News

Mar 05, 2018
Macau’s Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) recently released its MICE statistics for the fourth quarter as well as the full year of 2017. In 2017, a total of 1,381 MICE events were held in Macau. That is 105 events more than in 2016. The total number of participants increased 10% to approximately 1,901,000 in the year. According to DSEC, a total of 1,285 meetings and conferences were held in 2017 – up by 90 events compared with the year before. The total number of participants was 245,000, representing a year-on-year increase of 39%. A total of 51 exhibitions were held in 2017 – down four… more
Mar 05, 2018
Last week, Mega Expo, formerly known as Kenfair, a Hong Kong-based exhibition organiser, reported its interim results for the six months ended on 31st December 2017. The company reported revenues of US$9.4 million, down by 20% year-on-year. However, Mega Expo posted a net profit of US$5.8 million in the six-month period, compared with a loss of US$1.5 million in the previous year. Earnings per share for the half year were HK$0.0328 (US$0.0042).   More than 75% of Mega Expo’s revenues were generated from its exhibition organising business, amounting US$7.1 million. This represents a decrease… more
Mar 02, 2018
If the positive 2017 full-year earnings reports for three large for-profit exhibition companies are any indication, then the industry is performing well, despite uncertain geo-political times in different regions around the world. U.K.-based Tarsus Group had record revenues last year, scoring £117 million ($161 million), compared with £86.9 million ($120 million) in the comparable year 2015, a 35-percent increase. In addition, like-for-like revenues saw an increase of 7 percent and adjusted profit before tax of £40.2 million ($55 million) was up 53 percent against 2015. "2017 was a… more
Mar 02, 2018
ViewPoint Interactive Solutions, creators of interactive touchscreen marketing and sales experiences, has formed a strategic relationship with Sacks Exhibits, a global provider of exhibits, events and show environments. Announced from the floor of EXHIBITORLive in Las Vegas on Feb. 26, the collaboration is intended to help marketers deliver more captivating live experiences by combining creative engagement with advanced technology designed to excite and educate prospects. “We had been looking to find a technology partner that could bring not only the most advanced touchscreen capabilities… more
Mar 01, 2018
Hotel room poachers may think again before ruffling the feathers of the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY) and its annual trade show and conference, the International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE). On Jan. 22, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia ordered Tarzango, an unaffiliated travel agency, to pay USPOULTRY $749,797.50 in damages and attorney’s fees for infringing upon the association’s valid and subsisting IPPE U.S. trademark registrations in the agency’s “deceptive advertising practices,” according to USPOULTRY. In 2017, Tarzango sent… more
Feb 28, 2018
After a temporary setback in the third quarter of 2017, the growth of the exhibition industry resumed during the fourth quarter, according to Fourth Quarter Index Results conducted by the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR). The performance of the industry, as measured by the CEIR Total Index, posted a strong year-on-year gain of 3.1 percent (see below). Figure 1: Quarterly CEIR Total Index for the Overall Exhibition Industry, Year-on-Year Growth, 2011Q1-2017Q4     Despite displaying somewhat greater volatility, exhibitions are keeping pace with the macroeconomy (see Figure 2… more
Feb 27, 2018
If you are considering taking your event to The Netherlands – most people likely would focus on Amsterdam, but there are two other affordable and easy-to-access cities to look at as well: Rotterdam and The Hague. “We think that Rotterdam is the new and exciting choice for event organizers, with the same level of service and quality that can be expected from all cities in the Netherlands as a destination country,” said Catherine Kalamidas, account manager for Rotterdam Partners Convention Bureau. She added, “The good thing is that the Netherlands is such a small country that you can actually… more
Feb 27, 2018
The San Diego Convention Center has selected ON Site, a division of ON Services, as its preferred provider of audio-visual services and its exclusive provider of production rigging and in-house sound. The contract will begin May 1. Owned by GES, ON Services is a leading provider of global live event audio visual services that include AV design, lighting, projection mapping and scenic design services. ON Site provides in-house audio-visual and technology services to convention centers, hotels and resorts across the U.S. The SDCC hosts conventions, trade shows and community events year-round… more
Feb 27, 2018
In its 47th year and held recently at the Sands Expo and Convention Center in Las Vegas, OFFPRICE drew in positive attendance who connected with 475 vendors, 49 of which were new to the show. There also was a strong international presence on the showfloor. “I had new business with a department chain based in Mexico, with almost 200 storefronts,” said Harry Nassib, OFFPRICE exhibitor. He added, “This show, in particular, helped build awareness for my company and put my merchandise in front of buyers who I may not have reached elsewhere.” Even with the hurricane hitting Puerto Rico late… more
Feb 26, 2018
When Kimberly Smith began as director of conferences and events at the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), she already thought she was doing her part to be environmentally conscious, both in her career and personal life. Two years into her role at “the best association” she has ever worked for in her 30-year career, Smith has not only learned the true meaning of producing an authentically green event but also how much power event planners truly have when it comes to pushing the events industry in a more sustainable direction. I had the chance to sit… 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.