News

Feb 13, 2018
The Philippines released details regarding its MICE Roadmap designed to attract more business events to the country. Some of the new measures include reducing the cost of organising business events as well as addressing a variety of other issues that hamper the development of the local business events industry. To reduce the cost of doing business, the Philippines have eliminated its “common carriers” tax and billings tax. Both the government and private sector will form a technical working group to develop policies, improve infrastructure, and share data aimed at supporting the industry.… more
Feb 13, 2018
Messe Frankfurt New Era Business Media Ltd has acquired Thailand Lighting Fair and Thailand Building Fair to expand the worldwide portfolio of its Light + Building brand of trade fairs. Powered by Messe Frankfurt since their inception in 2015, the two fairs now will officially form part of the Light + Building family that totals 14 fairs around the globe. “The Light + Building brand of shows is well-recognised around the world for its high quality event format and its power to attract the best in the industry. Adding the Thailand Lighting Fair and Thailand Building Fair to this growing… more
Feb 13, 2018
The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) opened a new regional office in Shanghai, expanding and enhancing the association's programs and services in the Asia-Pacific region. The opening of the new Shanghai office is IAAPA's first Mainland China Representative Office, and its second office in the Asia-Pacific region. "China has been experiencing tremendous growth in the attractions industry and we are excited to open a regional office in Shanghai. This will allow us to further support our local participants and connect them with our global participants,"… more
Feb 13, 2018
Exhibition research consultancy, Explori has opened a regional headquarters in Hong Kong as the company prepares for significant growth in the region throughout 2018 and beyond. The business will be led by new appointment, Joann Chan, as associate director of Research, Asia Pacific. Chan joins Explori from leading research agency YouGov. She is a multi-lingual research professional with years of experience in project management and delivery of international research projects. She previously has held senior roles with TNS and Ipsos. "I’m delighted to be joining Explori at such an exciting… more
Feb 13, 2018
Hong Kong-listed Pico Far East announced its annual results, for the year ended Oct. 31, 2017. The company reported total revenues of US$510 million, down by 4 percent year-on-year. The company attributed the decline to the end of two non-recurring mega projects in the previous year. The company’s net profit fell 6.3 percent during the year, down to US$36 million. Diluted earnings per share for the year were HK$0.2286 (US$0.029). More than 80 percent of Pico’s revenues were generated from its exhibition & event marketing services, amounting to US$409 million. This represents year-on-… more
Feb 13, 2018
It’s no secret that January is a big month for major U.S. trade shows around the country, and this year was no exception. Held Jan. 14-16 at the Jacob K. Javits Center in New York City, NRF 2018, aka Retail’s BIG Show, helped kick off the year on the right foot by growing its participation and showfloor presence. Owned and run by the National Retail Federation, the three-day trade show and conference for retail professionals welcomed 36,500 attendees and 719 exhibiting companies representing a wide range of categories including merchandising, operations, information technology, customer… more
Feb 09, 2018
Hubilo, a company that provides eponymous event software that enables organizers to create, promote, engage and analyze their events and event attendees, has launched a new event networking platform meant to optimize the way people connect and interact at events. Hubilo is India’s first all-in-one event management software provider and since its inception in 2014 has powered prominent events including the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2017 and The Global Entrepreneurship Summit 2017. The new community platform, released in January, can be easily integrated with any event website or app. It… more
Feb 08, 2018
Viacom, owner of MTV, VH-1, Nickelodeon and BET, to name a few, has acquired VidCon, host of the world’s largest multi-day conference for the global online community. The move will accelerate its participation and investment in next-generation platforms and expand its focus on live events, according to Viacom officials. VidCon will remain a stand-alone entity and retain its senior leadership team. “VidCon has become the foremost gathering place for the passionate online video community, and the access to talent, experts and education that VidCon provides for attendees is unparalleled,”… more
Feb 08, 2018
Washington D.C.’s largest consumer culinary show, MetroCooking DC, concluded its 12th edition with a positive boost in attendance and size. Held Dec. 9-10 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, the popular gourmand shopping event saw an attendance uptick of more than 12 percent, compared with the year before, with more than 10,000 foodies shopping, sipping and sampling from an abundance of specialty food companies, local restaurants, breweries and wineries. The annual event also expanded its exhibitor footprint, with 218 specialty food and home entertaining exhibitors showcasing… more
Feb 07, 2018
U.K.-based Tarsus Group has launched an exclusive buyer-seller platform, Tarsus Direct, which will include an in-person summit series, white papers and thought leadership within specific communities. The first event in Tarsus Direct’s Industry Specific Direct Connections Summit Series will focus on healthcare security with the debut of the Healthcare Security Summit Oct. 24-25 in Boston, Mass. "Our market research indicated a strong need for original research and education in healthcare security," said David Beck, Group Publisher at Tarsus Direct, and former publisher of the… 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.