Tech News

Oct 01, 2020
Seattle-based event marketing platform Banzai recently acquired High Attendance, a cloud-based virtual and hybrid event management software for enterprises. Banzai plans to integrate its flagship marketing automation platform, Banzai Reach, with High Attendance’s platform to give Banzai customers — including Adobe, Chef Software, Dell, Pure Storage and other large enterprises — a seamless experience for growing and engaging their audiences. “Currently the event marketing landscape is a mess,” said Brian Goldfarb, CMO at Chef Software. “It’s littered with half-baked solutions that were not… more
Sep 24, 2020
The NAB Show, the leading trade show and conference for media, entertainment and technology professionals held each spring in Las Vegas, is gearing up to launch NAB Amplify. This year-round digital platform is designed to serve, engage and grow the show’s global community. Launching in beta in November, the interactive online platform will work to support and extend the live show’s impact by providing ongoing, real-time opportunities for networking, discovery and education. In addition to connecting users with relevant products, services and information to advance their businesses and… more
Sep 14, 2020
The annual TechWatch Awards at this year’s IBTM World, set for Dec.1-3 at Fira Barcelona in Spain, will have a new concept for 2020. Aptly named TechWatch Live, the new format will feature live pitching on-site as well as a new judging panel chair. Designed to showcase the best event technology, TechWatch Live will provide five technology business owners with the opportunity to pitch their product or service to a live audience and judging panel for the chance to become the 2020 TechWatch Live Award Winner. Held on Day 2 of IBTM World, the TechWatch Live Awards enable event tech start-ups to… more
Sep 09, 2020
Event producers wanting to know the most important issues they’ll be facing over the next six months will want to check out the fall season schedule for Digital Summit, a live virtual information exchange series kicking off Sept. 11. Produced, hosted and facilitated by Sam Lippman, president and founder of Lippman Connects, the upcoming series will feature seven 90-minute live video chat sessions via Zoom. Held on Fridays between 2:00–3:00 p.m. ET, the forward-thinking discussions feature up to 20 event executives, managers and seasoned professionals sharing user experiences, discussing… more
Sep 03, 2020
Cincinnati-based Fern, a national marketing support and trade show services provider, is partnering with ShareMy.Health, a healthcare technology developer, on Fern Health Check. Available to all trade show and event organizers, this digital platform will allow for consumer-controlled sharing of health data. While the return to live events will require a combination of many factors, individual safety and comfort levels will be at the foundation. Until there is a vaccine with widespread availability and coverage – and likely for an extended time thereafter – self-assessment, testing and… more
Aug 25, 2020
In an effort to update event professionals on the processes for meetings and events that have been redefined in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Marriott International has published a series of new materials on its Marriott Bonvoy Events site.  Part of Marriott’s “Commitment to Clean,” the new digital content highlights the latest sanitation guidelines, operational training for associates and conference technologies the company’s hotels have implemented to ensure groups can gather when they are ready. Included in the new materials are an informational video, customer stories and other… more
Aug 17, 2020
As part of a broader marketing effort designed to attract business, convention and leisure travelers to the city, VISIT Milwaukee has unveiled an immersive video series and two 30-second commercials designed to showcase the city and celebrate its citizens. Released on Aug. 13 and 14, the virtual and commercial video projects come on the heels of the announcement that the 2020 Democratic National Convention, originally set for Aug. 17-20 at Wisconsin Center, will be taking place virtually.  The four-day event, which was expected to bring approximately 50,000 visitors to Milwaukee, will remain… more
Aug 13, 2020
Thanks to a new partnership with Interprefy, the remote simultaneous interpretation technology and services platform based in Zurich, Singapore-based events technology provider GlobalSign.in will help companies to widen their global audiences for digital events. This collaboration will allow event organizers planning events, webinars, conferences and meetings on GlobalSign.in's new GEVME Live digital events platform to host those gatherings in multiple languages using the Interprefy platform.  “When launching GEVME Live, we did not simply want to bring physical events into the digital space… more
Aug 05, 2020
Taking the lessons learned in helping client organizations transition in-person events to virtual or hybrid experiences, association management and services company SmithBucklin has created a fee-based service designed to aid other groups — including those in the corporate world — going through the same process.  “It’s not about taking an in-person event and placing it on a digital platform,” said Carol McGury, executive vice president of event and education services for SmithBucklin. “It’s about building a new experience that achieves the business outcomes.” As part of the new SmithBucklin… more
Jul 29, 2020
Virtual Events Institute has debuted a global platform designed to bring the virtual and hybrid events community together to share best practices, educate, discuss, inspire and do business. The pandemic has rapidly accelerated the events industries’ adoption of digital events. Virtual events and experiences now play a crucial role in global marketing and event strategies, complementing live experiences and creating opportunities to get closer to customers, gain real-time market insight and widen global reach. Online events are currently at the heart of community building, so the need to… more
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.