News

Aug 28, 2018
VISIT Milwaukee, the destination marketing organization for Wisconsin’s largest city, recently won an ESTO Destiny Award for its redesigned website at the ESTO 2018 Conference. Held Aug. 11-14 at the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa in Phoenix, Ariz., the annual Educational Seminar for Tourism Organizations conference is produced by the U.S. Travel Association and is attended by top tourism destinations from across the country. “It is an honor to be recognized by our peers in the tourism industry for our new website, which launched in March of this year,” said Megan… more
Aug 28, 2018
Full-service event production company, Shepard, has launched a bold set of initiatives to reduce the 600,000 tons of garbage produced by the events industry each year.  Its ambitious efforts were recently recognized by the Sustainable Green Printing Partnership (SGP), which in May awarded Shepard with a certification for its sustainable printing practices – the first time an SGP certification has been awarded to a general services contractor.  A non-profit organization that certifies printing facilities’ sustainability best practices, SGP certifies printing facilities as part of its… more
Aug 27, 2018
Destinations International, Simpleview and IBTM Americas invite all destination organizations participating in IBTM Americas to attend DMOs Day, which will take place Sept. 3-4 in Mexico City, a few days before the main event. Destination organizations of all shapes and sizes are invited to attend this complimentary event to gain knowledge and discuss tools and tactics available for destination organization professionals to transform their businesses.  Throughout the program, attendees will learn database management, customer relationship management, sales tactics best practices and cutting… more
Aug 27, 2018
SmithBucklin, the association management and services company more organizations turn to than any other, is proud to introduce its proprietary association excellence program, SmithBucklin AXP℠. The program is designed to improve and ensure the ongoing success of the client organizations SmithBucklin serves. The result of 18 months of research, development, and testing, SmithBucklin AXP is a methodology and set of tools designed to enable governing boards, executive directors, and staff to have regular, meaningful, and focused conversations about priorities, progress, and opportunities for… more
Aug 27, 2018
EXHIBITOR magazine, the leader in trade show and corporate event marketing education, and the Healthcare Convention & Exhibitors Association (HCEA) have renewed their partnership to once again collocate HCEAInnovate during EXHIBITOR's annual EXHIBITORLIVE conference. HCEA will again provide an innovative educational and networking experience with HCEAInnovate.  HCEAInnovate will be held Feb. 24, 2019, to coincide with the opening day of EXHIBITORLIVE, the 31st Annual Professional Development Conference for Trade Show and Corporate Event Marketers, in Las Vegas. HCEA will also continue… more
Aug 27, 2018
Society of Independent Show Organizers (SISO) and Exposition Development Company (ExpoDevCo) have signed a three-year extension to the management agreement currently in place. The new agreement runs through the end of 2021. Services provided by ExpoDevCo include all Association staff, member services, and event management, with David Audrain serving as executive director. Audrain has served as executive director of SISO since the end of 2015 and also is CEO & partner of ExpoDevCo, a SISO Member and organizer of a dozen trade shows and conferences across multiple industries. “We are… more
Aug 25, 2018
Hiring didn’t slow down in the typically mellow month of August with several cities adding to their convention and visitors bureau ranks, as well as some service providers and show organizing companies. Rachel Thomas has joined the Specialty Graphic Imaging Association (SGIA) as the new Director of Exhibit Services, overseeing the SGIA Expo and upcoming PRINTING United trade show floors and managing exhibitors’ experiences. Thomas will handle communication and coordination related to the 2018 SGIA Expo — both prior to and during events — to make the show more engaging for both exhibitors… more
Aug 23, 2018
A grand total of 6,092 association professionals and industry partners converged Aug. 18-21 in Chicago for the 2018 ASAE Annual Meeting & Exposition, the highest attendance the annual industry event has attracted.  “This is our largest meeting ever!,” ASAE President and CEO John H. Graham IV told a packed room of journalists earlier this week. He added, “Probably the only place we could have a larger meeting was to have it in D.C, but that hasn’t happened in 25 years.” The 2007 event also was in Chicago when it scored its second highest attendance. Graham said the economic impact to… more
Aug 23, 2018
Production equipment and engineering support provider, VER, has emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy as a reorganized company via a merger with and under the leadership of global entertainment technology and services company, Production Resource Group (PRG). Led by PRG Chairman and CEO Jere Harris and controlled by The Jordan Company, GSO Capital Partners and PRG Management, the jointly owned companies create the largest entertainment equipment and services provider globally. As a global company that provides equipment to the film and TV industry as well as audio gear and engineering for the… more
Aug 22, 2018
Buyers and sellers traveled from as far away as Australia, South and Central America and Europe to convene at the 48thedition of OFFPRICE, the biannual trade show that serves the off-price retail industry. Held Aug. 11-14 at the Sands Expo & Convention Center in Las Vegas, the OFFPRICE Show takes place every August and February during Las Vegas Fashion Week and is known as the largest off-price show in the country, boasting more than 500 vendors and nearly 1,300 booths that attracts more than 12,000 buyers. According to OFFPRICE officials, the main topic of conversation buzzing around… 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.