News

Oct 10, 2016
After an extensive national search, John Frisch, chairman of the Baltimore Convention and Tourism Board of Directors, unveiled that Al Hutchinson has been chosen as Visit Baltimore’s new president and CEO. Hutchinson will assume his new role Nov. 14. Hutchinson brings more than 24 years of experience in the hospitality and destination marketing industry to Baltimore, most recently serving as president and CEO of Visit Mobile (Ala.), where he was recognized as the 2016 Alabama Restaurant and Hospitality Alliance’s ‘Tourism Promoter of the Year.’ Under Hutchinson’s leadership,… more
Oct 09, 2016
Sixty-one point three percent of meeting professionals agreed that currently available event technology makes event management much easier and that it will develop and change dramatically in the next 10 years, but 92 percent admit that meeting planners are not making the most of such technology solutions.   These were among the key findings of new research carried out for IMEX America by Meeting Professionals International (MPI) providing fascinating insight into the views of meeting professionals on event technology.   It also revealed that when buying event technology products and… more
Oct 09, 2016
Digital continues to expand its presence today in every facet of our personal and business lives. The same is true for business-to-business exhibitions. For organizers and brand marketers alike, it is very hard to know which solutions are worth testing and which are ideas that will disappear as fast as a Snapchat message. Digital leaves many in our industry wondering … •         How can technology support and enhance the attendee experience? •         How does technology make all the logistics of… more
Oct 06, 2016
The summer months are over and fall officially has arrived, with several companies recently signing contracts. Corcoran Expositions has been retained by the Water Quality Association to assist with exhibit sales and related services. “We look forward to working with the Water Quality Association in producing their upcoming trade show,” said Tom Corcoran, founder of the 26-year-old Corcoran Expositions.  “We hope to work with them for years to come.” Corcoran Expositions will provide exhibit sales support and related services for the Lisle, Ill.-based Water Quality Association… more
Oct 05, 2016
Hurricane Matthew already has wreaked devastation across the Caribbean, and now the most current forecast has its trek taking aim at not only the East Coast of Florida, but also up through Georgia and the Carolinas. With several places declaring states of emergency and people beginning to evacuate, trade shows and events up and down the possible affected areas also have started to cancel. Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center has a number of events scheduled in the next few days. On the venue’s Web site, the following statement was issued this morning: “At this time, the Orange County… more
Oct 04, 2016
The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, the largest trade association for the $39 billion worldwide attractions industry, will relocate its global headquarters office to Orlando in 2017. In addition, plans to host its annual conference and trade show, the IAAPA Attractions Expo, in Orlando at the Orange County Convention Center through 2030. The move from Alexandria, Va., and convention contract extension are contingent upon support from the state of Florida and Orange County, Fla.  The IAAPA Board of Directors approved the relocation and convention agreement… more
Oct 04, 2016
RAI Amsterdam, owners and producers of METSTRADE (The Marine Equipment Trade Show), has purchased a 50-percent stake in the International BoatBuilders' Exhibition & Conference from WoodenBoat Publications Inc., publisher of Professional BoatBuilder magazine.  The announcement was made at the IBEX show, which currently is being held in Tampa, Fla. Starting Oct. 7, RAI Amsterdam will partner with the National Marine Manufacturers Association to produce future IBEX events.  "Working alongside Professional BoatBuilder we have made IBEX the best marine trade event in North America.… more
Oct 03, 2016
The trade show community was tasked to “Show Some Love” for outstanding show managers with a nomination for The Expo Group Show Manager of the Year Award, and the five honorees have been chosen. This year’s SMOTY Awards will be presented Oct. 29 in Atlantic City at the TSNN Awards (www.T-awards.com) to the following outstanding show managers. 2016 Honorees Tier I – 1 to 150 booths Leslie Wiernik, Executive Director, National Association of Subrogation Professionals Charity: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Tier II – 151 to 300 booths David Heilbrunn, Show Manager, … more
Oct 03, 2016
By TSNN News The International Association of Exhibitions and Events recently unveiled this year’s recipients of its individual awards program, which recognizes IAEE members and member companies who have made outstanding contributions to the exhibitions and events industry. The recipients will be honored during Expo! Expo! IAEE’s Annual Meeting & Exhibition to be held Dec. 6-8 in Anaheim. “It is an honor to recognize the exceptional IAEE members who go above and beyond the call of duty to make a difference in our industry,” said 2016 IAEE Awards Committee Chairperson Doreen… more
Oct 01, 2016
As CEO of Fern, Aaron Bludworth oversees all executive management of the company and its subsidiary companies. Bludworth’s career in the exposition industry began in 1992 with Modern Display, where he filled numerous executive positions during 15 years. He also was briefly an executive with GES, where he managed the National Corporate Events Group and oversaw Las Vegas trade show sales. Bludworth is very active in the exhibition industry; he currently is chairman of the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) and a past president and board member of the Exhibition Services and… 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.