Artificial intelligence has moved from buzzword to backstage crew member. It’s already working behind the scenes at conferences, trade shows, corporate gatherings, and marketing activations around the world. For event planners and marketing teams, this is one of the most exciting shifts our industry has seen in years – a chance to spend less time on repetitive tasks and more time crafting experiences people love. So where does AI actually make a difference? Let’s break it down across the…
Cvent announced that it has earned five awards recognizing its leadership in AI across marketing technology, events and travel and customer engagement. Each recognition acknowledges CventIQ, the AI that powers Cvent’s platform that is purpose-built for the events industry and grounded in the signals and workflows that make events perform. The wins across marketing, event management, and hospitality/travel reflect how far Cvent’s platform strategy reaches, spanning every stage of the event lifecycle from initial planning through execution and post-event…
Allied Global Marketing (Allied) announced that Adam Cunningham, previously chief strategy officer, has been appointed global chief executive officer. Kelly Estrella, previously chief of marketing operations, has been promoted to chief operating officer. The appointments position Allied for its next phase of growth as an integrated marketing partner to brands across entertainment, gaming, sports, hospitality, tourism and location-based experiences, combining deep category expertise with proprietary tools, data and applied AI. Cunningham succeeds Clint Kendall, who will become a member…
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Exhibitor Group. This landmark acquisition represents a bold strategic move to unite exhibition organizers and exhibitors within one cohesive ecosystem. The acquisition brings together two influential forces in the exhibitions and events industry, creating an unprecedented community that spans the entire event lifecycle and value chain. By integrating Exhibitor Group’s expertise in exhibit and corporate event marketing with IAEE’s established leadership in exhibition…
Virtual Creator Studio announced the launch of its new SaaS platform, designed to transform how organizations create and deliver virtual and hybrid events. The platform offers a rare combination of unmatched customization, intuitive usability, and white-glove support, empowering marketing and event teams to build vibrant, branded online experiences without the need for technical expertise or an expensive production team. Built to meet the growing demand for immersive digital engagement, Virtual Creator Studio enables companies to elevate everything from webinars…
EMA Marketing announced the addition of UNIQUE DMC UK, a leading UK‑based destination management company, to its portfolio of global partners. This new partnership expands EMA’s reach into one of Europe’s most dynamic and iconic regions, offering Canadian and international meeting, incentive, conference, and event planners’ access to ground services throughout England, Scotland, Wales, and the UK at large. UNIQUE DMC UK brings destination expertise, from London’s world‑class venues to cultural experiences across the British Isles, delivering unforgettable, tailored…
It is important to always remember that marketing is not direct sales and that marketing is turning the delivery of information into sales. Marketing is continuing to change, especially with the advancement of artificial intelligence in today’s business, event planning and audio visual worlds. Every business I have started, I have named the company around what people are searching for online. When I started Ottawa Special Events, it was because that is what people “Googled”. I also purchased OttawaAudioVisual.com…
In the corporate world, events aren’t just social gatherings, they’re strategic tools for brand building, networking, and business growth and the venue plays a pivotal role in how an event is perceived and remembered. For corporate event planners, choosing the right venue can mean the difference between a seamless experience and a logistical nightmare. QUALITIES OF A GREAT CORPORATE EVENT VENUE 1. Prime Location for Business Convenience A central, easily accessible location is non-negotiable. Your venue should be close…
What is experiential marketing (XM)? Simply put, it is a strategy for building customer loyalty and brand awareness by curating custom experiences that elicit an emotional response, create memories and influence buying behaviour. When we think about experiential marketing, the first thing that comes to mind are the brand activations at events like SXSW, Coachella and Burning Man where brands invest significant dollars in creating experiences. You might also think of things like the splashy activations that Netflix produced…
The City of Salmon Arm has launched its new Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) in partnership with Salmon Arm Economic Development Society’s (SAEDS) Municipal and Regional District Tax Program (MRDT). This initiative marks the beginning of a collaborative, two-year pilot program focused on visitor attraction to Salmon Arm. “Tourism is a priority sector within Salmon Arm’s economy. SAEDS is pleased to collaborate on this new chapter focused on advancing Salmon Arm’s visitor economy. We’re confident this project will elevate the…
