News

Jul 03, 2018
International Market Centers is gearing up to host its 8thannual “Up On the Roof” gala charity event during the Summer 2018 Las Vegas Market, running July 29-Aug. 2.  Set for the evening of July 30 in the WorldView Ballroom, the 2018 fundraiser will benefit Gift For Life, the sole charitable organization for the gift, stationery and home décor industries, and will be themed “ERASE HATE: A Celebration of Love,” memorializing the 20thanniversary of the death of Matthew Shepard, whose murder shocked the nation and galvanized support for the gay and lesbian community. Held annually at the… more
Jul 03, 2018
Community Brands, a provider of cloud-based software solutions for associations, nonprofits, schools and faith-based groups, has entered into a partnership with Pathable, provider of mobile event apps, conference apps and websites for meetings, conferences and trade shows.  Following Community Brands’ recent acquisition of event technology company, Expo Logic, the new partnership with Pathable and its mobile event app technology is designed to further strengthen the Community Brands event management suite as an end-to-end solution while enabling organizations to improve the event attendee… more
Jul 03, 2018
With its bounty of ongoing hotel development and renovations, a growing bourbon district, new attractions and a soon-to-be-unveiled, expanded downtown convention center, the city of Louisville has been working overtime to meet the demands of its more than 16.4 million annual visitors. To coincide with this plethora of development while celebrating its 50-year milestone of marketing the city’s tourism and travel business, the Louisville Convention & Visitors Bureau has changed its name to Louisville Tourism. According to Louisville Tourism President and CEO Karen Williams, the new… more
Jun 28, 2018
The Expo Group, an exhibitions and events partner that invests in growth, has unveiled The Expo Group Show Manager of the Year (SMOTY) Awards for 2018. Honorees were nominated by their peers, voted upon by an independent industry judging panel and will be celebrated on Aug. 11 at the 2018 TSNN Awards in Louisville, Ky. “These are top-notch professionals advancing the objectives of not just their organizations but also their trade show community’s attendees, exhibitors, sponsors and partners,” says President and COO of The Expo Group Randy Pekowski. He added, “The stories told in these… more
Jun 28, 2018
The Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC) recently wrapped up its highest-attended North American event in its association’s 65-year history. The annual event, which took place June 18-21 at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas, attracted more than 6,650 hospitality financial and technology professionals seeking to learn how to integrate the latest technologies in the hospitality space. Produced annually by the Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP), HITEC is known as the world’s largest and oldest hospitality technology… more
Jun 28, 2018
Health and wellness is a $4 trillion industry and growing. The “healthy eating and nutrition” and “fitness and mind-body” segments alone accounted for $1.19 trillion in 2015, with “workplace wellness” adding another $43 billion, which is why it’s no surprise that events are including the latest health and wellness trends in their planning. According to the IRF Wellness in Meetings and Incentive Travel Study by Incentive Research Foundation in 2017, the top five health and wellness inclusions (many of which are budget-friendly) are:  Smoke-free property Free access to fitness facility… more
Jun 27, 2018
LIGHTFAIR International (LFI) set a new record at its 29thannual edition, held May 6-10 at McCormick Place in Chicago, with increased registration and a larger expo footprint compared to the year before. Known as the world’s largest annual architectural and commercial lighting trade show and conference, the event registered 28,075 attendees from 85 countries and boasted 600 exhibitors – including 66 first-time exhibiting companies and 136 manufacturers from outside the U.S. – spanning 285,600 net square feet of exhibition space. Held annually in rotation between Chicago, Philadelphia and… more
Jun 27, 2018
Destinations International Chair Tammy Blount-Canavan, FCDME and President and CEO of the Monterey County Convention and Visitors Bureau and President and CEO Don Welsh present the keynote speakers for the 2018 Annual Convention, which takes place July 10-13 in Anaheim. As the premier event for destination marketing and management professionals, Destinations International’s 2018 Annual Convention promises to educate and inspire while providing the unique opportunity to connect with and learn from peers and thought leaders from across the industry. Registration and more information can be… more
Jun 27, 2018
Just like the city of Louisville, Ky., is undergoing a massive transformation with new and renovated hotels, an expanded and spiffed up Kentucky International Convention Center and a bevy of new distilleries, restaurants and other entertainment attractions, the 2018 TSNN Awards, on tap Aug. 10-12, is mirroring the transformation theme in all facets of its event. “This year’s awards program in Louisville is packed with exciting events around the city,” said Tarsus Media and TSNN President Rachel Wimberly. She added, “The theme of transformation will be omnipresent in all activities, but… more
Jun 27, 2018
ASAE will recognize six associations with the 2018 Summit Award, the highest recognition under The Power of A Awards. The six organizations will receive their awards Oct. 3 during the 19th Annual Power of A — Summit Awards Dinner at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C.  The winners were selected by the Power of A Awards Judging Committee, and the committee received 110 entries. The awards are part of The Power of A  campaign, which ASAE launched in 2009 to increase awareness about issues that impact associations and to spotlight the expertise and resources available in the… more
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.    Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.    Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.   The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.    MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.     MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.