News

Mar 21, 2025
Heather Larson’s journey into the hospitality, tourism, and events industries began at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she developed a strong passion for service, relationships, and travel. After graduating and falling in love with Chicago’s stately old grand hotels, she began her career honing her skills at iconic Windy City properties including The Allegro (formerly The Bismarck), The Whitehall, The Drake, and the Fairmont Hotel.  “I started working in hotel sales, where I quickly realized that I thrived in the fast-paced, people-driven nature of the industry,” Larson recalled… more
Mar 21, 2025
Sponsored by eShow   The success of any event often hinges on the level of engagement it fosters among its attendees. Today, technology is very important in managing events. Using the right tools can greatly improve the experience for attendees. Here are key tips to increase attendee engagement.   1. Utilize Event Management Software Incorporating event management software into your planning process is essential. These platforms streamline various logistical aspects, from registration to post-event analytics. Look for software that offers customizable features, allowing you to tailor the… more
Mar 20, 2025
This month, several event marketing agencies and DMCs have announced major mergers and acquisitions as they seek to increase their market share, expand their global reach, strengthen their capabilities, and broaden their client services. Freeman Acquires Tag Digital Global event company Freeman has acquired UK-based full-service digital marketing agency Tag Digital, specializing in innovative solutions for event organizers in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), Asia-Pacific (APAC)[TD1] , and North America. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.  Tag will combine its services with… more
Mar 20, 2025
Sponsored by Visit Dallas If you didn’t already know, Dallas is a dynamic city–alive with rich culture and vibrance on every corner. Its twenty-some neighborhoods, bustling with entertainment, art, and diverse cuisine, invite curiosity and creativity in your after-hours downtime. Energize your team after long days of conquering the conference floor by curating only-in-Dallas group activities that’ll make everyone want to be the last man standing.           At its center, the beating heart of Dallas is a nationally-recognized Arts District. Named #1 in America by USA Today, this walkable… more
Mar 19, 2025
With ITB trade shows in Berlin, Shanghai, Singapore, and Mumbai, Messe Berlin is expanding its portfolio of B2B tourism events with the launch of ITB Americas, debuting Nov. 10-12, 2026, in Guadalajara, Mexico. Messe Berlin announced the news on March 5 at a press conference at ITB Berlin and signed a memorandum of understanding with the Mexican ambassador in Berlin and representatives of the State of Jalisco.   ITB Americas claims it will be the only travel trade show that covers North, Central and South America, and the Caribbean, as well as all segments of the travel industry––from… more
Mar 18, 2025
Emerald Holding, Inc., a public, live events company that is traded on the New York Stock Exchange, reported $398.8 million in revenue for 2024, a 4.2% increase compared with 2023, driven by organic growth and acquisitions while shedding unprofitable events, according to its Q4 2024 and full year results on March 14.   Hervé Sedky, Emerald’s president and CEO, said, “2024 was a transformative year for Emerald––one where we took decisive actions to strategically optimize our portfolio of live B2B events with precision and purpose. Each step has laid the groundwork for a stronger, more… more
Mar 17, 2025
The International Housewares Association (IHA) held the 125th edition of its tentpole annual event, the Inspired Home Show (IHS), March 2-4. As it has since its inception, the housewares trade show—the largest of its kind in North America—took place in Chicago, at McCormick Place.  “We’ve enjoyed a long history in Chicago,” IHA's president and CEO Derek Miller said of IHS, which was rebranded from the International Home + Housewares Show in 2019. “As of now, we’ve got dates protected at McCormick Place through 2030,” he told TSNN, noting that the show has grown along with Chicago’s venue… more
Mar 14, 2025
During Women’s History Month, TSNN makes a point of honoring the trade show industry’s outstanding female professionals by sharing their stories, insights, accomplishments, and words of inspiration.   At a time when diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts are being called into question, we believe it is more important than ever to honor our female trailblazers and hear how their organizations are supporting and advancing women, whether they believe we are making meaningful progress toward gender parity in industry leadership, and what advice they offer for emerging female leaders.   In… more
Mar 13, 2025
Three exhibit design and production companies announced recent business deals and new product launches geared to enable exhibiting companies to deliver more impactful brand experiences at live events.  Moss Grows Presence in UK with Rocket Graphics Acquisition  Moss, a producer of premium graphics, complex structures, and custom installations for corporate branded experiences and live events, has significantly expanded its UK footprint with the recent acquisition of Rocket Graphics, a UK-based large format printer known for producing high quality, eco-friendly graphic solutions for exhibits… more
Mar 12, 2025
The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) hosted the 81st edition of its International Builders’ Show (IBS) Feb. 25-27. And though the construction show is one the largest of its kind, it boasted record attendance for the first time in 17 years.   More than 81,000 builders, remodelers, developers, and other home building professionals poured into the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) for the three-day event, alongside 750 new exhibitors and 1,050 returning exhibitors, which filled up 728,000 square feet of the 2.9 million-square-foot venue.  The figures “surpassed our high… more
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.