ASAE Unveils 2017 Gold Circle Awards Winners

The American Society of Association Executives unveiled the winners of the 2017 Gold Circle Awards competition, which denotes excellence, innovation, and achievement in association/nonprofit marketing, membership, and communications programs.

The Gold Circle Award for Overall Excellence will be announced during ASAE’s 2017 Marketing, Membership & Communications Conference (MMCC), May 2-3, in Washington, D.C. 

Two of Hannover Messe’s US Shows Merge to Form Integrated Automation, Motion & Drives Trade Show

Hannover Fairs USA, the U.S. subsidiary of Hannover, Germany’s Deutsche Messe will combine two of HANNOVER MESSE portfolio trade shows, Industrial Automation and Motion, Drive & Automation, to form Integrated Automation, Motion & Drives (IAMD).

The new trade show will feature the full range of industrial automation, power transmission and fluid power solutions for the factory of the future.

Association for Women in Events Unveils Hall of Fame Recognition Program

The Association for Women in Events (AWE), a not for profit organization supporting gender equality and diversity in the event industry, has unveiled its Hall of Fame Recognition Program, hosted by the AWE Awards Committee.

The AWE Awards Committee was formed with a vision to create an engaged group of recognized people and programs that exemplify AWE values to serve as an ongoing resource for inspiration, guidance and leadership.

The AWE Hall of Fame will recognize the advancement of women in events by honoring women and men with a categorical award.

DMAI Unveils New Name and Brand During 2017 CEO Summit

Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI) Chairman Gary C. Sherwin, CDME and President and CEO of Visit Newport Beach, Inc. and President and CEO Don Welsh unveiled that DMAI will become Destinations International, effective July 2017 during its Annual Convention in Montreal. 

The announcement was made during the 2017 CEO Summit at The Westin Nashville, where a record 182 guests were in attendance. 

MCI Acquires Association Solutions Provider Network Media Partners

MCI recently acquired Network Media Partners, a proven sales management organization specializing in customized media sales, event planning and management, digital and print design and marketing services for associations.

As MCI continues its growth strategy in the USA, the addition of Network Media Partners accelerates the company’s leadership in delivering a comprehensive suite of innovative, growth-centered solutions for associations, according to MCI officials.

UFI Announces 2017 Next Generation Leadership Grant Program

UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has launched its 2017 Next Generation Leadership (NGL) grant and is inviting talented events professionals from around the world to apply.

UFI will award grants to up to five future leaders who have shown exceptional initiative in driving change and innovation in their area of the exhibition industry.

UBM Teams with AMI, NATEF, TST to Deliver NACE Automechanika Scholarships

In an effort to bring affordable training to more automotive professionals in need, the UBM Community Engagement Program has joined with Automotive Management Institute (AMi), National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) and Technicians Service Training (TST) to provide scholarships for NACE Automechanika Chicago covering travel expenses, training costs and access to the show.

“UFI Approved Event” Certification Now Includes National Events

UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry has decided to expand its events accreditation scheme.

Beginning this year, quality exhibitions and events that focus on national audiences also will be able to apply for, and receive, UFI’s unique recognition – “UFI Approved Event” - opening up the industry’s gold standard to audited national quality shows.

Until recently, UFI approval was reserved for exhibitions that meet the highest global standards, provide officially audited statistics and serve an international market.

Nominate NOW for IAEE’s 2017 International Excellence, Woman of Achievement Awards

The International Association of Exhibitions and Events has opened the Call for Nominations for its 2017 IAEE International Excellence and IAEE Woman of Achievement awards. The deadline for submitting nominations for these awards Feb. 19.

“These awards honor outstanding individuals who elevate the exhibitions and events industry by going above and beyond the call of duty on a very special level,” said IAEE President and CEO David DuBois, CMP, CAE, FASAE, CTA.

Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.    Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.    Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.   The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.    MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.     MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.