News

Apr 21, 2021
One of the driving factors that led Jim Sharpe to become CEO of leading events platform Aventri was that he saw a chance to work within an industry about to undergo a technological revolution. That was in January 2020. “I didn’t appreciate what that meant,” said Sharpe, who had a grand total of six weeks to become acclimated with events before COVID-19 turned the world on its head. A newbie to the MICE industry, Sharpe was previously responsible for tech-enabled services at companies like Gerson Lehrman Group and Standard Purification. “More than anything, I leveraged my experience as a CEO… more
Apr 21, 2021
Even though big gatherings still aren’t allowed in most U.S. cities, that hasn’t stopped sustainably minded event organizations, hospitality companies and venues from finding ways to celebrate the 51st edition of Earth Day. Held on April 22, the event’s theme this year is “Restore Our Earth.”  The global event will be primarily digital for the second year in a row but will offer a plethora of Earth Day activities available to those wishing to participate. Take a look at how our industry is celebrating and who knows, maybe you’ll feel inspired to create your own eco-friendly event or join one… more
Apr 20, 2021
Five score and two years ago, Frank Addis founded Ohio Displays Incorporated, which notably created early signs for Cleveland’s original Home and Flower Show — a precursor to modern trade shows. The company, based in Elyria, Ohio, has lasted long enough to come full circle. Way back in 1919, when Addis launched the business, the country was mired in a health crisis we now know as the Spanish Flu. So in 2021, overcoming a little thing like COVID-19 is old hat. “We’re in our second pandemic and the doors are still open,” said Bob Miller, ODI’s senior vice president and Addis’ great grandson… more
Apr 19, 2021
Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak is aiming for the state’s many hospitality and events venues to allow 100% capacity by June 1. The welcome news is well-timed, as Las Vegas has an increasingly full slate of events scheduled starting this summer, many of which were predicated on allowing large crowds indoors.  “Our state health officials are comfortable setting a goal for a full reopening to 100% capacity on June 1,” said Sisolak during an April 13 press conference. “A safe and responsible reopening is a path forward to bringing back conventions and getting Nevadans back to work.” The governor… more
Apr 15, 2021
The Exhibitions and Conferences Alliance is turning to science as its best pitch to legislators to allow the full re-opening of business events. Last week, ECA, through its Go LIVE Together campaign targeting local, state and federal lawmakers, announced a partnership with Epistemix, a leading analytics tool that forecasts the spread of infectious diseases. A scientific model conducted by Epistemix estimates that an event with 20,000 attendees this summer would have practically no COVID-19 transitions.  The data makes the case that current restrictions, like those in New York and what’s… more
Apr 15, 2021
As hope returns to the event industry in the form of smaller trade shows and conventions beginning to resume, event-related organizations are making new hires, promoting team members and creating new positions as they prepare to expand their business. Take a look: Worldwide venue management and services company ASM Global has appointed live events and leisure industry veteran Ron Bension as its president and CEO. Bension brings more than four decades of experience to his new role, including at Live Nation as president of House of Blues Entertainment, as well as president and CEO roles across… more
Apr 14, 2021
For event professionals who are passionate about sustainability, this past year has raised some concerns about the future of green events. As the trade show and meetings industry begins to recover, and with event budgets tighter than ever, will anyone care enough about sustainability to help the cause or will green practices end up on the bottom rung of importance? And with many events using chemical cleaning agents to keep participants safe from possible virus spread, how do eco-minded event planners reconcile this not-always-green operating procedure with creating an environmentally… more
Apr 13, 2021
Can you name the most popular social media platform? You may never need to, according to Bill McGlade, founder and CEO of Victory Productions and one of the most respected figures in event technology. Whether you are a user on Reddit — the answer to our opening question — or not, McGlade said the right app could take all of the positives of the many social media channels and eschew the negatives that come with having separate Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and Twitter accounts. Imagine a world where you don’t repost a photo four times, your messages don’t get lost in a fancy algorithm and… more
Apr 12, 2021
Las Vegas is back with a vengeance. That was the message at the conventions and hospitality industry panel held March 8 at the brand new West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center, marking Global Meetings Industry Day.  After a devastating year, there’s pent-up demand for a return to live face-to-face meetings events, and Las Vegas is already seeing record gains in bookings through the end of the year and into 2022, according to industry executives who attended the event.  “We’re making great strides and I think things will continue to move quickly,” said Steve Hill, president and CEO of… more
Apr 12, 2021
If a booth stacked with free knickknacks to take home is Exhibit A that trade shows are bouncing back, then PMSI Promos President Marty Bear’s hotel closet is a close second. When there is a rainbow of suits ready to be trotted out over the course of three days, all will be right with the events word. Bear, the seemingly ubiquitous jack-of-all-sales, is currently signed up for 14 face-to-face events in 2021. He hopes to increase the number to 25 due to an expected rush on meetings late this year. “In the past 30 days, we have seen a sharp increase of over 35% in new quotes,” he said.  That… 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.