Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau Launches Redesigned, Mobile-Friendly Website

The Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau has launched an improved and mobile-friendly website, visitdetroit.com.

With an attractive, redesigned interface that combines meetdetroit.com, visitdetroit.com and the Visit Detroit blog, the new website provides users with a more comprehensive and streamlined online experience.

“The new and improved visitdetroit.com offers the best possible online experience for leisure travelers and convention attendees,” explained Larry Alexander, DMCVB president and CEO.

Matchmaking Software Helped Drive Meaningful Business Connections at Licensing Expo

Licensing professionals have come to expect a plethora of cutting-edge show features when they converge at the annual Licensing Expo in Las Vegas, including a bustling expo floor, keynotes, presentations, celebrity appearances, educational sessions and invite-only entertainment showcases.

But for the second year in a row, the world’s largest licensing event offered something even more compelling to help attendees and exhibitors make more meaningful, face-to-face business connections: matchmaking technology.

Association of Government Accountants Partners with a2z to Offer ChirpE Premium Mobile App at All Chapter Events

Maryland-based event management and marketing solution provider, a2z, Inc., has partnered with the Association of Government Accountants to offer its award-winning ChirpE Premium mobile app solution at all AGA chapter events.

This initiative will enable AGA members attending chapter education and leadership conferences to leverage a fully-functional, state-of-the-art mobile app solution to maximize their event experience.

Cobo Center Invests in Additional $2 Million Technology Upgrade 

Detroit’s Cobo Center is working to stay ahead of the event technology curve by investing an additional $2 million in a network upgrade to support its 10-gigabyte (Gb) broadband offering. 

The work includes the installation of 60 intermediate distribution frames (IDF) throughout the convention center that will reinforce and enhance the 10Gb broadband network now offered to Cobo Center customers. 

Cincinnati USA Virtual Reality Experience Wins Pinnacle Award

The Cincinnati USA Convention & Visitors Bureau recently was honored with an American Marketing Association Cincinnati Pinnacle Award for its Cincinnati Virtual Reality Experience.

The AMA’s “Best Use of Technology for SALES Enablement” award recognizes the innovative use of technology for driving sales initiatives, asset creation, relationship development, and conference and trade show participation.

The Age of Transformative Experiences, Fostered by Micro-Moments

A 2014 study published by Cornell University’s  Thomas Gilovich and Amit Kumar concluded that experiences are a better buy than things. People get more long-lasting satisfaction from vacations, concerts, and meals out than they do with say upgrading their car or buying a new gadget. Their research revealed that in an overwhelming material economy, experiences are valued by consumers as these foster social well-being and successful relationship building.

Smart City Networks Completes National System Upgrade to Improve Wi-Fi Capacity and Speed

Smart City Networks has rolled out a nationwide upgrade of its wireless networking services that will enhance the speed and flexibility of wireless offerings at 39 convention centers and other venues it manages throughout the U.S.

The system-wide implementation of the MikroTik captive portal included installation of 234 new gateway devices at Smart City facilities designed to increase capacity and speed.

Spacebase Wins Event Tech Pitch at IMEX Frankfurt

Technology enjoyed an ample time in the spotlight at last month’s IMEX, held May 16-18 at Messe Frankfurt in Frankfurt, Germany.

One of the biggest tech highlights was the annual #IMEXpitch competition, which gives event professionals the chance to check out the rising stars of the event tech sector as new start-ups compete for audience attention and votes via live, five-minute presentations in front of an expert judging panel.

Badges Get ‘Smart’ at Outdoor Advertising Association National Convention

The Outdoor Advertising Association of America, the trade association for the out of home (OOH) advertising industry, joined forces with event technology solutions company ACCESS Event Solutions and digital experience engine Blue Bite to deliver interactive engagements to attendees at the 2017 OAAA\ Geopath National Convention + Expo, held May 15-17 at the Hilton Riverside in New Orleans.

In an effort to engage attendees throughout the annual event, each conference badge was enabled with dual-sensor technology.

Partner Voices
One of the most iconic names on the Las Vegas Strip just got an upgrade. Mandalay Bay has everything that your business needs from a refreshed convention space designed to inspire productivity and creativity, to an impressive selection of world-class restaurants and amenities. If you're looking for a venue that's both inviting and innovative, you have to be here. New Wave Experiences Mandalay Bay continues to invest in a new wave of enhancements both in the convention space and within the resort as a whole. New restaurant openings including Orla by Michael Mina, drawing inspiration from the award-winning chef’s childhood in Egypt and with flavors and décor inspired by the spices found in markets common to coastal Mediterranean towns, as well as Caramá by Wolfgang Puck, bringing the essence of Italy and spirit of Wolfgang into one concept, are recent additions. The Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas also experienced a recent remodel of all 424 rooms. Swingers, a high-end, adults-only golf and entertainment concept will debut in Fall 2024. Enhanced Technology Creating a truly effective conference venue requires careful thought into what a business needs: the right technology, capacity, and inspiration to bring ideas to the next level. As part of the resort’s refresh, Mandalay Bay implemented state-of-the-art technology upgrades, installing cutting-edge Cat6A Ethernet cabling throughout the convention center. This advancement doubles the frequency of data transmission, enabling lightning-fast speeds up to 9400% faster. The convention center now boasts 11 dynamic digital walls, spanning up to 24' x 13', strategically positioned for brand placements, sponsorships and targeted event messaging. Additionally, attendees can benefit from 20 double-sided 55" mobile flexible display units, facilitating effortless navigation to meeting rooms and events. RFID locks were installed on all meeting room doors, and over 200 motion detection cameras have been placed throughout the space. Refreshing New Design & Fine Art The newly remodeled convention space provides a bright and vibrant atmosphere that complements Mandalay Bay's tropical-inspired brand. Featuring white-washed walls and ceilings adorned with bold floral patterns in cerulean and coral tones, the space is complemented by warm walnut accent walls. In addition to the redesign of all pre-function spaces, meeting rooms and ballrooms, Mandalay Bay's 1 million square feet of exhibit space has undergone a rejuvenation, including new paint, covered pillars and relocated strobe lights. Sustainable Spectacles Mandalay Bay is committed to Focused on What Matters and creating more responsible meetings. Refillable water stations all available around the resort, cutting unnecessary plastic usage from single-use bottles. The Mandalay Bay campus’ recent upgrades represent a bold step forward in redefining the Las Vegas experience. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and unparalleled service, Mandalay Bay sets a new standard for excellence in business hospitality. Whether you're seeking cutting-edge conference facilities, world-class dining options, or simply a luxurious retreat, an unparalleled meeting experience awaits.