News

May 28, 2024
During a recent trip to Nashville, we visited six Hilton properties across their collection of brands – from luxury brands like the Conrad Nashville to boutique brands in the Curio Collection like Hotel Fraye.  We toured meeting spaces, hotel rooms and suites, lobbies, bars, restaurants and gyms (stay tuned for complete rundown), but here are eight cool trends we noted and experienced during our site visit. Hydration station. At the Tempo by Hilton Nashville Downtown, guests can fill up their water bottles with complimentary sparkling, still or alkaline water. Partnering with Planet Water,… more
May 27, 2024
Tasked with a lofty vision to create equitable healthcare for all, National Medical Association Director of Conventions & Events Derrick Johnson is doing everything in his power to help the organization change the world through connection, ensuring that physicians and partners share and learn in creative and meaningful ways. At Connect Spring Marketplace 2024 in Las Vegas, Johnson joined us in our podcast booth on the show floor at the Venetian Convention & Expo Center to share his experience and passion for adult learning and connecting people. The 122nd Annual Convention and… more
May 24, 2024
There’s no better case study in fan engagement than live sporting events. Take it from sports merchandise giant Fanatics, which tapped Komo Technologies to measure its level of fan engagement as part of a new partnership that’s set to debut at the first-ever Fanatics Fest in New York City this summer. Komo Tech, which has hubs in New York and Australia, is set to capitalize on the Fanatics Fest’s positioning at the nexus of sports fandom and culture by infusing the event with the immersive gamification, polls, user-generated content (UGC) and badge-earning opportunities—among other features—… more
May 23, 2024
This spring, trade show-related organizations, especially industry suppliers, have been welcoming new executives and elevating staff as U.S. trade shows and business events continue surging ahead.  ANDMORE Leading omnichannel wholesale marketplace ANDMORE tapped Jon Pertchik as CEO and promoted Dorothy Belshaw to president. Former CEO and chairman Bob Maricich, who founded ANMORE (formerly International Market Centers “IMC”) in 2011, has transitioned to the role of executive chairman. Pertchik joins ANDMORE with more than two decades of leadership experience across real estate, hospitality… more
May 22, 2024
Sponsored content by MeetRibbon Trade shows are very different from where they were five years ago, influenced by younger attendees, technological advancements, and the shifting needs of exhibitors. This roundtable brought together two distinguished thought leaders to discuss the critical needs of associations in the trade show realm. The discussion provided valuable insights into how trade shows can adapt to better serve their participants. Please find highlights below and watch the full roundtable here. MeetRibbon’s Co-Founder and CEO Vinit Patil moderated our panel of experts including… more
May 22, 2024
Produced by the National Association of Broadcasters, the premier advocacy association for U.S. radio and television broadcasters, the NAB Show is held annually in April in Las Vegas, where it has taken place since 1991. As the largest show for the broadcast, media and entertainment ecosystem, the massive event attracts thousands of content professionals each year. Who, When & Where: NAB Show, April 13-17, Las Vegas Convention Center New leadership: The 2024 edition marked a passing of the torch for NAB leadership, with Executive Vice President and Managing Director, NAB Global… more
May 21, 2024
After taking the stage at Connect Spring Marketplace 2024 in Las Vegas, Associated Luxury Hotels International (ALHI) President Michael Dominguez joined us in our podcast booth on the show floor at the Venetian Convention & Expo Center to share his experience as the leader of a global sales organization for independently operated or owned hotels and resorts, cruise ships and destination management companies.  With more than 250 members, ALHI oversees a wide range of luxury brands – ranging from the Aria Resort & Casino in Las Vegas to Turtle Bay Resort in Hawaii. AHLI’s member hotels… more
May 20, 2024
After more than three decades of operating on the Las Vegas Strip, the Mirage Las Vegas will be shutting its doors on July 17. The landmark 3,044-room resort will undergo a three-year renovation and construction project that will transform the tropical-themed property into the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and Guitar Hotel Las Vegas. Expected to open in spring 2027, the new hotel-casino will feature a guitar-shaped, 660-foot hotel tower, similar to its sister property in Hollywood, Fla. “We’d like to thank the Las Vegas community and team members for warmly welcoming Hard Rock after enjoying… more
May 17, 2024
Since the TED conference was launched by Founder Richard Wurman in 1984, it’s estimated that TED Talks have been seen or listened to more than 30 billion times, according to Head of TED Chris Anderson.  Over the last 40 years, business leaders, politicians, celebrities and musicians have been compelled to the TED stage. For the first half of its existence, the annual conference brought together a few hundred people every year to think about Technology, Entertainment, Design (TED) and all that connected them, said Anderson in a blog.  Just under 20 years ago, online video gave the… more
May 17, 2024
When Usher took the stage on Sun., Feb. 11, at the 2024 Super Bowl halftime show at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Promotional Products Association International (PPAI)  Show Manager Ashley Van Der Stuyf was one of 129.3 million people who tuned in to watch the performance. Once she took a look at the elaborate staging and production, she understood why the NFL canceled the association’s contract to host a party at the venue scheduled for less than a month before the big game. But it wasn’t an easy pill to swallow when she got the news on Nov. 8, about 60 days out from the Ultimate Tailgate… 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.