Hot News

By Timothy Herrick, Editorial Director

Jersey City, N.J.—“It’s great to be in Jersey City,” proclaimed legendary bluesman John Hammond when he strolled onto the stage. Hammond may have been expressing an artist’s gratitude for an enthusiastic audience, but his words also highlighted the fact that this evening of classic Blues means the Landmark Loew’s Jersey Theatre is almost ready to qualify for the Northeast League of Major Entertainment & Event Venues.

STAMFORD, CT—In a move that further consolidates the Food & Beverage segment of the public facilities industry, Centerplate has acquired its New England rival, Boston Culinary Group. In January the merger transaction between the two companies had been completed and now with more than 250 venue partners, Centerplate is believed to be the largest Food & Beverage provider for professional sports stadiums and convention centers.

LAS VEGAS—The New Year began with what has become a traditional high-tech flair for Las Vegas, when the destination hosted the annual International Consumer Electronics Show, a high-profile event that attracts an estimated 110,000 attendees. But that convention was only the start of a busy quarter for Las Vegas, an upward economic trend that augurs well for the meetings industry nationwide.

By Timothy Herrick 

A slightly longer version of this article appeared in the 2009 Facilities & Destinations CONFERENCE SuperBook. 

Ogden, Utah may not seem to be the southwestern destination of choice for meeting planners. But this small city, only 35 minutes from Salt Lake International Airport and boasting its own Municipal airport (the largest in the state), offers accessibility, reasonable price points, and a wide range of  things to see and do. In addition, there’s remarkable Ogden Eccles Conference Center, a 50,000-square-foot setting for small-to-mid-size meetings that includes cutting-edge meeting rooms, space for exhibitions, banquets and receptions, and its own art-deco auditorium.