Convene opened its newest location in Chicago’s Citadel Center. The company, which offers meeting and event spaces, workspaces and hospitality amenities, will also open three additional locations in Chicago.

Mike Dominguez, chief sales officer, MGM Resorts International, became the first hotel supplier on the board of the Alliance of Independent Meeting Professionals (AIMP).

Marriott International kicked off its new loyalty brand February 13, 2019. Marriott Bonvoy replaces its three current loyalty brands: Marriott Rewards, The Ritz-Carlton Rewards and Starwood Preferred Guest.

JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa completed its extensive renovation and unveiled a new look. The resort’s transformation included upgrades to all 447 ocean-facing guest rooms and suites. Club 91, located on the 14th floor, was also renovated and the resort’s event technology was upgraded.

AEG Facilities and SMG owner Onex announced they will merge to create ASM Global. The new company will be headquartered in Los Angeles and will operate over 300 venues across five continents that include arenas, stadiums, convention centers and performing arts centers.

In late January 2019, the Events Industry Council (EIC) released four new sustainability principles that incorporate all 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and define what a fully sustainable event is for the first time. The initiative, aimed at encouraging and helping planners and organizations implement sustainable practices, entailed months of collaboration among leading industry voices.

2019 brings a new wave of luxury international properties that can also accommodate meetings and events. Here are a some that made Forbes Travel Guide’s "Most Anticipated Hotel Openings of 2019."

Here’s an overview of newly opened hotel and event venues in Las Vegas for 2019, as well as a look at upcoming renovations and projects underway throughout this year and beyond.

Marriott International meetings and conventions veteran Alex Shotwell has sold, serviced and experienced his share of high-profile, massive meetings in his more than two-decade career. Shotwell, area director, sales, Orange County & San Diego, has vast experience working in the brand’s Convention & Resort Network Hotels. He shared three critical mistakes meeting planners must make strides to avoid for a successful event.

Caesars Entertainment is betting big on its first non-gaming hotel in the U.S., Caesars Republic Scottsdale. The hotel, slated to open in 2021, will be the first installment of a new lifestyle hotel brand designed to push creative boundaries and encourage collaboration with industry trendsetters.