News
Dec 07, 2017
Led by a third-quarter drop in Real Revenues of 3 percent, compared with the same quarter in 2016, the Center for Exhibition Industry Research reports that performance of the exhibition industry is down 0.7 percent.
The decrease was a result of factors related to several large exhibitions in the Consumer Goods and Retail Trade (CG) and Sporting Goods, Travel, and Amusement (ST) sectors.
The weaknesses in those events were attributable to event-specific factors not related to the overall exhibition industry or the economy, as both consumer disposable income and consumption expenditures… more
Dec 07, 2017
The ibtm Technology Watch Award winners for 2017 were announced at the most recent ibtm world, held Nov. 28-30 at Fira Gran Via in Barcelona, Spain.
As the longest-running awards program of its kind, the ibtm Technology Watch awards recognize the achievements of new and innovative event industry technologies, ensuring that the achievements of talented entrepreneurs looking to revolutionize the meetings and events sector are duly acknowledged.
There were three categories for this year’s nominations: Logistics and Production, Management and Marketing and Audience Engagement.
All entries… more
Dec 06, 2017
This article is the second in a series that we will be running throughout the holiday season shining a bright, well-deserved spotlight on companies that are #GivingBack.
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events, Smart City Networks and Caesars Entertainment have been working overtime to give back and make a difference in the lives of the less fortunate.
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) turned giving back into a late-night party by raising $15,000 during Humanity Rocks – A Celebration with A Cause, held Nov. 29 at the Aztec Theatre in San Antonio… more
Dec 06, 2017
UFI, the Global Association for the Exhibition Industry has taken a look into their crystal ball and come up with “5 Trends to Watch in 2018”.
The good news is the exhibition industry here in the US and in most places overseas continues to grow, the challenges include recruiting and retaining key talent and staying on top of security initiatives.
Here are UFI’s “5 Trends to Watch in 2018”.
1. The seemingly stable core
Despite political tensions, a rise in protectionism, and a perceived fragility of free trade, both the global economy and the exhibition industry as a whole are growing… more
Dec 05, 2017
The IAEE Expo! Expo! Annual Meeting and Exhibition 2017 drew some great technology features to the show. This year’s event, held Nov. 28–30 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas, offered some very interesting technology engagement options for those in attendance.
Technology as education: At the education session titled Leveraging Digital Insights to Create Brand Experiences, Wilson Tang, vice president at Freeman XP, talked about using technology to create customized brand experiences.
One of the most interesting discussions about how to provide technology… more
Dec 05, 2017
Getting together face-to-face was the primary goal of the 2017 IAEE Expo! Expo! Annual Meeting and Exhibition, which took place Nov. 28–30 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas.
The show focused on making connections, both with fellow attendees and with education sessions that ran on three tracks: researched-informed, data-guided and experience-designed.
There were several new features for this year’s show. These included the Tech Start Up Competition, sponsored by Visit Austin and the Austin Convention Center; the CEIR Research Sneak Peek & Luncheon,… more
Dec 05, 2017
Full-service event production company, Shepard, has acquired McCUNE Audio-Video-Lighting, a California-based provider of audio-visual and entertainment services for the events industry.
The acquisition will help expand Shepard AV, the Atlanta-based company’s audio-visual division.
“It’s an exciting time for Shepard AV,” said Stuart Danneman, executive vice president of Shepard AV.
He continued, “This acquisition will help us accelerate our growth in the western region and allow us to continue providing the highest level of service standards to all our current customers.”
With 75 years… more
Dec 04, 2017
After more than 12 years, President and CEO Deborah Sexton has decided to move on from the Professional Convention Management Association and will step down after the upcoming Convening Leaders event in January in Nashville.
Sexton shared her decision with the Board of Directors at the September meeting. The Board voted unanimously to approve COO Sherrif Karamat as the new CEO.
This follows careful succession planning at PCMA, where Sexton and Karamat have worked closely together since 2005.
“Deborah’s passion, boundless energy and her hunger to continuously innovate have resulted in… more
Dec 04, 2017
Looking for that perfect gift for someone? There are two really great books available written by trade show professionals that would make a perfect addition for anyone’s bookshelf.
The first book – “Lessons of an Entrepreneur: How to Grow, Take Risks and Survive” - was written by The Expo Group Founder and Chairman Ray Pekowski.
“Other the years, as I have shared stories of starting up a business and the challenges overcome to reach our level of success, many people have encouraged me to write a book,” Pekowski said.
He added, “Since publishing the book, I have really enjoyed hearing… more
Dec 04, 2017
The Global Destination Sustainability Index has released its second sustainability performance ranking of 40 meeting and events cities throughout the globe.
The GDS-Index is a collaborative platform that promotes the sustainable growth of international meeting destinations through knowledge sharing, capacity building and benchmarking across four key areas: city environmental strategy and infrastructure; city social sustainability performance; industry supplier support (restaurants, hotels and convention centers) and Convention Bureau strategy and initiatives.
The 2017 results were announced… 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.