News
Sep 15, 2017
To commemorate the completion of its $140 million expansion and renovation project, the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio did what most event facilities would do: host a grand reopening celebration to show off its newly expanded and beautified digs.
But instead of just carrying out the usual fanfare at this special event, held Aug. 31, the downtown Columbus facility had another surprise up its sleeve: the reveal of a giant, 3-D interactive art piece.
“As We Are” is a 14-foot, 3-D human head-shaped sculpture made from ribbons of ultra-bright LED screens. Created by… more
Sep 14, 2017
Clarion Events appointed Greg Topalian CEO of Clarion UX and LeftField Media.
The event veteran’s 20-year career has included launching New York Comic Con in 2006 and founding boutique event company LeftField Media in 2014.
With his reputation for building dynamic cultures in the markets he serves, Topalian’s people-first approach and ability to attract and retain top talent have propelled the growth of his events both organically and through acquisition, according to Clarion officials.
“We see a great future for the Clarion UX business,” said Simon Kimble, chairman of Clarion Events.
He… more
Sep 13, 2017
The IMEX Group has announced the future dates and locations for IMEX America through 2025, which includes moving its usual October dates to September for two years in 2019 and 2020.
“We know that our industry partners from across North America and around the world plan numerous activities and co-located events around IMEX America,” said Ray Bloom, chairman of IMEX Group, which owns and runs the hosted buyer trade show and conference for the incentive travel, meetings and events industry.
He continued, “In addition, the fall is a very busy period for the industry. As a result, we felt that… more
Sep 13, 2017
Eventerprise, a digital event platform that connects event organizers with event suppliers, including products, services, planners and venues, has released a new version of its platform.
The multi-sided SaaS platform connects event businesses with clients through free, interactive profiles that showcase each event planner’s or supplier’s unique offerings, key strengths and any transparent client reviews or ratings.
Eventerprise’s 5th version includes added features that allow event planners to create independent reviews of suppliers across all categories and geographical locations, as… more
Sep 12, 2017
U.K.-based Tarsus Group, the international business-to-business media group, and international trade show organizer D.C.-based E.J. Krause & Associates, have agreed to expand the terms of their 50 percent owned joint venture (the “JV”) in Mexico, to include EJK and Tarsus now owning all EJK Mexico’s event portfolio through the expanded EJK TARSUS JV.
This strengthened EJK Tarsus JV will accelerate continued growth through new launches, JVs, and continued brand replication throughout the Mexican marketplace.
"Mexico remains a large and fast-growing market,” said Douglas Emslie, Tarsus… more
Sep 12, 2017
Since opening its doors March 1, the Albany Capital Center in New York has been a busy building.
To date, the six-month-old convention facility has hosted 83 events, with 47 contracted events still to come this year for a total of 130 events scheduled. Total events for 2017 span 184 event days, resulting in 4,225 booked hotel room nights and drawing upwards of 60,000 guests to downtown Albany.
Meanwhile, ACC Operator SMG is continuing to focus on bringing new and more group business to the facility and the Capital Region, with additional events in the pipeline through 2019 and beyond.
“It’… more
Sep 08, 2017
Smart City Networks has been playing a different kind of role in Houston this past week.
Instead of supporting the technology and data needs of trade shows at the convention facilities it serves, the company has been working overtime to help Hurricane Harvey survivors stay in touch with their loved ones and other resources at several emergency shelters throughout Texas, including the George R. Brown Convention Center and NRG Park in Houston.
“Smart City began in Houston more than 30 years ago,” explained Mark Haley, president of Smart City Networks. “It was a top priority for us to keep… more
Sep 08, 2017
Deutsche Messe is gearing up to stage its first-ever HANNOVER MESSE in the U.S. market next year with HANNOVER MESSE USA, debuting Sept. 10-15 alongside IMTS 2018 at McCormick Place in Chicago.
Similar to the annual HANNOVER MESSE in Hannover, Germany, the event will focus on industrial technology and is expected to attract an estimated 550 exhibitors and more than 100,000 visitors spanning approximately 130,000 square feet of exhibit space.
All of Deutsche Messe’s Chicago-based trade shows, IAMD USA, ComVac USA, Industrial Supply USA and Surface Technology USA, which the show producer has… more
Sep 07, 2017
Summertime ended with a flurry of new and existing business being contracted between suppliers and event organizers in the trade show industry, ranging from Event Advisory Group to SmithBucklin to Spargo and National Trade Productions.
National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) has contracted with Event Advisory Group (EAG), an event consulting firm, to continue supporting the organization to improve the performance of their event portfolio based on the recommendations EAG made after conducting their unbiased 360° Review this past spring.
Realizing the importance of implementing EAG’s… more
Sep 07, 2017
Attendees brought their appetites for food and knowledge to the 2017 Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo, which took place August 27-29 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.
More than 10,000 restaurant and foodservice industry professionals were on hand to explore the 100,000 square feet of exhibit space, boasting over 400 exhibitors, 220 of which were new to the show.
Newly appointed Event Director for Urban Expositions, Tom Loughran, was pleased with the turnout despite the record heat hitting the Southern California area.
“We have seen exceptional turnout for the show and a… 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.