News
Feb 20, 2020
International Market Centers, the world’s largest operator of showroom space for the furniture, gift, home décor, rug and apparel industries, has launched a new B2B digital and e-commerce division. Dubbed IMC_di (the “di” stands for digital innovation), the new division comes alongside IMC’s acquisitions of two technology companies specializing in the gift, home and apparel industries: Pharos, an integrated sales, marketing and commissioning software; and RepZio, a patented B2B sales platform and digital marketplace.
The resulting e-commerce platform - currently in development - will be… more
Feb 19, 2020
In the wake of the expanding coronavirus outbreak mainly within China, but spreading to other countries by the day, the massive Mobile World Congress in Barcelona decided to cancel its show after a slew of major tech firms pulled out citing safety concerns.
While this event is just one of many global trade shows grappling with coronavirus concerns, fears of the COVID-19 virus are not stopping major U.S. trade shows from going forward as planned — but with some extra precautions.
TSNN reached out to several shows on the U.S. trade show calendar in the next few months to find out how they… more
Feb 18, 2020
In the past year, San Jose has seen a significant amount of expansion, rebranding and new growth — including plans for a new Google campus that could house up to 25,000 employees — but it isn’t leaving its history behind. From the San Jose McEnery Convention Center to hotels, arenas, auditoriums, mansions and a wide variety of unique spaces and attractions, the city boasts a plethora of historic and modern venues for event planners to choose from.
“When you think of San Jose, you think of innovation, robots meeting you at the airport and futuristic offerings,” said Matthew Martinucci, vice… more
Feb 17, 2020
As the importance of lessening the environmental impact of meetings, trade shows and events only continues to grow, here’s what two Midwestern convention centers are doing to help make sustainable planning easier.
McCormick Place
With nearly 3 million visitors each year, McCormick Place, North America’s largest convention center, has a large environmental footprint. However, for more than a decade, the 2.6 million-square-foot facility has been actively creating a more sustainable campus. In the last few months, the campus has taken two major steps forward.
With installation of the… more
Feb 17, 2020
Sustainable practices are fast becoming a must for events. According to the Eventbrite 2020 Event Trends report, 59 percent of North American event professionals are taking steps to improve the environmental impact of their events — up from a mere 6 percent in 2019.
Additionally, an overwhelming majority — or 93 percent — of hosted buyers and visitors who attended IMEX 2018 said they are interested in planning events in a more sustainable matter, according to post-event survey results.
One of the ways corporations, associations, event venues and suppliers are codifying those intentions is… more
Feb 14, 2020
Much like social media, podcasts are increasingly becoming a great medium for sharing news, information, tips and best practices in the trade show and events industry. And their popularity is growing. According to Edison Research and Nielsen, there are more than 700,000 active podcasts and more than 29 million podcast episodes in existence, including content in more than 100 languages. As of 2019, 51 percent (approximately 165 million people) of the U.S. population had listened to a podcast.
With the help of some of our podcast-loving #Expochat moderators, including Michelle Bruno of Event… more
Feb 12, 2020
Lisa Sommer Devlin, owner of Phoenix-based Devlin Law Firm which specializes in hospitality law, has received about a dozen phone calls from hotels in the past week. They’re reaching out to her as a result of groups wanting to cancel events without penalties, due to the coronavirus.
While the virus outbreak has been a hot news topic for the past few weeks — and is having an impact on events around the world, especially in Asian markets — there are some misperceptions in the industry regarding the legal perspective around cancellations.
Devlin spells out what you need to know:
First,… more
Feb 12, 2020
Event organizers seeking another digital alternative to printing thousands of program books for conferences and events now have a more cost-effective option. Application and review software platform OpenWater has unveiled ProgramBook, a mobile app that transforms printed content including abstracts, sessions and author information into a searchable mobile companion available for both Android and iOS devices.
Designed to help scientific organizations, professional societies and trade associations organize and manage their annual meetings, conferences and events, the new app allows event… more
Feb 12, 2020
The biannual MAGIC fashion trade show that took place at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center Feb. 5-7 had more to deal with than fashion trends. It had to negotiate a move to a new facility and adjust to the rapidly changing global health situation all at once.
Usually occupying most of Las Vegas Convention Center, the event made plans to move to Mandalay Bay Convention Center for just one show. “We had to do it to get us back on the normal February and August schedule at the LVCC,” said Tom Nastos, chief commercial officer for the Fashion Group of Informa Exhibitions, which owns the show.… more
Feb 11, 2020
UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, today released the latest edition of its Global Barometer research, which measures the state of the global exhibition industry. Among the highlights: strong industry performance overall for 2019, but also high uncertainty looking ahead for this year in regions such as Asia-Pacific and Latin America. (Note: This research was conducted before the coronavirus outbreak, which may be impacting outlook.)
“Exhibitions grew again in 2019, but a slowdown is expected for the beginning of 2020,” says Kai Hattendorf, managing director and CEO of… 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.