AC Hotel Grand Rapids Downtown opened its doors steps from the Van Andel Arena and DeVos Convention Center. The modern, design-driven brand from Marriott International is the first to open in Michigan. The 130-room hotel transformed a historic 127-year old warehouse into a haven for entrepreneurial-minded travelers, featuring minimalist design details and the building’s original brick facade.

What new tech will save you money and make your job planning meetings and events easier? Meetings Today's Tyler Davidson joins up with Dahlia El Gazzar, from Dahlia+, to explore the event tech offerings at MPI WEC's Tech Pavilion.

Michael Dominguez is leaving MGM Resorts International to assume the role of CEO of Associated Luxury Hotels International (ALHI) starting July 8, 2019.

The JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort completed its comprehensive $320 million transformation project. The resort, which is situated on three miles of Gulf-front beach, introduced the new Lanai Tower with more than 100,000 square feet of technologically integrated meeting and event space, new culinary concepts and a 12,000-square-foot entertainment center. There are also reimagined historic Lanai Suites and the debut of the "Paradise by Sirene" experience, a curated escape exclusively for adults.

The Kansas City Marriott Downtown announced the completion of an eight-year, $65 million renovation. This major investment includes a $44 million transformation of its 970 guest rooms into luxurious, technology-forward spaces designed for the modern traveler. Lifestyle, balance, technology and green initiatives are significant areas of focus for the full remodel of the hotel’s guest rooms, gathering spaces, event venues and fitness center.

Here is a running list of articles, podcast episodes, videos and other coverage from MPI WEC 2019 in Toronto. The annual event serves as a showcase of the latest trends and top talent in our varied industry.

New Jersey will be the first state in the U.S. to require hotels to provide panic buttons for workers. New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy signed a bill June 11, 2019, that will require hotels with 100 guest rooms or more to equip hotel workers with wearable panic buttons, or employee safety devices (ESD), which can be pressed to get help in an emergency.

URequest Live is a band that plays only the songs your attendees request via brandable touchscreen “jukeboxes” or with their smartphones. The band plays the audience’s requests in order of popularity, ensuring the most requested songs are always being played next.