News

Dec 14, 2017
The Healthcare Convention & Exhibitors Association unveiled its new, streamlined Membership Structure. HCEA volunteers and staff reviewed membership needs with all categories and types of HCEA members, and introduced a simple membership structure that allows for more choice. HCEA’s membership categories remain the same: Association, Corporation, and Industry Partner. Now, members will choose how many individuals from the organization will participate in HCEA and have access to benefits. “HCEA appreciates the stellar work of the HCEA Membership Ad Hoc Committee in responding to the… more
Dec 14, 2017
Houston will soon host one of the largest meetings of dental professionals in the nation in 2022. The American Dental Association (ADA), Texas Dental Association (TDA) and Greater Houston Dental Society will combine respective conventions, collectively bringing more than 30,000 attendees to Houston's downtown campus, Avenida Houston. “We are enthused the ADA and its counterparts chose Houston as its destination for 2022,” said John Solis, senior vice president of sales for Visit Houston. He added, “As home to the largest medical center, Houston is a natural fit for medical meetings of… more
Dec 14, 2017
In just a few days, 2017 will be history. The year brought event professionals a host of challenges around technological advancements, security, politics and travel, to name just a few. While next year will continue to prove difficult in many of those same areas, experts are pointing out that 2018 will be filled with opportunities for show organizers to rethink how events can capitalize on the human factor. To wrap-up the year, here are a few predictions from five event industry veterans about what they foresee coming down the pike for events in 2018. According to Marco Pardi, managing… more
Dec 14, 2017
San Francisco-based data technology company, InsightXM, has unveiled a new insights package designed for event planners and marketers seeking powerful, easy-to-access data analytics. The InsightXM Analytics Essentials package provides a fixed price and quick access-to-data analytics tool tailored to help planners better understand their event audiences, uncover hidden opportunities and identify weaknesses. With the Essentials platform, users can: Discover trends that span across different events Understand audiences to better design future events Carry out real-time, complex analysis… more
Dec 13, 2017
Play Fair, a public celebration of play and entertainment for all ages, returned to the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City for its second year with a larger showfloor, more exhibiting companies and a broader itinerary of immersive, family-friendly activities. Held Nov. 4-5 and Hosted by The Toy Association in partnership with LeftField Media, the event provided a sold-out crowd of more than 20,000 children, parents, families and fans with a first glimpse of the toys, games and entertainment expected to be topping wishlists this holiday season. Play Fair 2017 attracted 75… more
Dec 12, 2017
The 13th edition of the China International Gold, Jewellery & Gem Fair - Shanghai (Shanghai Jewellery Fair) drew 6,522 unique visitors, up 36 percent, compared with the show's 2016 edition. The increase in visitor numbers proves that the fair – East China's leading jewellery event – is growing in the right direction and steadily expanding its international reach. Held from Nov. 17-20, in conjunction with the second annual Asia-Pacific Jewellery & Watch Expo at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center, the fair featured 304 exhibitors of classic and trendy… more
Dec 12, 2017
 Czarnowski, a full-service exhibit and event marketing company, recently opened an office in Shanghai.  The Shanghai office is Czarnowski’s first in China and 24th worldwide.   “Our new Shanghai office will allow us to better serve our China-based customers as well as our United States and European customers as they increase their exhibiting activity in China,” said Bob DeFacci, global managing director for Czarnowski. He added, “We will leverage local knowledge, experience and a reliable partner network to offer innovative strategy and design services to customers in this important and… more
Dec 12, 2017
The 5th edition of ProWine China, International Trade Fair for Wines and Spirits, set new records and confirmed its status as the most international event for this industry in mainland China. The trade fair attracted 14,219 trade visitors - an increase of 14.3 percent, compared with the 2016 staging. This year, about 700 exhibitors from 39 nations presented their products within 16 country pavilions and 4 regional pavilions. The number of local exhibitors grew by 30 percent, compared with last year, reflecting the upward trend on the flourishing Chinese wine market.ProWine China 2017 was… more
Dec 12, 2017
UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has launched a new education program in China. The inaugural UFI-VMA Venue Management School kicked-off Nov. 20. The three-day program was hosted by the Shanghai New International Exhibition Centre (SNIEC), a long-time UFI member and strong supporter of UFI’s activities in China. The program was oversubscribed with 34 students from 15 different venues across China. The program offered participants an unmatched learning environment. The curriculum included three days of lectures delivered in Mandarin by experienced senior-level… more
Dec 12, 2017
Naylor Association Solutions has partnered with TransData to facilitate the integration of EventCart’s event management platform into Naylor’s Association Management Software (AMS) Solution. As an adaptive, all-in-one event management solution, EventCart includes features, such as CRM and QuickBooks integrations, single sign-on, data syncing, digital promotional marketing strategies, market research and consulting surveys. Naylor helps associations achieve better member engagement and revenue generation through its comprehensive set of solutions that include member communications, event… more
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.    Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.    Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.   The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.    MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.     MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.