News

Aug 10, 2018
The greeting card and social expression industry is about to get a brand new trade show. Starting in May of next year, the Greeting Card Association (GCA) will launch and manage its own event that will be exclusively focused on greeting cards.  “After extensive conversations with our membership and potential show management partners as well as surveying exhibitors and retailers, I am excited to announce that the GCA Executive Committee voted unanimously to launch this show, which will represent the vitality, creativity and innovation of the greeting card industry and deliver ROI to our… more
Aug 09, 2018
Detroit's Cobo Center continues to demonstrate its commitment to sustainability in the events industry by hosting the newly released Sustainable Event Professional Certificate (SEPC) training for employees and event professionals, set for Sept. 11-12.  To be led by the Events Industry Council, this will be the first training for this certificate program to be offered in the state of Michigan.  Combining active learning and experiential elements, the SEPC program is designed to enable participants to implement their own green events.  Topics will include understanding the business value of… more
Aug 09, 2018
The Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) has released its second and third fact sheets in its 2018 Attendee ROI Playbook series, a multiple fact sheet series that identifies general attendee practices and insights on differences by specific attendee categories. Released late last month, “Fact Sheet Two: B2B Exhibitions Top-Ranked for Value in Meeting Business Information & Purchasing Decision Needs” explores the range of sources that business professionals who attend B2B exhibitions relied upon to meet their business information and purchasing decision needs in comparison to… more
Aug 07, 2018
SISO, The Society of Independent Show Organizers, the largest association of the leading for-profit trade and consumer show organizers, unveiled the nominees for its sixth annual “Event Innovation Battlefield.” The nominees this year are Conference Pulse, Everthere, Lennd, Preview and qual.ai. The competition will take place Aug. 9 in front of an audience of for-profit show organizers and suppliers in the industry as part of its annual SISO Leadership Conference, on tap this year Aug. 7-9 in Orlando. The event attracts large and small trade and consumer show organizers who are interested… more
Aug 07, 2018
The Kentucky International Convention Center (KICC) opened its doors on Aug. 6 after a two-year renovation and expansion. The new build has increased KICC’s contiguous exhibit space by more than a third.  State and local government officials, along with KICC facility officials and staff, welcomed clients, local stakeholders and media to an open house that showcased the new facility and its capacity for events.  The program included comments from: David S. Beck, president and CEO of Kentucky Venues Don Parkinson, secretary of Kentucky’s Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet William M.… more
Aug 04, 2018
At its second run as the official event app for Project Anime, the annual conference for anime convention organizers, Allcal Events made yet another splash with attendees and show organizers alike. Held July 3-4 at the Westin Bonaventure in downtown Los Angeles, Project Anime precedes the popular Anime Expo, held annually at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Both events are run by the Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation (SPJA). “Project Anime is a B2B conference that bridges Anime Event Organizers with Japanese Pop Culture Industry Professionals to connect, network and support… more
Aug 04, 2018
LIGHTFAIR International, an largest annual architectural and commercial lighting tradeshow and conference, will continue its management contract with International Market Centers (IMC) following the merger between IMC and AmericasMart Atlanta (AMC).LIGHTFAIR International is co-owned by the International Association of Lighting Designers and the Illuminating Engineering Society. The event has been co-owned, produced and managed by AMC (now part of IMC), which has managed LIGHTFAIR International since 1989.“We are thrilled to partner with IALD and IES on the successful show they have built in… more
Aug 02, 2018
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events selected Don Pazour as its 2018 Legend of the Industry. He will be honored during this year’s Krakoff Leadership Institute (KLI) Aug. 5-6 at the Savannah International Trade & Convention Center in Savannah, Ga. The KLI Legend of the Industry is selected from IAEE members whose contributions, innovation and leadership have been truly unique and remarkable. An informal setting then allows each KLI participant face-to-face interaction with this industry leader. Don Pazour thrives on celebrating and supporting others’ success. He… more
Aug 01, 2018
Does the shirt you’re wearing right now keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter? Can it go many wears without washing and not stink? According to the organizers of a new U.S. trade show, very soon technology in everyday clothing will be the norm rather than the exception. On July 23-24, Reed Exhibitions, in partnership with PERFORMANCEDAYS, launched Functional Fabric Fair, held during MRKET Days at the Jacob K. Javits Center in New York City. PERFORMANCEDAYS has been held in Germany for the past 10 years and showcases functional technologies in fabrics. Historically, it has been… more
Jul 31, 2018
Experiential innovations, learnings, industry trends and new exhibitors will be on tap at IMEX America, the annual expo for incentive travel, meetings and events set for Oct. 16-18 at the Sands Expo and Convention Center at The Venetian| The Palazzo in Las Vegas. “With an expanded show floor, new exhibitors and numerous networking events, the opportunities to do business at IMEX America are second-to-none this year,” said Carina Bauer, CEO of the IMEX Group. She continued, “As always, we’re committed to putting on a great show – one that ignites fresh thinking, explores new trends and… 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.