhibition space is taking shape in Downtown Las Vegas. Earlier this year, International Market Centers, owners and operators of World Market Center Las Vegas, broke ground in January on The Expo, a $90 million, 315,000-sq.-ft. facility set to open in July 2020.
Upon completion, The Expo at World Market Center Las Vegas will become the new permanent venue for temporary gift and home décor exhibits at IMC’s semi-annual Las Vegas Market. That event showcases more than 4,000 gift, home décor and furniture resources across 5 million square feet of permanent showrooms and… more
May 29, 2019
When Brad Dean, previously president and CEO of Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce for nearly two decades, had the opportunity to take the reins as CEO of the newly formed Discover Puerto Rico in May 2018, it seemed to be the perfect fit. After all, his wife was from the island; he knew the area somewhat well; and he’s never been one to shy away from a challenge — which was important, because he certainly had his work cut out for him.
We caught up with Dean, who just received the 2019 Destinations International Destination Organization Leadership Award, to learn about the progress he’s… more
May 14, 2019
American Society of Association Executives enjoyed Salt Lake City so much during its annual conference in 2016, it has selected the destination as its host city for its Great Ideas Conference in 2020, 2021 and 2022.
A flagship event for association professionals around the world, ASAE’s Great Ideas Conference will bring together 500 attendees in a retreat-like setting at The Grand America Hotel in Salt Lake City. The first iteration of the event here will take place March 1-3, 2020.
“The Great Ideas Conference raises the collective capacity for innovation in the association community and… 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.