News
Apr 30, 2020
Depending on what U.S. state we live in, many of us are still sitting out the pandemic in the safety of our homes. While this is an unnatural predicament for our social species, it’s nice to know that we’re not alone in all this uncertainty.
We talked to five trade show industry leaders to see how they’re coping with the “new normal,” including Leonard Hoops, CEO of Visit Indy; Megan Tanel, senior vice president, construction sector for AEM; Aaron Bludworth, president and CEO of Fern Exposition & Event Services; Cathy Breden, executive vice president and COO of IAEE and CEO of the CEIR… more
Apr 30, 2020
Conference management service and software provider eventPower has launched new services and tools to help planners with live, virtual and hybrid events. Clients can choose from fully managed solutions (working with eventPower’s meeting planners) or software as a service tools.
“We wanted to improve the efficiency of the existing sales process and create a software that ultimately seeks to increase revenue for our existing and future clients,” said Laurie Powell, eventPower’s vice president of business development, regarding the new exhibit selection and management tool.
Frank Powell,… more
Apr 29, 2020
During its April 22 webinar, “Navigating the COVID-19 Crisis Landscape,” the Center for Exhibition Industry Research provided a sobering yet hopeful glimpse into what the trade show industry’s recovery could look like post-COVID-19. CEIR officials shared industry insights from the results of a recent industry poll, while Allen Shaw, Ph.D., chief economist with Global Economic Consulting Associates, provided an update about the industry’s anticipated recovery from the pandemic.
“COVID-19 has had a profound impact on the U.S. business-to-business exhibition industry,” said Cathy Breden, CEO… more
Apr 28, 2020
Obviously, times are tough for the events industry right now. It’s something we’re all experiencing, feeling and grappling with as we wake up each morning. So many article direct us all to keep the faith or put on a happy face, but there are some days when we just don’t feel capable of doing that — and that’s OK. One thing you can focus on during this time, however, is working on your own leadership qualities that will help you and your teams emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic stronger than before. Angela Raub, CEO of Leadercast, shares her insights on not only surviving this crisis, but also… more
Apr 27, 2020
Exposition Development Company (ExpoDevCo) has acquired a 50 percent ownership in the New England Food Show, forming a partnership with the Massachusetts Restaurant Association.
“Along with the MRA Board of Directors, I could not be more pleased to enter into this partnership with ExpoDevCo in managing the New England Food Show,” said Bob Luz, MRA president and CEO. “ExpoDevCo brings a wealth of large national and regional trade show experience to the table with a strong niche in the foodservice segment. We look forward to continuing the future growth of the New England Food Show along with… more
Apr 24, 2020
Naylor Association Solutions has released a reconfigured version of its Boxwood GO job board platform to help fill critical employment gaps caused by the COVID-19 crisis. Released on April 14 and offered to associations for free for 90 days, the platform – originally designed to be a job board for employers – now enables job searchers and volunteers to post their availability to work.
“While current unemployment levels are at record highs, the fact remains that many industries are desperate to find workers right now,” said Tom Aley, group vice president of software solutions for Naylor,… more
Apr 22, 2020
The Ernest N. Morial New Orleans Exhibition Hall Authority is moving forward with its $557-million, five-year capital improvement plan. Approved in 2018, the plan includes internal and external upgrades to Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, a new 7.5-acre pedestrian park and 1,200-room headquarters hotel, and funding to ready an adjacent piece of land for a mixed-use development.
After soliciting responses in late 2019 from qualified master developers to create a comprehensive development plan and strategy for a mixed-use project on the 39-acre parcel, the Authority short-listed five… more
Apr 22, 2020
With the events industry focused on COVID-19 recovery, discussions around the role that sustainable events play in helping to stop an even bigger long-term threat — climate change — have taken a back seat. But during the virtual Global Meetings Industry Day on April 15, sustainability experts Mariela McIlwraith, director of industry advancement for the Events Industry Council, and Courtney Lohmann, director of corporate social responsibility for PRA Business Events, focused on the extreme importance of event sustainability going forward.
Just in time for Earth Day, which celebrates its 50th… more
Apr 21, 2020
UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has named the winners of this year’s UFI Next Generation Leadership Grant (NGL).
The jury, chaired by UFI President Mary Larkin, met earlier this month to evaluate all qualifying entries submitted from around the world.
The UFI NGL Grant promotes emerging leadership in the global exhibition industry and is awarded to professionals demonstrating a clear drive towards change and innovation.
Here are this year’s winners:
Alexis Zamudio, Events Manager, FINNOVISTA (Mexico);
Christina Rabl, Conference Manager Command Control at Messe… more
Apr 21, 2020
One-third of all jobs lost in the U.S. due to COVID-19 were lost in the travel industry, and the country is experiencing a total impact nine times greater than the 9/11 attacks, according to a new report by the U.S. Travel Association and analytics firm Tourism Economics.
Declines in travel are projected to cause 8 million jobs to be lost (out of 24 million for the entire U.S. economy) by the end of this month, according to the report. Travel spending losses are also on track to top half a trillion dollars by the end of 2020.
While the news is devastating from all angles, industry… more
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is renowned for its exceptional service and diverse venue options across Las Vegas, Detroit, Springfield, National Harbor, Biloxi, and Atlantic City, providing flexible spaces for meetings of any size. Beyond these offerings, MGM Resorts distinguishes itself through a strong commitment to social responsibility and sustainability, making it an ideal choice for your next meeting.
At the core of MGM Resorts' company values is its platform, "Focused on What Matters," dedicated to meeting customer needs while advancing socially responsible practices. This commitment is evident in several key areas:
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.