Industry News for October 25, 2024

Venue News

Chicken Ranch Casino Resort continues to transform Tuolumne County as the all-new casino resort debuts its expansive 12,000-square-foot meeting and event space ahead of its grand opening this fall. The Chicken Ranch Casino Resort meeting and event space offers numerous options for large corporate gatherings and small events. Located on level three of the nine-story resort, each space has distinct features to accommodate events and conventions of any size. The space includes a ballroom, three meeting rooms, a boardroom and two pre-functioning areas. 

In Memoriam

It is with sadness we announce that Betsy Bondurant, CMM, CTE, president of Bondurant Consulting and head of U.S. operations for 3Sixty Event Consulting, passed away on October 15 after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. Read about her life and work here. 

Awards & Accolades

GlobalMeet, a leader in virtual event technology, announced its selection as the winner of the international 2024 Global Tech Awards’ Events Technology category. This recognition underscores GlobalMeet's unwavering commitment to providing scalable, reliable, and innovative solutions for training, webcasting, webinars, and virtual events. GlobalMeet stands out from its competitors with its unique hybrid offerings and advanced AI capabilities, which allow any camera-enabled device to facilitate more intuitive virtual event interactions. Additionally, its exceptional content captioning features create a more inclusive environment for all participants, ensuring audiences feel comfortable and can engage in their native language. The Global Tech Awards recognizes outstanding achievements of tech organizations and professionals who are making an impact worldwide by creating and delivering innovative technologies that drive progress and shape the future of technology. The 2024 award program highlights 200 winners, including organizations and individuals, across 106 categories, evaluating entries across four criteria markers, including design, impact, creativity, and ease of use. 

Ensemble Investments, LLC (Ensemble) marks October’s Sustainability Month by announcing the “Green Key Global” certification of three of its hospitality properties: Dream Inn Santa Cruz in Santa Cruz, California; Hyatt Place Pasadena in Pasadena, California; and Best Western Plus Arroyo Roble Hotel & Creekside Villas in Sedona, Arizona. These certifications highlight Ensemble’s dedication to advancing sustainability across its portfolio. Ensemble hospitality’s managed properties are on track for Green Key Global certification, with assessments already completed at six locations and additional properties in progress. Green Key Global, originally launched by the Hotel Association of Canada in 1994, is a globally recognized sustainability certification program. As of 2024, more than 5,000 hotels in 60 countries have earned the certification, which has expanded rapidly in the U.S. following a joint partnership between the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) and the Hotel Association of Canada (HAC). 

Hot off the Press

West Hollywood, the vibrant city in the heart of Los Angeles known for its lead in creativity, inclusivity, and cultural significance, celebrates its 40th anniversary with the launch of a new brand campaign, “Iconic. Forever.” For the first time, West Hollywood will reach CTV audiences in addition to a digital ad buy and sweepstakes to give away 40 West Hollywood hotel nights, in a continued effort to promote the city’s rich history and visionary future, centered around five key pillars that have long defined its distinctive character: culinary, wellness, retail, inclusivity and entertainment. The robust, integrated marketing campaign kicks off with a unique partnership with Saks Fifth Avenue that showcases the unparalleled spirit of West Hollywood for Saks customers.  

New Orleans will have a banner weekend as it welcomes record-breaking superstar and singer Taylor Swift for her much-anticipated Eras Tour for three sold out shows at the Caesars Superdome October 25, 26, and 27, which coincides with an already hugely popular Halloween weekend. The “reputation” for a spooky culture in New Orleans will give Swifties an added experience and showcase why New Orleans is Built to Host major events and celebrate holidays unlike anywhere else. More than 150,000 fans from across the world will drive huge business to New Orleans. As of October 13th, hotel rooms in the city will be sold out for the nights of the 25th and 26th and rooms are nearly 80 percent sold for the 27th. New Orleans & Company also wants to give two “Swifties” a chance to win a Taylor-inspired trip to New Orleans during the big concert weekend. Those with tickets or who just want to come and enjoy all of the fun in New Orleans can register at https://www.neworleans.com/taylorsweeps/ until Friday, November 1 at 2 pm CDT. 

VOK DAMS, one of the world’s leading agencies for events and live marketing, has created the opening celebration of the new production site, the Gigahub of Quest One. The event focused on Quest One’s forward-looking mission: by 2050, the company aims to avoid one percent of global greenhouse gas emissions through the use of its electrolyzers. VOK DAMS was responsible for the concept and execution of the opening celebration, with a focus on tailored, more sustainable solutions aligned with Quest One’s vision and products. The opening of the Gigahub in Hamburg marked a comprehensive rebranding of Quest One. Previously known as H-TEC SYSTEMS, the company also introduced its new corporate design and company name with the inauguration of the modern production site. VOK DAMS designed the event to impressively showcase the innovative strength and sustainability vision of Quest One, further supporting the rebranding. 

Global DMC Partners, the largest global network of independent Destination Management Companies (DMCs) and specialized event service providers, has unveiled its 2024 Global Destination Index, highlighting the most popular meeting and incentive destinations around the world. The listing is based on leads and RFPs received for programs happening in 2024 across GDP’s worldwide DMC partners. The Top 10 MICE Destinations for 2024 ranked as follows: 

Top 10 U.S.                                        

Top 10 International