News

Jan 17, 2018
The Recreational Vehicle Industry Association decided to scrap its 55-year old massive National RV Show, which it has held every November at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Ky. Instead, association officials said they wanted to reinvent the annual event away from being a traditional trade show. “We must act now to provide our vibrant and innovative industry a platform to promote its successes and celebrate its wins,” RVIA officials said. They added, “The opportunity exists to deliver an all-industry event featuring expanded innovation and market development, unparalleled… more
Jan 17, 2018
PCMA always has made a priority of providing top-notch education and thought-provoking keynote speakers for its annual Convening Leaders conference. But this year, the annual event for convention management professionals outdid itself in choosing Bill Strickland, who closed out the event with his heartfelt speech, “Leadership, Self-Worth, and the Ability to Transform Lives.” “All of our lives have purpose, and it’s up to each and every one of us to decide how we’re going to use it – to benefit ourselves or to reach out and help others,” said Craig Davis, president and CEO of Visit… more
Jan 17, 2018
The Professional Convention Management Association named Janet Tan-Collis, president of the Singapore Association of Convention and Exhibition Organizers and Suppliers (SACEOS) and CEO of East West Planners Singapore, Janet Tan-Collis, as the 2017 Chairman’s Award honoree. Presented by Mary Pat Heftman, 2017 Chair of PCMA Board of Directors, the award was given at PCMA’s recent Convening Leaders event in Nashville and recognizes individuals or organizations for their unique achievements and contributions to the business events industry over the previous year. Singaporean Tan-Collis has… more
Jan 16, 2018
After UBM’s stock price jumped considerably, news was released that the mega exhibition organizer is in talks to possibly merge with Informa, another mega exhibition organizer. UBM released the following statement: “Further to the recent UBM share price movement, the Boards of UBM and Informa confirm that they are in discussions regarding a potential combination of the two companies, to be effected by way of an acquisition of the entire issued and to be issued share capital of UBM by Informa for shares and cash consideration (the "Potential Combination"). UBM and Informa are in preliminary… more
Jan 16, 2018
Despite the slight hiccup of a power blackout at the show, CES, the world’s largest consumer technology event, set a new size record this year with a 2.75 million net square foot expo floor featuring 3,900 exhibitors. Held Jan. 9-12 at the Las Vegas Convention Center and venues throughout the city, the 51st annual event for the global tech industry attracted more than 175,000 attendees from 150 countries. In 2017, CES spanned 2.6 million net square feet, with its attendance and exhibitor numbers on par with this year. Touted as a gathering of the world’s greatest innovators, the show… more
Jan 16, 2018
Event Transportation Systems, a shuttle transportation management company for corporate and association meetings, conferences and conventions, has released its latest web-based versions of the ETS-Next-Shuttle app and ETS-Shuttle-Tracker transportation management software. These next-generation transportation management and monitoring tools, which use proprietary GPS-enabled technology, were unveiled Jan. 8 at the PCMA’s annual Convening Leaders conference in Nashville. “We created these technology tools because the modern meeting planner needs instant access to information and the modern… more
Jan 12, 2018
It looks to be a banner year for Informa Exhibitions in 2017, with the division of U.K.-based Informa having reported 9 percent growth for the first 10 months of last year. The company’s 2017 full-year results will be released Feb. 28. Charlie McCurdy, CEO of Informa Exhibitions, said the growth was coming from several of the company’s largest trade shows, such as Natural Products Expos East and West and the China Beauty Show, which grew 5 percent, to name a few. “Big shows are doing very well,” he added. The company boasts more than 30 large shows in its global portfolio and, according… more
Jan 12, 2018
The Javits Center has officially launched Jake, a new online portal designed to improve the customer experience by simplifying the ordering process of products and services for upcoming events at the convention center. Featured on the Center’s redesigned and revamped website, and only available to exhibitors at this time, the new system allows customers to order more than 200 products and services, from electrical and cleaning services to audio equipment and lighting fixtures. In addition, Jake enables users to: Obtain price quotes for anticipated services Review costs before placing… more
Jan 12, 2018
Global event and exhibit company MC2 has expanded its operations with the debut of a new office in Lewisville, Texas. Located in the DFW Metroplex, the new location is the company’s first in the Lone Star State. Opened to support the company’s growth and clients in the technology and automotive industries as well as to be the home for the company’s Consumer Events division, the new 35,000 square foot facility was custom built for exhibit, event and permanent installation projects, and includes sales and account management services as well as warehouse and shipping facilities. According to… more
Jan 11, 2018
Houston First Corporation and CBS-affiliated television station, KHOU 11, have formed a partnership to deliver the first network satellite studio in downtown Houston. The new studio will be located along the city’s expanding entertainment district, Avenida Houston, with construction expected to begin in the next few months and slated for completion in late summer, according to Houston First officials. “Since the development of Avenida Houston, we have witnessed downtown transform into a local destination,” said Dawn Ullrich, president and CEO of Houston First Corporation, which manages 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.