Matthew Maddox, CEO of Wynn Resorts, thinks deep about what it means to be a leader, how Wynn Resorts navigated the pandemic, and why face-to-face meetings will only emerge stronger once COVID-19 is in the rear-view mirror.

Greg DeShields is a veteran advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion in the tourism and meetings industries, and now brings that wealth of knowledge to his role as executive director of Tourism Diversity Matters, a new initiative made up of MICE industry leaders.

Edward Harris, chief marketing officer of the Philadelphia area’s Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board (VFTCB), has left the tourism promotion organization to accept the job of president and CEO of Discover Lancaster, located in Pennsylvania Dutch Country. 
 

Historically, women have been left behind in the male-dominated culinary industry—but no longer, especially in Las Vegas, whose female culinary leaders bring serious dimension to menus. Read about the stories behind their success and options for group dining.

Rosen Shingle Creek Executive Chef Jorge Oliveira relishes the independence working for Orlando independent hotel icon Harris Rosen affords, and also shares his thoughts on what hotel F&B may be like following the COVID-19 shut down. Read more.

Senior Contributor @jeffheilman sat down with Las Vegas’ Oscar and Carolyn Goodman to talk about leadership styles, what they love about Las Vegas meetings and more.

Convention service managers and event managers are the glue that keeps meetings running, facilitating the relationship between sales and meeting planners. Here are some stories from veteran CSMs on their challenges, successes and why they deserve our respect. Read more.

While many in the meetings, events and hospitality industry donate their time and money to helping the less fortunate in the communities in which they live and the destinations where they meet, entertainment producer Mark Sonder answered the call of his country by volunteering in the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.

Planning “life-cycle events,” such as end-of-life celebrations or memorials, has many similarities to traditional meeting and event planning, but with several major differences. Meetings Today blogger Joan Eisenstodt reached out to a traditional meetings industry veteran, a funeral director who has a background in hospitality, and a hospitality professor to get their take on this segment of the events industry.

Extraordinary Events President Andrea Michaels has taken a leading role in shaping the special events industry as we know it, but in a segment defined by the stories it imparts to attendees, she has a few of her own to share.