News

Dec 04, 2019
U.K.-based Tarsus Group, a global B2B media company, has acquired Smarter Shows, a U.K.-based exhibition and conference organizer. The acquisition enables Tarsus to strengthen its position in the aerospace, automotive and manufacturing industry sectors while increasing its coverage of the related industry supply chains and opening up access to new verticals. “Over the years, I have observed and admired what James [Reader] and the Smarter Shows team have achieved,” said Douglas Emslie, Tarsus Group CEO. He added, “I’m pleased to be working with them to develop and expand the business… more
Dec 04, 2019
You may have never heard of Soundings Connect, but it’s a group you’ll want to get familiar with — and maybe even join. Founded in San Diego in 2018, it’s a network of 200 (and growing!) freelance meeting and event professionals, all of whom have professional experience in the fields of trade show management, meeting planning, event marketing and more. The goal of the organization is to strategically match companies in need of these services with professionals whose skill sets and talents line up with their objectives. “We focus on both hard and soft skills to ensure the right fit,” says… more
Dec 02, 2019
Experiential marketing and live event production agencies Gravel Experiential and GES Events are teaming up. The two companies will work together to broaden their existing client base with a focus on corporations searching for top-notch event production in new and emerging markets. While both GES Events and Gravel XP offer similar services, the two are also complementary in many ways. Gravel XP has a long history supporting U.S.-based events in specialized industries including consumer packaged goods, alcohol and spirits, pharmaceutical, technology and consultancies. Its services are… more
Dec 02, 2019
Tarsus Connect has today announced the purchase of BizBash, the iconic trade media company for event and meeting planners, further expanding Connect’s market-leading position. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The acquisition of BizBash adds four premier events — including the BizBash Live in New York and L.A. shows for event pros — to the current Connect portfolio of more than 30 national, regional and vertically focused events around the United States. Connect will now also publish two of BizBash’s popular magazines and oversee all of its digital properties. In cities where… more
Dec 02, 2019
Could your show land on the prestigious 2018 TSNN Top 250 Trade Shows list because it boasts more than 50,000 net square feet? (U.S. shows only) Then make sure to submit HERE to be on the 2018 TSNN Top 250 List! U.S. shows only. For the past 10 years, the TSNN Top 250 Trade Shows List has ranked the biggest shows in the U.S. by net square footage, as well as how many shows are snagged by host cities.   This year’s list will be out in March, so make sure to submit your show before Feb. 20! For more info on the TSNN Top 250 list, please go HERE. The 2018 TSNN Top 250 list is exclusively… more
Dec 01, 2019
In a trade show industry first, Trade Show News Network, in partnership with data analytics company Bear Analytics, have teamed up to unveil a 5-year dynamic dashboard of the TSNN Top 250 Trade Show list metrics. Analyzing more than 1,200 trade shows that represent 18,000,000 million attendees, 982,857 exhibiting companies and more than 336 million net square feet, the dashboard is complimentary to all users and allows them to search data on all of the shows. HERE is the link to the TSNN Top 250 Dashboard. “We are thrilled to partner with TSNN on this project – bringing together a… more
Nov 27, 2019
It’s a big month for Portland, Oregon: Last week, its Oregon Convention Center officially completed a momentous $40 million renovation. It marked the first large-scale renovation to take place at the facility since it was built three decades ago, and also took place during OCC’s busiest year to date — a feat in itself. The renovation included updates to public spaces throughout the venue to improve accessibility, creating a new plaza to serve as a flexible outdoor space option for events, and elevated design touches that reflect the building’s surroundings. “We made sure to keep our local… more
Nov 27, 2019
For many in the events industry, the holidays are a time of open-hearted generosity and giving back. Here’s what several event venues and companies are doing to bring holiday cheer to those in need.  Centerplate and Pasadena Convention Center Celebrate a Heartfelt Thanksgiving For the sixth year in a row, the Centerplate team at Pasadena Convention Center in Pasadena, Ca., will prepare 300 turkeys to feed more than 1,500 homeless men, women, children, seniors and very low-income families at the 49th annual Union Station Homeless Services Dinner in the Park, taking place at Pasadena Central… more
Nov 26, 2019
Attending IAEE’s Expo! Expo! In Las Vegas from Dec. 3-5? As you’re planning your schedule, be sure to slot in time to stop by the AV Experience by SmartSource. Together with AVIXA and IAEE, SmartSource will deliver audiovisual-focused education on the showfloor, ranging from practical advice for exhibition planners tasked with changing the attendee experience, to checking out next-gen and experiential AV technology. “SmartSource has enjoyed a long and productive relationship with IAEE,” said Sonny Goyal, SmartSource CEO. “We are excited to be a part of the AV Experience with AVIXA to help… more
Nov 26, 2019
Event organizers wanting to learn and leverage exhibition sponsorship practices can advantage of the B2B Exhibition Sponsorship Playbook series produced by Center for Exhibition Industry Research. Providing a comprehensive overview of B2B expo sponsorship practices in North America, the new five-part series compiles and compares organizer and exhibitor practices. It also includes industry benchmarks and insights on how stakeholders can refine their programs to enhance success. Unveiled on Oct. 28, Part One: What Organizers Offer Compared to What Exhibitors Buy takes a deep dive into the… 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.