News
Jul 16, 2020
UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, released the latest edition of its Global Barometer research that took the pulse of more than 450 exhibition organizers globally.
The report highlights the severe impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the exhibition industry worldwide.
“On the back of an exceptional year in 2019, we are now seeing an unprecedented drop in revenues around the world,” said Kai Hattendorf, UFI Managing Director and CEO.
He added, “While the industry remains confident that it will bounce back, everyone is aware that this crisis will lead to major changes… more
Jul 15, 2020
As exhibitions and events grapple with how they are going to lay out their exhibit floors, meeting rooms and banquet areas, The Expo Group released a Crowd Density Calculator that can be used by anyone seeking to better understand their attendee-to-square-footage capacity.
A free widget also has made available to the industry.
“As we start moving forward together with industry guidelines, our team saw an opportunity to ease the way for others in the industry with these online calculators,” said Randy Pekowski, The Expo Group’s president and COO.
He added, “We invite everyone to try it out… more
Jul 14, 2020
Orange County Convention Center in Orlando is getting back to business safely by welcoming a trade show and conference designed to help the live events industry do the same.
Set for July 24, the Together Again Expo will offer attendees and suppliers the opportunity to learn about new industry best practices, strategies and tools for safely and responsibly reopening live events, conventions and trade shows.
A collaboration between the OCCC and Alliance Nationwide Exposition, a nationwide general services contractor, the face-to-face event is open to all event professionals and suppliers… more
Jul 13, 2020
Derrick Johnson, director of event strategy at Talley Management Group, has been appointed to a newly created role of chief diversity officer at the New Jersey-based company. In this new dual position, he’s at the forefront of two of today’s top issues in the event industry: the increasing digital events due to COVID-19 and the push for more diversity and inclusion coming out of the Black Lives Matter protests.
In addition to his work at TMG, Johnson is on the PCMA board and facilitates their Digital Event Strategist Certification Course. Most recently, he was named board chair for the LGBT… more
Jul 09, 2020
During its June 30 webinar, “June 2020 Update on Impact of COVID-19 on U.S. B2B Exhibition Organizations,” the Center for Exhibition Industry Research released the results of its latest poll that tracks the coronavirus’s effect on the U.S. B2B exhibition industry.
Fielded June 9-21, the survey invited U.S. B2B exhibition executives who oversee events that are run or managed by their organizations to respond. A total of 169 executives participated, similar to the participation level in CEIR’s April survey, which included a sample of 164 executives. Qualified members of IAEE and SISO, as well… more
Jul 08, 2020
Anaheim Convention Center Becomes First West Coast Convention Facility to Receive GBAC Accreditation
The Anaheim Convention Center became the first convention center on the West Coast to receive the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC) STAR accreditation.
“This is an important step in the eventual, safe and responsible reopening of the Anaheim Convention Center,” said Tom Morton, executive director of Convention, Sports & Entertainment for the city of Anaheim.
He added, “Event organizers and attendees can have confidence that our facility meets the highest standards of cleaning, disinfection and prevention. This accreditation is one part of a larger, comprehensive plan that will… more
Jul 08, 2020
There will be a new digital feature at this year’s SOURCING at MAGIC, Informa Markets Fashion’s annual sourcing and supply chain event serving the fashion apparel, footwear and accessory markets. Set for Sept. 30-Oct. 2 at Las Vegas Convention Center alongside MAGIC Marketplace, SOURCING will debut its new virtual trade event designed to connect global buyers and suppliers who are unable to attend the physical show in person due to international travel restrictions.
Created to complement what will be a smaller, made-in-the-USA-focused physical event this year, SOURCING’s digital marketplace… more
Jul 08, 2020
With social distancing as part of the new reality the events industry must face for the foreseeable future, planners are having to consider not only how to execute safe and CDC guideline-compliant events, but also ensure that attendees follow those rules. But when involved in conversation and conducting business, it can be easy for people to forget about staying safely apart. While asking event attendees to maintain a 6-foot distance may seem simple enough, how can event organizers ensure consistent compliance?
Enter radio controlled wearables provider CrowdLED, which will launch its new… more
Jul 07, 2020
Construction on Las Vegas Convention Center’s new underground transportation system, the Convention Center Loop, hit a milestone last month when Elon Musk’s The Boring Company completed excavation on the second of two 4,500-foot vehicular tunnels.
In May 2019, The Boring Company was selected by the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority board of directors to design, construct and operate the unique “people mover.” The $52.5 million project is the company’s first commercial endeavor and also includes three stations, one of which will be underground and is currently being excavated.… more
Jul 06, 2020
Three association professionals will be honored for their exceptional leadership qualities and commitment to advancing the associations community. ASAE will posthumously bestow its 2020 Key Award to past president and CEO, John H. Graham IV, who passed away in January of this year. In addition, Vetted Solutions President James J. Zaniello and Rhea M. Steele, chief of staff of School Nutrition Association, will be presented with the Academy of Leaders Award and the Professional Performance Award, respectively.
The awards will be presented during the 2020 ASAE Virtual Annual Meeting &… more
Partner Voices
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Protecting Natural Resources
MGM Resorts is home to industry-leading recycling, renewable electricity and water conservation programs. Some highlights include a cogeneration power plant at ARIA, producing ultra-efficient electricity; one of America’s largest contiguous rooftop solar arrays atop the convention center at Mandalay Bay; and onsite wells that provide water for the celebrated Fountains of Bellagio, avoiding reliance on precious Colorado River water. These efforts and many more save on natural resources while boosting attendee satisfaction.
Committed to Community
Always striving to be good neighbors, MGM Resorts works to avoid food waste and combat food insecurity with the Feeding Forward program. In partnership with local food banks, they safely divert unserved food to food insecure members of the community. Since 2016, over 5 million meals have been provided, highlighting MGM Resorts' commitment to minimizing food waste and addressing community needs.
MGM Resorts supports clients in their responsible-meetings efforts, not only with efficient venues but also waste-reducing décor and signage; sustainable food and beverage options; and outreach to help planners communicate sustainability efforts to attendees. What’s more, they offer a Mindful Meetings series that puts attendee wellness first—through fitness and mindfulness activities, and in give-back events with local charity organizations.
Fostering Diversity & Inclusion
To MGM Resorts, a diverse and talented workforce is essential to success. By cultivating innovative strategies that consider multiple perspectives and viewpoints, the company creates an inclusive workplace culture that benefits its employees and community. MGM Resorts takes pride in being a welcoming home for veterans, individuals with disabilities, people from diverse backgrounds, LGBTQ+ community members, and more. This commitment to inclusion is reflected in the company's recruitment and hiring practices and its social responsibility initiatives. From the workplace to the community, MGM Resorts' commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion remains unwavering, and its efforts continue to create a more equitable and sustainable world for all.
MGM Resorts offers unparalleled service and venue options while standing out for its proactive approach to sustainability and community engagement. Choosing MGM Resorts for your next meeting means aligning with a company that values social responsibility, efficiency, and attendee satisfaction, ensuring a meaningful and impactful event experience.