Special Reports

MGM CEO Issues Vegas Shooting Anniversary Statement

MGM Resorts International Chairman & CEO Jim Murren released a statement to mark the first anniversary of Las Vegas’ Route 91 Harvest Festival mass shooting Oct. 1, 2017, in which 58 concert-goers were killed and more than 500 were injured from gunfire directed from Mandalay Bay Resort.

Nearly 8,000 Workers Vote to Strike Marriott

Nearly 8,000 UNITE HERE hotel workers at Marriott-operated hotels in four North American destinations will hold strike votes the week of September 10. The strike votes by approximately 7,800 workers come on the heels of the Labor Day demonstrations UNITE HERE Marriott workers across the country protesting what the union claims is Marriott’s lack of movement with contract negotiations on key labor issues, including wages, basic job protection and safer working conditions and standards. According to UNITE HERE, more than 100 hotel workers were arrested in multiple cities for staging acts of civil disobedience outside Marriott hotels on September 3, 2018.

Marriott Workers Arrested During San Francisco Protest

San Francisco police arrested 75 hotel workers on Labor Day who were protesting outside the J.W. Marriott’s Westin St. Francis San Francisco, a Union Square hotel, for blocking the street, according to AP News. Those arrested face misdemeanor charges of failing to obey a police officer.

C2 Melbourne Canceled at 11th Hour

The C2 Melbourne collaborative event that was scheduled to take place at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre in October 2018 was officially canceled this week. The news comes on the heels of the sudden departure from C2 on August 16, 2018, of the event creator and C2’s CEO Asia-Pacific Martin Enault. According to Conference News, a UK-based events publication, reports cited health reasons for his decision.

Hawaii Open for Business Following Tropical Storm Lane

As Tropical Storm Lane continued to move away from the Hawaiian Islands over the past few days, life in the islands is quickly returning to normal, according to George D. Szigeti, president and CEO of the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA), with no major impact to the tourism infrastructure.

How IMEX America’s Smart Monday Is Advancing Meetings Education

Entering into its eighth year, IMEX America’s Smart Monday Powered by MPI delivers a full day of free education Oct. 15 available for registered IMEX America meeting planner attendees. The day focuses on the professional development that is critical for many planners to justify even getting out of the office to travel to Las Vegas to attend the Oct. 16-18 main event that focuses on buyer-supplier appointments. The two key MPI staffers who take a leading role conceptualizing Smart Monday are Lori Pugh, manager of global education and event production, and Jessie States, head of meeting innovation.

Q&A: SF Travel CEO Speaks Out on Safety Concerns

Meetings Today reached out to Joe D'Alessandro, president and CEO of San Francisco Travel, to discuss a major medical association’s decision to opt out of a longstanding contract with the city due to open drug use on the streets and other safety concerns voiced by those visiting the city for meetings.