News

Aug 08, 2017
In response to growing customer demand, SmartSource Computer & Audio Visual Rentals has expanded its Las Vegas operations center.  Designed to maximize productivity, efficiency and safety, the company’s new 39,000 square foot space features a new production center with advanced information technologies to support upgraded internal networking and equipment configuration. “SmartSource’s Las Vegas location is doubling the size of its operation in response to steady growth in the local market, enabling the company to be more responsive in supporting our larger trade shows and events, as… more
Aug 07, 2017
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) named Jonathan “Skip” Cox a the 2017 KLI Legend of the Industry. Each year, IAEE selects a KLI "Legend of the Industry" whose contributions, innovation and leadership truly have been unique and remarkable. “I am truly honored to be named the IAEE Legend of the Industry for 2017,” Cox said. “I have been involved with IAEE and the exhibitions industry for the span of my career, and it is humbling to have my service to the industry recognized by IAEE and its board of directors.” Cox joined Exhibit Surveys, Inc… more
Aug 06, 2017
The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCCA) recently issued a design and feasibility Request for Proposal (RFP) for master planning services for the 70-acre campus of the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center (BCEC) in South Boston. “It has been a dynamic and disruptive decade in our industry which has mirrored the dramatic changes that have occurred in South Boston,” said David Gibbons, MCCA's executive director.  He added, “This is an exciting and appropriate time for the Authority to evaluate where we stand in the convention marketplace. We are asking our customers what… more
Aug 05, 2017
The Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) Nominating Committee met on Aug. 25 in Chicago to determine the final slate from the extraordinary nominee applications for the 2018 open board officer and director positions. After vigilant due diligence and deliberation, the committee offers the following slate of candidates for leadership positions on the 2018 PCMA Board of Directors. According to the PCMA Bylaws, this official announcement of the proposed slate is to be sent to the membership by Oct. 1. The nominating process, according to the Bylaws (Article XII, Section 1(d… more
Aug 04, 2017
Three years after UBM revealed its ‘Events First’ strategy, the company has shifted its portfolio through a series of acquisitions and the sale of PR Newswire so that now 92 percent of its profits come from the events business. That strategy continues to pay off, with the recent release of UBM’s 2017 first-half results showing an 18-percent revenue increase to £448.4 million ($585 million), compared with the same period last year, and while events' revenue growth during the last six months was modest – 2.7 percent - the future looks bright. “In the first half of the year, the focused… more
Aug 03, 2017
New Horizons Global Exhibitions is gearing up to launch Scafform Global Expo, set for Nov 7-9 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The inaugural event will be held side by side with the new Hydropower & Dams Global Expo and will be managed by ConvExx, a Las Vegas-based, independent trade show management company. NHG Expo acquired the U.S. and international rights to produce the shows from Istanbul-based DEMOS Exhibitions, producer and owner of trade shows and fairs for Turkey’s construction, geothermal and 3D printing industries, which include the biannual International Scaffolding and… more
Aug 03, 2017
Emerald Expositions’ Interbike cycling show will be leaving Las Vegas and has selected the Reno-Sparks Convention Center in Reno, Nev., beginning in 2018 and continuing through 2022. The city also is the site of the newly created Interbike Marketweek. Interbike Marketweek will begin with a weekend consumer festival at  Northstar California Resort, and will then segue into the trade-focused OutDoor Demo, also at Northstar. “We’re extremely excited about this move for a multitude of reasons,” said Pat Hus, vice president of Interbike. He added, “For the first time in a very long time, we’… more
Aug 03, 2017
Two leading cosmetic trade associations have been confirmed as partners for this year’s in-cosmetics exhibition in the U.S. The Independent Cosmetic Manufacturers and Distributors Association (ICMAD) and The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) are backing the region’s newest cosmetic ingredients event, highlighting its importance and value to the country’s booming personal care market. Both partnerships will primarily focus on promotion of the event – which takes place Oct. 11-12 – to their respective membership databases. “We are delighted to be collaborating with in-cosmetics North… more
Aug 02, 2017
The Association for Women in Events (AWE), a non-profit profit supporting gender equality and diversity in the event industry, named its inaugural inductees for the Women in Events Hall of Fame Recognition Program, hosted by the AWE Awards Committee. This Committee was formed with a vision to create an engaged group of elite, industry professionals that exemplify AWE values and serve as an ongoing resource for inspiration, guidance and leadership, according to association officials. The judging panel is made up of 2017 AWE board members who selected the following 2017 inductees: Andrea… more
Aug 02, 2017
The American Academy of Neurology (AAN) knew it needed to do something to streamline and expedite its sponsorships sales methods for its Annual Meeting. The association’s annual event, which attracts more than 10,000 physicians, business administrators and advanced practice providers, also draws in a host of big-name sponsors, including pharmaceutical companies, medical device manufacturers and volunteer health organizations, all vying to engage with attendees. But for many years, processing an AAN sponsorship sale involved an antiquated, multi-step process, starting with delivering 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.