News
Sep 12, 2016
Atlanta-based Shepard Expositions, a provider of trade show general services contractor and event production services, has expanded their service offerings by acquiring Virginia-based Aquarian, a producer of corporate events and large-scale entertainment shows.
“By adding live event production to our portfolio of services, we’ll be in the position to more completely meet the needs of our clients as they look to more fully integrate all aspects of their events into a cohesive experience for their participants,” said Carl Mitchell, president of Shepard.
He added, “Aquarian brings a full… more
Sep 12, 2016
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events has unveiled the recipients of the 2016 Helen Brett Scholarship awards: Sarah Chung, Jordan Lacey and Mackenzie Thompson.
The Helen Brett Scholarship was established by Robert Kolinek and named for his grandmother, Helen Brett, who was a pioneer in the trade show industry.
The purpose of the scholarship is to assist individuals who are exploring the study of exhibitions and events management with the end goal of advancing their career in this field.
“It is incredibly rewarding to honor my grandmother’s legacy by offering this… more
Sep 12, 2016
More and more, general service contractors are moving beyond their core business offerings to widen their services, such as Fern Exposition Services making a strategic investment in KiwiLive, a mobile web platform for audience engagement during and after live events.
As a part of Fern's investment, KiwiLive's creator and CEO, Jeff Mason, will become director of Customer Technology Innovation for Fern.
In this role, Mason will drive strategy related to the delivery of Fern services through technology.
According to Aaron Bludworth, president and CEO of Fern, Mason's specific focus will be on… more
Sep 12, 2016
The Center for Exhibition Industry Research released two more reports from its newest series - 2016 Changing Environment of Exhibitions.
This study consists of 10 fact sheets articulating the power of exhibitions from the perspective of exhibitors, including its most recent: A Positive Outlook of an Industry or Company Linked to Increased Exhibition Industry and Exhibitions Foster Business Relationships.
A Positive Outlook of an Industry or Company Linked to Increased Exhibition Industry affirms the longstanding trend documented in the CEIR Index that performance of the… more
Sep 09, 2016
SOURCE DIRECT, an import/export trade show group in the U.S., will be expanding to New York by partnering with NY NOW, the Market for Home, Lifestyle + Gift.
The expansion will launch Feb. 5-8, 2017, at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York.
SOURCE DIRECT at NY NOW will connect brands and product development executives in the home textile, accents, furnishings, home décor and gift products market seeking to purchase merchandise or find new overseas manufacturers or suppliers right here in New York City.
“SOURCE DIRECT has tripled in size in the past three years and has generated a… more
Sep 09, 2016
By Elizabeth Johnson
With the rise of digital entertainment options and the fall of attention spans, now just eight seconds on average, engaging attendees beyond a trade show or event has never been more important, or challenging. Year-round attendee engagement has become critical for building a strong event brand and maintaining attendee retention rates.
On Event Manager Blog, Kerry Creaswood explained how engagement adds power to events. She wrote, “Event marketing is no longer about creating sales pitch opportunities. It’s about getting customers to form a connection with a… more
Sep 06, 2016
The Shenyang New World EXPO (EXPO) is only days from its special opening. The new venue will host China’s Annual National Planning Conference 2016 (ANPC) Sept. 24-26.
Current advance registrations ensure that more than 7,000 delegates will attend the event from throughout China.
Cliff Wallace, chairman of the EXPO’s private management and operating company said, “To host this prestigious event as EXPO’s opening event while celebrating the 60th anniversary Urban Planning Society of China (UPSC) as a part of the event is very special for our professional management team.”
ANPC is being… more
Sep 06, 2016
The Future of Events was meant to be a launch, scheduled Aug. 22-24 in Amsterdam, but every starter event’s worst nightmare occurred when organizers decided they needed to cancel it a month beforehand.
A stellar line up of speakers had been scheduled, airline tickets and hotel accommodations were made. Despite the last-minute setback, some long-time event professionals banded together and decided to hold a brand new event any way, and it would all be online.
“(We didn’t want) to lose the chance to have a brain date with the thought leaders of our industry that were scheduled to come to this… more
Sep 06, 2016
Despite the global exhibitions market experiencing a slowdown in 2015, the Indonesian tradeshow market continues to accelerate, offering lucrative opportunities for international organizers and investors, as reported in Globex 2016: the global exhibition organizing market: assessment and forecast to 2020, produced annually by AMR International.
“For the first time we dedicated an entire chapter on the Indonesian exhibitions market
because it’s an underserved market that shows no signs of slowing,” said Diana Gineva, editor of Globex 2016.
Since 2011, Indonesia has grown at close to 13 person… more
Sep 06, 2016
The 4th edition of Macao International Travel (Industry) Expo (MITE) was held Sept. 2-4 at Hall D, Cotai Expo of the Venetian Macao.
Organized by Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) and other co-organisers include Macao Chamber of Commerce, Macao Federation of Trade Unions, the General Union of Neighbors Association of Macau and Women’s General Association of Macau, the show’s purpose was to highlight Macau’s competitiveness as an international travel destination for overseas tourists.
The three-day event also was supported by the China National Tourism Administration.
More than 135… 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.