Vince Alonzo

Industry Planner Resources

Maritz Acquires Convention Data Services

St. Louis-based Maritz, a prominent player in the meetings and events management sector, has solidified its position with the acquisition of Convention Data Services (CDS) from Freeman. The deal, finalized on July 1st, brings together two industry veterans with a shared dedication to the evolving events landscape.

Event Design

Freeman Report Reveals Exhibitor Priorities

A new report from Freeman, the global events powerhouse, offers a deep dive into the minds of exhibitors, providing event organizers with invaluable insights to create more impactful and successful events. While brand awareness and sales remain important, lead generation is the undisputed champion for exhibitors.

Incentives

SITE Crystal Award Case Study: The Power of Free Time

In the wake of a global pandemic, a software giant sought to shake things up for its top performers. Enter streamlinevents, an event planning firm ready to ditch the traditional playbook and craft an incentive program that prioritized flexibility, downtime, and authentic connection. How they handled it earned them a SITE Crystal Award for Excellence in Incentive Travel: Latin America & Caribbean.

Technology

Beyond Zoom

Today, as video technology becomes increasingly pervasive within enterprises, virtual meetings, and events are more than ever the norm rather than the exception. While many people use the terms virtual meeting and virtual event interchangeably, there is a distinct difference between them and the technology required to support them properly.

Destinations

California Junks Resort Fees

Last October, the FTC announced a new proposed rule to prohibit junk fees, which are hidden and bogus fees that can harm consumers and undercut honest businesses. The California legislature jumped on the proposal and passed a bill, The Consumers Legal Remedies Act, that went into effect earlier this month that makes unlawful certain unfair methods of competition and certain unfair or deceptive acts or practices.

Best Practices

Help Attendees Beat the Heat

A blistering heat wave has gripped the Western United States, leaving a trail of suspected heat-related deaths and shattering temperature records. To ensure attendee health and safety during a heat wave at trade shows and conferences, planners should implement the following measures.

Best Practices

Protecting Your Event: A Guide to Outsmarting Disruptors

What planners should take away from the recent assassination attempt on former President Trump The assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania brings into harsh focus an unfortunate reality facing most large public events. In an era of heightened social activism, event planners are facing a new challenge: the […]

Experts

Airing of Grievances

As 2023 numbers reveal, flying has become an increasingly frustrating experience for passengers, with complaints filed with the U.S. Transportation Department soaring to nearly 97,000 – the highest since the pandemic chaos of 2020.

Experts

No Vacancy

Our featured story this week is about how when Taylor Swift's Era's Tour comes into a town, the army of Swifties that descends on the metropolis can make it tough for meeting and event groups. But that's not the only disruption planners should monitor when selecting a destination.

Destinations

Hyatt Expands in the Big Easy

Hyatt Hotels Corporation announced the expansion of Hyatt’s brand presence in New Orleans with Maison Métier (formerly Maison de la Luz) and The Barnett (formerly Ace Hotel New Orleans), which have joined the Hyatt portfolio as affiliated hotels. The hotels are expected to join Hyatt’s Independent Collection of brands and participate in the World of Hyatt loyalty program this year.