News

Apr 05, 2019
This year continues to be a bustling one for event companies forming new business partnerships and continuing existing ones. Global event solutions company MCI Group landed a multi-year contract with ANA Enterprise, which comprises the American Nurses Association, the American Nurses Credentialing Center and the American Nurses Foundation. MCI will provide full strategic event management services including conference management, exhibit sales and sponsorship management, abstract and speaker management, a unified registration and housing platform, marketing solutions and mobile apps,… more
Apr 04, 2019
London-based event lead capture startup Akkroo has been scooped up by Phoenix-based demand orchestration company Integrate for $34 million. Akkroo’s digital lead collection solution, which allows sales teams to expediently capture and process leads in real time using the Akkroo iOS and Android app, will soon be “integrated” into Integrate’s customer offerings with the goal of bolstering its demand orchestration capabilities, according to company officials. “Revenue acceleration happens when you unify the top of the funnel,” said Jeremy Bloom, Integrate founder and CEO. “With this… more
Apr 03, 2019
Last month, Core-apps celebrated its 10th anniversary as a company. While a decade of success is a proud accomplishment for any company, it might as well be 100 years in the world of technology, which changes on a nearly weekly basis these days. In honor of this significant milestone for Core-apps (which was acquired by Community Brands earlier this year, but will live on as a brand under the Community Brands’ umbrella), TSNN talked with Wayne Crawford, Core-apps’ veteran vice president of sales, to get his thoughts on the top 10 technologies that have changed trade shows over the last 10… more
Apr 03, 2019
Companies within the events and tourism world continued with a flurry of hires in March, showing the economy and outlook for the industry looks strong. Freeman has named a new president: Phil Molyneux, a technology engineer with deep experience driving major consumer brands like Sony and Dyson, succeeds Bob Priest-Heck, who is now CEO of Freeman. In addition, Carrie Freeman Parsons, granddaughter of Freeman founder Buck Freeman, will succeed her father Don Freeman as the next chair of the company. She’s been involved with the business since 1985. Following her transition, her father will… more
Apr 02, 2019
Connect Travel, a division of Connect (a Tarsus Group company), has expanded its fast-growing portfolio even more with the acquisition of multiple assets from North American Journeys. Three RTO Summits (East, West and Orlando), Active America China, as well as the Inbound Report and TourOperatorLand.com will join the Connect Travel portfolio, which includes the Connect Travel Marketplace, Connect Tour and the Connect THRIVE Summit. “North American Journeys has been an innovator in B2B tourism marketing since 1996,” said Will Seccombe, president of Connect Travel. He added, “We look… more
Apr 01, 2019
Cincinnati, Ohio-based event production services provider Fern has acquired Seattle-based Triumph Expo & Events and Portland-based DWA Trade Show & Exposition Services. The two event services companies will both operate under the Fern brand, while the leadership from both organizations will be integrated into the existing Fern leadership team. Not only will Fern’s move into the Pacific Northwest allow the company to serve this growing market for its existing customers more effectively, but also the acquisitions of Triumph and DWA represent a natural integration of shared… more
Apr 01, 2019
Attending events other than your own can spark innovative thinking, helping you transform or heighten the key elements of your own events. Registration options and processes, education, traffic flow, exhibition layout, entertainment, and food and beverage are just a few of the areas to consider shaking up. The annual Game Developers Conference is organized by UBM, which in June 2018 combined with Informa PLC to become the largest B2B events organizer in the world. UBM’s portfolio includes trade shows and conferences across industries including fashion, life sciences, biopharma, manufacturing… more
Mar 29, 2019
Destinations International (formerly known as DMAI) has opened registration for its 2019 Annual Convention taking place in St. Louis, July 23-25. This event provides the opportunity for professionals from destination organizations to come together with peers and thought leaders inside and outside the industry. “We are excited to bring the greatest minds in the travel and tourism industry together for this annual event,” said William Pate, Destinations International chair and CEO of the Atlanta CVB. “The event promises to provide networking and inspiration for every professional across the… more
Mar 28, 2019
From organic foods to home décor to work trucks, here’s a look at the month’s most successful trade shows and events. International Restaurant & Foodservice Show of New York Nearly 15,300 industry professionals convened at Javits Center in New York City March 3-5 for the co-located International Restaurant & Foodservice Show of New York, Healthy Food Expo New York and Coffee Fest. Produced and managed by Clarion UX, the show featured an exhibit hall that grew 33 percent from 2018, showcasing new products from 547 companies and covering 91,000 square feet. “Javits Center was the… more
Mar 28, 2019
In yet another example of its ambition to become one of the greenest convention centers in the nation, Detroit’s Cobo Center has been taking more progressive green steps as it actively moves toward a more sustainable future. Last week, the facility achieved venue recertification from the Event Industry Council’s Accepted Practices Exchange/American Society for Testing and Materials International (APEX/ASTM) Sustainable Meeting Standard, which focuses on the evaluation and selection of venues for environmentally sustainable meetings, events, trade shows and conferences. As the ninth U.S.… 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.