News

Nov 07, 2017
The fall kicked off with a flurry of new hires across a variety of trade show sectors, including show organizing companies, display and contractor companies and convention and visitor bureaus. Clarion UX (formerly Urban Expositions) named Desiree Hanson vice president of Fashion Events overseeing the Womenswear in Nevada (WWIN) portfolio. She reports to UX CEO, Greg Topalian.In her new role, Hanson will oversee all sales, marketing and management functions for the semi-annual WWIN womenswear apparel trade show held at the Rio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. She also will work closely… more
Nov 07, 2017
Last month, 5,250 engineers and executives responsible for assembly manufacturing converged at the 5th Annual ASSEMBLY Show, held Oct. 24-26 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Ill. ​​​​​The trade show and conference, which focuses on assembly technology, equipment and products, boasted a 12 percent increase in attendance and a 15 percent increase in exhibit space, compared with 2016, according to BNP Media, which produces the show. The bustling event drew 295 exhibiting companies occupying 76,800 net square feet of expo space, with nearly 8,000 industry professionals… more
Nov 06, 2017
Let’s apply a Keep, Start, Stop framework to some of the challenges and opportunities we have as trade show professionals. Bring your opinions on marketing personas, double carpet padding, elephants in the room, lead retrieval and experience design this Weds. At 1 p.m. ET to the #Expochat Tweetchat. You could be the one offering advice to change someone’s life, or you could be the person giving thanks around the turkey day table that a friendly participant on #Expochat just inspired your next big idea! Join guest moderator Dana Freker Doody from The Expo Group, where she’ll lead a… more
Nov 03, 2017
In the third quarter of 2017, GES revenues dipped 19 percent to $232 million, compared with $287 million during the same quarter the year before, primarily led by negative show rotation. The results were in line with expectations.  Two of the largest shows on the TSNN Top 250 trade show list – IMTS and MINExpo, as well as the Farnborough International Airshow, all were off cycle. In addition, revenues were down because of missing estimates on short-term bookings with On Services, GES’ AV division that was acquired August 2016. Steve Moster, CEO/president of GES and Viad, explained: “Much… more
Nov 03, 2017
The NACS Show celebrated a record-breaking jump in attendance and size at its most recent event, held Oct. 17-20 at McCormick Place in Chicago. As the largest annual trade show and conference for the U.S. convenience and fuel retailing industry, the 25th annual NACS Show boasted a 7 percent increase in overall attendance, drawing in 24,940 attendees from 63 countries, and a 3.3 percent growth in buyers (classified as retailers and convenience distributors, including Petroleum Equipment Institute registrants), according to The Association for Convenience and Fuel Retailing, which owns and… more
Nov 02, 2017
Full-service event production company, Shepard, has launched tecCONNECT, a suite of technology solutions designed to help event organizers navigate and select the right tech offerings for their specific needs. Comprising three primary service offerings: Select, Consult and Insights, tecCONNECT solutions range from tech vendor matchmaking to integration and implementation to artificial intelligence-powered data services. “Our goal is to help our customers use technology to design and deliver events with enhanced experiences that benefit their participants, as well as their organizations,”… more
Nov 01, 2017
Leading a show from a top for-profit business-to-business exhibition company or an association with a sizable trade show is no easy task. That’s why TSNN and Access Intelligence Research & Consulting recently partnered with the Society of Independent Show Organizers to take a deeper look into what current challenges leaders in the exhibition industry are facing. The TSNN Research Report – “The Exhibition Management Leadership Study:  How SISO Members and Top Associations are Positioning for Growth and Innovation” - is the latest in a series of reports from TSNN and AI. “SISO is… more
Nov 01, 2017
Trade show and meeting planners choose their destinations carefully, bringing many factors into the decision-making process. One factor is the city’s appeal as a travel destination. According to International Association of Exhibitions and Events’ (IAEE’s) Decision to Attend Study, 78 percent of attendees cite the destination as a top driver for attending a convention. It’s little surprise then, that Convention and Visitors Bureaus (CVBs) are helping planners promote the destination to their audiences. “We’ve seen a pretty dramatic shift over the last few years in convention and event… more
Oct 31, 2017
NPE2018: The Plastics Show has been chosen by the U.S. Department of Commerce to participate in its 2018 International Buyer Program (IBP). The IBP is a joint government-industry effort under the jurisdiction of the Commerce Department’s International Trade Administration (ITA) that brings thousands of international buyers to the U.S. for B2B matchmaking with U.S. firms exhibiting at major industry trade shows. Every year, the IBP results in approximately a billion dollars in new business for U.S. companies and increased international attendance for participating U.S. trade show organizers… more
Oct 31, 2017
The Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) has launched a new tool to enable show organizers to calculate the exhibitor retention rate for a given event and then measure it against key benchmarks, including the overall exhibition industry and the specific industry sector. Leveraging business intelligence services powered by a2z, the CEIR Exhibitor Retention Benchmarking Tool uses standardized data derived from 900+ tradeshow, analyzed over a period of three years. Each event in the dataset is categorized based on its CEIR industry sector assignment. "The CEIR Exhibitor Retention… 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.