News

Aug 29, 2017
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events unveiled a new direction for the association after intense board level discussions and approval of a new strategic plan through 2025. “IAEE’s redefined direction is based on two years of strategic planning with the board of directors and a futurist asking tough questions on what the association and the industry can and should look like in the future and how to remain relevant to our stakeholders,” said IAEE president and CEO, David DuBois, CMP, CAE, FASAE, CTA. The strategic plan looks ahead to 2025 and focuses on three pillars:… more
Aug 29, 2017
True to its theme on “Pressures & Profits”, the program for this year’s UFI Global Congress is filled with sessions focused on overcoming obstacles and adapting to change. The sessions will feature a number of knowledgeable industry professionals sharing case studies of successes and failures, unpacking research results and discussing the latest trends within the exhibition industry. The UFI Global Congress, titled “Raising the Odds - Pressures and Profits in the Exhibition Industry”, will take place Nov. 1-4 at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg (South Africa). UFI’s Global… more
Aug 29, 2017
Buzz. All brands need it and events are no exception. Attendees put a lot of faith into their peers’ opinions, putting a level of trust in their perspectives that is higher than any brand could hope to earn independently. “Brand advocates have become increasingly important within the marketing mix for all events,” said Ed Several, senior vice president at Reed Exhibitions. “Today, the customers we serve often look to influencers within their industry to understand how best to participate in an event.” Renee Lewis, an event designer who works with the Council of Engineering and Scientific… more
Aug 29, 2017
ASAE has booked Johnny P to be the musical entertainment at this year’s Power of A-Summit Awards Dinner Oct. 4 at the National Building Museum. Jonny P is a Bronx-born, Nashville-based singer-songwriter, who plays soul music. His songs are rooted in the sounds of the past, but also incorporates the present with disarmingly direct arrangements and a smooth vocal style. “He just wrapped up his first role in the film Detroit by Oscar-winning director Kathryn Bigelow (The Hurt Locker, Zero Dark Thirty), and screenwriter Mark Boal, a fictionalized chronicle of the Detroit riots of 1967. In April… more
Aug 28, 2017
Talk to Sheila LeMaster about the environmental movement in the trade show and events industry and it’s clear she has a passion for all things sustainable. As vice president of exhibitor services at Global Experience Specialists in Las Vegas, she is also one of the original members of the company’s Sustainability Council, which works to further the company’s green mission as well as encourage and assist its clients in adopting more earth-friendly practices during their events. With more than 27 years in the trade show, conference and hospitality industry under her belt, LeMaster has helped… more
Aug 28, 2017
While some exhibit manufacturing companies might occasionally tout their fair share of sustainable practices, others are going the extra mile to help alleviate their impact on the environment. One such company is Orbus Exhibit & Display Group, which has been carrying out intensive recycling efforts for almost a decade in an ongoing effort to divert as much waste as possible from landfill. Specializing in the manufacture of portable modular and custom modular exhibit and display products, graphics and solutions, Orbus is a privately owned group of companies comprising companies and… more
Aug 28, 2017
The inaugural Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) was held from 21st to 25th July 2017 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). The new show was held concurrently with the 28th Hong Kong Book Fair which was also held at the HKCEC from 19th to 25th July. The Sports and Leisure Expo featured approximately 90 exhibitors from Hong Kong, Mainland China, Japan and Korea and the event showcased sports and leisure products and services from more than 130 brand names. Under the theme “Stadium Live,” the show featured six… more
Aug 28, 2017
In the first seven months of 2017, the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) hosted 667 events, according to the venue’s management. This represents a year-on-year increase of 37%. Over 970,000 delegates and visitors attended these events, which is 240,000 more than the same period of last year. According to KLCC, the exhibitions segment was one of its strongest performers. During the first seven months of 2017, the venue hosted 36 exhibitions which attracted over 230,000 exhibitors and visitors. KLCC’s General Manager, Alan Pryor, added, “We hosted 36 exhibitions, welcoming over 230,000 of… more
Aug 28, 2017
AMB Tarsus will open the 7th edition of Cambuild next month, which will be held concurrently with the Board of Architects Cambodia Annual Forum 2017, organised by the Board of Architects, Cambodia. Cambuild will run from 7th to 9th September at the Diamond Island Exhibition Centre in Cambodia. The show will showcase over 400 exhibitors from 28 countries offering a platform for the latest innovations, ideas, designs and technology from the building & construction, water supply & treatment, power & electricity, air conditioning and security technology sectors. The event is expected… more
Aug 28, 2017
A new multipurpose event arena will open in Yokohama in the spring of 2020 – ahead of the Summer Olympic Games. Located in the Minato Mirai district, the venue will feature floor space of 21,000 m2, with four levels above ground as well as a basement level. Construction is scheduled to begin in December this year and the initial budget has been set at 10 billion yen (US$90.6 million). Jun Nakamura, General Manager of the Business Development Department of the Yokohama Convention and Visitors Bureau, said, “The arena is expected to stage more than 200 shows annually and will provide… 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.