Attendees are consumers; discerning travelers who may choose to attend conventions and exhibitions—or not. That’s why the mutual goal of both meeting/exhibition professionals and DMOs is generating positive word-of-mouth: repeat bookings and increased attendance. Discover insights from the second Decision to Attend Study, and how it could dramatically impact the way you design and market…
ACC Liverpool says its events will proceed as planned following a fire which gutted its car park. Fire broke out on New Year’s Eve in the facility, which is adjacent to the BT Convention Centre, Echo Arena, Exhibition Centre Liverpool and the Pullman Liverpool hotel. 1,300 vehicles were destroyed in the blaze. Photo: Merseyside Fire and Rescue. From Meetpie.com…
A $300 million hotel that threatens to scupper the long-awaited expansion of the San Diego Convention Center has reached a key milestone, with the release of its environmental analysis. The Fifth Avenue Landing project sits on a five-acre site coveted by backers of a plan to expand the centre. From The San Diego Union Tribune…
The Memphis Cook Convention Center in Tennessee is getting a $175 million refit. The upgraded venue will boast 52 meeting rooms, glass covered concourses, and outdoor terraces looking over the Mississippi. The city plans to use a hotel / motel tax to fund the project as well as the Downtown Tourism Development Zone. From News Channel 3…
In an age of terror attacks, natural disasters and political dissent, event safety and security is at the forefront of every planner’s thinking. But how do you deliver for delegates an environment that is as risk-free as possible? Here are ten tips to keep your meetings safe and secure. From Event Marketer magazine…
It was 2017’s most memorable meetings industry picture story: the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston repurposed as a mega-shelter in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. Over 22 days, the venue became a temporary home to over 10,000 evacuees. Chief Operating Officer Luther Villagomez relives an operation the sector won’t quickly forget. From PCMA Convene…
Invaluable business connections, targeted education, and unforgettable experiences—all with five-star service and conveniently located in National Harbor, MD. Connect with the top hotels, CVBs, DMCs, and venues from across the country in pre-scheduled one-on-one appointments and unique experiential networking events, while enjoying a fully hosted, three-night stay.
Today convention centres have to take a broader approach to the meetings sector, offering organisers a gateway to the cities and regions in which they are located. Some are effectively convention bureaux in their own right. Just how the role of major venues is changing is revealed across the thriving Australian scene. From CIM News Magazine…
The holiday season is a time we should all be thinking about those less fortunate than ourselves. So what better story now to tell than the charitable legacies offered by several major US convention centres during Thanksgiving… the last time that turkey was on the menu? Go and do likewise. From PCMA…
Having just announced her imminent departure as leader of the Professional Convention Management Association, Deborah Sexton has offered further thoughts on her time at PCMA, and also the reasons and timing of her exit. Her last major event in the post will be Convening Leaders 2018 in Nashville, and a Guinness World Record attempt. From PCMA…
Pádraic Gilligan of Iceberg partner SoolNua is a expert in social media and its usage across the meetings industry. He often presents on the subject and did so with colleague Aoife McCrum at the recent IBTM World in Barcelona. He continues the session here with the audience’s Sli.do feedback. From SoolNua’s Pádraic Gilligan at Padraicino…
World Forum The Hague (formerly World Forum) and the City of The Hague have reopened the Dutch city’s largest venue for conferences and events after years of renovations and an investment of more than €28 million. The work allows the venue to host even larger events in a new 12,000 square metre exhibition hall. From Boardroom…
At a gala evening, the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau has welcomed six new “Kesatria” into its ambassador programme. The Kesatria are usually association presidents or industry leaders that are chairing major business events in Malaysia. Since 2012 the programme has contributed 123 meeting leads and attracted 188,317 delegates. From CIM News Magazine…
In yet another example of the creative legacies of business events, ICC Sydney has published a book celebrating its art collection. “ICC Sydney Art Collection: A Curated Collection of Art to Celebrate Sydney” includes commissions both for the new venue and for the first convention and exhibition centre in Darling Harbour. From CIM News Magazine…
Dan Lincoln, President and CEO of the Cincinnati USA Convention and Visitors Bureau for 11 years, is retiring this month on health grounds. While his replacement is sought, COO Mike Laatsch will serve as interim CEO. Under Lincoln, more than 3.3 million convention delegates brought $990 million into the region. From Meetings & Conventions…
Geneva is getting a new convention bureau director. 49-year-old Didier Allaz – a wine, food and golfing enthusiast – will succeed Anja Loetscher, who retires next spring having served in the position since the bureau’s launch in 2007. Allaz’s main aims will be to reinforce national and international activities, and to maintain economic contribution. From Association Meetings International…
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