News

Jul 20, 2016
The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association and Family Media signed a letter of intent to co-host and co-produce a series of baby events targeted at the juvenile products industry.  “JPMA members have been requesting an exciting trade show experience that addresses the evolving business climate,” said Kelly Mariotti, executive director of JPMA. She added, “By working with Family Media we can meet this demand and fuel the future growth of the association though developing direct consumer touch points, which are a high priority for our members.” The Baby Show Series will kick off May 9… more
Jul 19, 2016
Even in the current tumultuous times in several countries worldwide, the overall worldwide exhibition industry expects continued growth in turnover for the coming year, according to the recently released 17th Global Exhibition Barometer. However, a significant level of uncertainty is forecast for the first half of 2017 in Asia, Middle East and Africa. In addition, with the heightened level of random violent incidents, 60 percent of companies surveyed said they have introduced additional security measures at their events in the past months. “As pleasing as it is to see that globally the… more
Jul 18, 2016
Vincent Gerard, long-time managing director of UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has passed away. "It is with great sadness that we heard about the passing away of Vincent Gerard, UFI's managing director between 2001 and 2010,” said Sergej Alexeev, UFI president. He added, “Our thoughts are with his wife Catherine and the family. We have lost a great colleague, a strong promoter of our industry, and a close friend. Despite his health fading away, Vincent was following UFI and the industry all the time, and he stayed in touch with many friends… more
Jul 18, 2016
The tradition of recognizing individual show managers across the industry continues, as event professionals are encouraged to “Show Some Love” with a free nomination for the 2016 edition of The Expo Group Show Manager of the Year Awards. Since 2000, the crystal obelisk has been presented to those behind-the-scenes pros creating amazing experiences within their exhibition and convention. The awards are open to any show manager, not just clients of The Expo Group. Any individual responsible for a trade or association exhibition is eligible to win.   “These awards began in 2000 to 'show… more
Jul 18, 2016
ICAST, which serves the sportfishing market, drew 15,000 attendees, making it the largest trade show produced by the recreational fishing industry’s trade association. From exhibitors to buyers to outdoor media, representatives from the domestic and international sportfishing and boating community converged July 12-15 on Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center for the 59th International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades, better known as ICAST.  ICAST, along with the International Fly Tackle Dealer Show and the new Marine Accessories Pavilion, encompassed 650,000 gross square… more
Jul 16, 2016
The Center for Exhibition Industry Research released the first two reports in its newest series, 2016 Changing Environment of Exhibitions. This study, which is an update to research conducted in 2011, consists of 10 fact sheets articulating the power of exhibitions from the perspective of exhibitors. Since the last study conducted in 2011, the U.S. economy has enjoyed modest growth as it has recovered from the Great Recession of 2008. CEIR Index results have documented consistent, positive growth in the exhibition industry. At the same time, digital continues to grow in use as… more
Jul 16, 2016
Mary Pat Heftman has full responsibility for strategic development, execution and promotion of the annual New England Food Show and the National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show (NRA Show) /BAR @ NRA Show, the largest annual food and beverage tradeshow in the world.  She is also involved with strategic alliance development and oversees contracting for all Association meetings. Heftman joined the National Restaurant Association in 1990 and has held positions of progressively increasing scope and responsibility in the National Restaurant Association with her primary… more
Jul 16, 2016
The Society of Independent Show Organizers, SISO, the leading voice for the for-profit exhibition industry announced today that it has selected its 2016 list of participants for its fourth annual Event Innovation Battlefield competition that will take place on August 11, 2016 in Cleveland during the annual SISO Leadership Conference (being held August 9-11). This year contestants will be Grip, a tool for  Intelligent Event Matchmaking; InsightXM, a tool for business intelligence platform for events; Stereo-Bot, the developer of minimalist mass structure technology for events; ISL… more
Jul 16, 2016
Questions from the audience can make or break a conference session. They are crucial windows into what attendees are thinking or how they’re reacting to the topic or presenter. But there are lots of reasons why question-and-answer sessions aren’t as engaging or productive as they could be. An event mobile app with built-in Q & A capabilities can help in a number of ways: ·         Sending questions through the app helps speakers field more questions overall by avoiding the wait that occurs as moderators run microphones over to… more
Jul 13, 2016
ibtm china 2016, scheduled Sept. 7-8 at the China National Convention Centre (CNCC), is set to deliver an impressive line-up of international speakers, who will host sessions on sustainability, best practice, social media strategy, tools and insight in the delivery of successful events.    Putting sustainability back on the agenda, Roger Simmons – Sustainability Director (APAC) for MCI will look at what's driving change in sustainability in China, as well as what the future holds for event professionals. Attendees can learn from practical case studies using events… 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.