The Harris County Commissioners Court in Texas has unanimously approved a $105 million plan to redevelop the iconic Houston Astrodome into an event space. This allows the project to move forward to the design phase. Plans include two levels of underground parking, with nearly eight acres of column-free exhibition space on top. From Meetings & Conventions…
ExCeL London has seen a strong start to 2018 with a host of new events relocating to the venue. On the conference side, ExCeL will welcome the European Association for Endoscopic Surgery and the International Association for Dental Research this year, as well as the return of Diabetes UK. In 2019 Sibos is coming. From Meepie.com…
The 12th edition of IBTM Arabia, which has taken place in Abu Dhabi, has been hailed a success with 2,700 business meetings held between the elite group of event planners and exhibitors. Delegates also attended networking events and education sessions. Several changes were made this year, including enhancements to the hosted buyer programme. From Meetpie.com…
A deadly terror attack and chaotic independence push failed to dent Barcelona’s reputation as a meetings destination in 2017. The Barcelona International Convention Centre hosted 122 events, a nine percent rise and new record. Over 473,200 delegates visited, and its revenue topped €33.3 million, with big medical and scientific meetings dominating. From Association Meetings International…
The Business Visits and Events Partnership has welcomed a decision to review the impact on the QEII Centre of a vote by the House of Lords to leave the Palace of Westminster during a six year renovation. Many Lords expressed concern over central London’s largest conference venue being temporarily chosen to host the upper chamber. From Meetpie.com…
More than 1.2 million visitors attended meetings and events at the Messukeskus Helsinki in 2017. The eight international congresses hosted by the Messukeskus brought more than 28,000 visitors and more than €40 million to the Helsinki metropolitan area. In addition to international congresses, nearly 2,000 meetings were held at the Messukeskus. From Association Meetings International…
Venues are being urged to get involved with the 2018 UK Conference and Meeting Survey. Now in its 25th year, UKCAMS focuses on the value and volume of the market and the performance of venues. It also highlights market trends. New this year is a section about the targeting and securing of international events. From Meetpie.com…
The Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC) has reported a record year in 2017 with delegate numbers up 3,000 year-on-year to 94,000, attending around 200 events at the venue. Operating profits almost doubled year-on-year, while economic impact for the city was up to £55 million in 2017 from £51.6 million the previous year. From Association Meetings International…
MPs have not considered the loss of income to London of the QEII Centre being out of action for six years. That’s according to the chair of the Events Industry Board Nick de Bois. MPs have just voted for a refurbishment that could see the House of Lords occupy the venue from 2025. From Meepie.com…
Connect with the top hotels, CVBs, DMCs, and venues from across Arizona in pre-scheduled one-on-one appointments and unique experiential networking events, while enjoying a fully hosted, two-night stay at the JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa in Tucson, AZ, from November 4-6, 2018.
Only a few weeks ago the Puerto Rico Convention Center was still the main headquarters of the area’s emergency response effort after the devastation of Hurricane Maria. The venue’s General Manager Jorge Perez looks back at how his facility was commandeered by both the Federal Emergency Management Agency and by local officials. From Successful Meetings…
The MGM Grand Conference Center expansion in Las Vegas has been topped out, with the last of almost 2,700 steel beams now in place. The $130 million project will complete in December, and add 250,000 square feet, including an outdoor courtyard, two large and three junior ballrooms, and eleven breakout rooms. From Meetings & Conventions…
The QEII Centre could be out of action for at least six years after MPs voted for Parliament to relocate during its £3.5 billion refurbishment. They voted by 236 to 220 to support works that could see the House of Lords relocated to the venue. The refit could take six years from 2025. From Meetpie.com…
Central Hall Westminster has launched a new carbon calculator to help organisers estimate their events’ environmental impact. The London conferencing centre is the first UK venue to partner with Green Tourism on the scheme. The formula takes into account both the size of the venue space hired and the number of days an event lasts. From Meetpie.com…
CTICC 2, the Cape Town International Convention Centre’s R900 million expansion, has officially opened for business. The new facility strengthens Cape Town’s goal of becoming one of the world’s top ten long-haul convention destinations. The city holds 71.4 percent of CTICC shares and invested R550 million in the project, which helped regenerate the inner city. From the Event…
The 19th century city landmark and event space Manchester Town Hall has closed as part of a £328m refurbishment. The “Our Town Hall” project will take until 2024 to complete. The iconic venue is Grade I listed, 140 years old, and according to a spokesperson for Manchester City Council, “showing its age”. From Meetpie.com…
Meetings are always about human contact and interaction, but delegates should also find time to enjoy their destination. At the recent SITE + MPI Global Forum 2018 in Rome, attendees were spoiled by the city’s classical and Renaissance heritage, and also by the facilities and venues hosting the event. From SoolNua’s Pádraic Gilligan at Padraicino…
The INCON Digital Infrastructure Award rewards venues that invest in their infrastructure to ensure a flawless digital experience for meeting and conference guests. This year, INCON has opened the award to two categories – Convention Centres and Hotel Convention Venues. Winners will be announced at IMEX Frankfurt in May 2018.
Kensington Roof Gardens has closed after 37 years due to rising costs. The party venue’s operator, Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Group, said it was struggling to make a profit at the Grade II listed site, an iconic favourite for London event organisers. 85 staff are being made redundant, and booking deposits are being refunded. Photo: Edwardx. From Meetpie.com…
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…
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