News

Nov 14, 2019
The holiday season may be fast-approaching, but that hasn’t slowed down a bevy of trade show-related companies and suppliers from forging new business partnerships.  Centerplate Granted F&B Contract for World Market Center Las Vegas  Event venue hospitality partner Centerplate has been awarded a long-term contract with the World Market Center Las Vegas to provide hospitality and food service at the newly enhanced furniture, gift and home décor venue. The contract will grant Centerplate management of the venue’s catering, food and beverage and concessions services. Centerplate, which… more
Nov 13, 2019
The organizers of IBTM World are feeling pretty good going into next week’s event, set to take place Nov. 19-21 in Barcelona. This year, the event has double the number of first-time exhibitors compared to 2018, according to show officials.  Of the more than 2,600 exhibitors confirmed to attend the 2019 event, at least 35 have never participated before. The countries of Mallorca, Greece, Azerbaijan, Macau, South Korea and Croatia are among the first-time exhibitors. Other new exhibitors this year include The Hoxton, Israel Ministry of Tourism, The Gleneagles Hotel, Renfe, Goyang CVB, Maison… more
Nov 12, 2019
For all the talk of living a healthy lifestyle these days, from working out in hotel gyms to eating better while on the road, sleep is an essential part of the wellness equation that often gets neglected. There are many studies that show how vital sleep can be to your overall health. Getting enough sleep bolsters your physical and mental wellbeing, helps your brain function properly and improves learning and problem solving. Being sleep deprived has been shown to increase your risk for many serious health conditions, including heart disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure, diabetes,… more
Nov 11, 2019
Event organizers today are using digital tools to provide better end-to-end experiences. Attendees expect convenience along with accurate, real-time information and crave two-way conversations, says Danielle Puceta, Freeman’s senior vice president of digital. These are the main drivers for Freeman’s new Explore, Luminate and Fluent digital products. The offerings are designed to help event marketers increase and enhance attendee engagement. Explore by Freeman Explore is a set of packaged immersive products that help brands showcase their products and tell their stories in multisensory, eye… more
Nov 11, 2019
As evidenced by its impressive growth in participation, relocating to Denver seemed to have been a good decision for the International Fly Tackle Dealer trade show, which took place Oct. 16-18 at Colorado Convention Center. Known as the world’s largest international gathering of fly fishing manufacturers, retailers, sales reps, media and fly fishing organizations, IFTD 2019 experienced a record 137 percent increase in its attendance at 2,251, its largest audience ever in the history of the event. In July 2018, the show drew in 950 attendees to a collocated event with ICAST at Orange County… more
Nov 08, 2019
The inaugural edition of PRINTING United proved strategic reinventions can be a good move in the trade show industry. Held Oct. 23-25 at Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, the new trade show and conference is built upon the strong foundation of its predecessor, SGIA Expo. It was designed to meet industry demand by servicing the entire commercial printing industry under one umbrella.  Developed by Specialty Graphic Imaging Association and NAPCO Media, the event drew in approximately 30,000 attendees and more than 680 exhibitors. A sold-out showfloor featured a massive showcase… more
Nov 07, 2019
Several event technology companies have been busy creating new and enhanced platforms as well as upgrading technologies to help venues and exhibiting companies enhance the trade show experience.  Concept3D Unveils New 3D Panorama Feature Concept3D, provider of immersive online experiences with 3D modeling, interactive maps and virtual tour software, has launched a new 3D Panorama feature that integrates into its interactive map and virtual tour platform.   Designed to replace cumbersome, static practices such as setting up and photographing rooms with multiple layout options or providing… more
Nov 07, 2019
UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, is reaching more industry professionals around the world than ever before. On Nov. 6, UFI members from more than 50 countries converged for the 2019 UFI General Assembly in Bangkok, Thailand, to review the organization’s work throughout the past year, as well as discuss plans for 2020.  The meeting precedes UFI’s 86th annual Global Congress, which boasts more than 550 registered participants this year, making it the largest in UFI’s history and matching the record number of attendees at the 2016 Congress in Shanghai, China.  Chaired by… more
Nov 06, 2019
Have you ever hired a photographer for an event (or worse, used your own smartphone) and wound up with very few photos you could actually use? Event photography is an important component of capturing the trade show or conference, but often it’s something that planners don’t spend much time thinking about aside from sourcing a photographer. Professional event photographer Chris Savas, who owns and operates Chris Savas Photography in the Atlanta area, has been in the business for more than 30 years. He worked as a photojournalist and in advertising for more than a decade before switching his… more
Nov 05, 2019
November is only just getting started, but it’s already a busy month for new hires and promotions. Check out the latest people moves in the trade show industry. Los Angeles-based venue management and services company ASM Global announced a new executive leadership team that will report to Bob Newman, president and CEO. The team includes Mark Rozells, CFO; Chuck Steedman, executive vice president of strategy and business development for arenas and stadiums; Gregg Caren, executive vice president of sales and business development for convention centers; Doug Thornton, executive vice president… 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.