News

Feb 21, 2016
Powerful, cloud-based technology solutions, which are also cost-effective and fast to deploy, easily are available to show organizers in the events industry. If you currently are exploring technology options for your event, here are some tips on what to look out for and how to make an informed decision.  1.     Appraise track record When picking a technology vendor, check their long-term history and performance in the industry. Consider their market share and reputation before investing in a partnership with them. Select them for what they have delivered to other… more
Feb 21, 2016
Powerful, cloud-based technology solutions, which are also cost-effective and fast to deploy, easily are available to show organizers in the events industry. If you currently are exploring technology options for your event, here are some tips on what to look out for and how to make an informed decision.  1.     Appraise track record When picking a technology vendor, check their long-term history and performance in the industry. Consider their market share and reputation before investing in a partnership with them. Select them for what they have delivered to other… more
Feb 20, 2016
In an effort to reach out to foreign visitors and increase Milwaukee’s international exposure, VISIT Milwaukee has launched a “bucket list” of the area’s major attractions in 10 languages on its website. The languages – German, Spanish, French, Canadian French, Brazilian Portuguese, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Russian and Polish – were selected based on recent experience with international visitors and foreign press, taking local resident ethnic groups into consideration, and projecting ahead to expanded tourism from countries like China. “The… more
Feb 20, 2016
In an effort to reach out to foreign visitors and increase Milwaukee’s international exposure, VISIT Milwaukee has launched a “bucket list” of the area’s major attractions in 10 languages on its website. The languages – German, Spanish, French, Canadian French, Brazilian Portuguese, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Russian and Polish – were selected based on recent experience with international visitors and foreign press, taking local resident ethnic groups into consideration, and projecting ahead to expanded tourism from countries like China. “The… more
Feb 19, 2016
The 15th anniversary of the Exhibition and Convention Executives Forum will feature a bevy of high-profile speakers when the one-day conference is held June 1 at the JW Marriott in Washington, D.C. “The ECEF 2016 program has confirmed the participation of 11 ‘A-list’ executive presenters and panelists” said Sam Lippman, president, Lippman Connect. He added, “Because ECEF is renowned for its C-level program, I am keenly aware that expectations for the 15th Anniversary are extraordinarily high. To meet the challenge, the 2016 agenda takes an unblinking look at the… more
Feb 18, 2016
Meeting management firm Spargo has been on a hot streak recently, kicking off 2016 with several new business contracts signed, along with other companies that have added clients to their busy portfolios. The International Council of Ophthalmology appointed SPARGO, Inc. as their exhibit and sponsorship sales and management firm for the 2018 World Ophthalmology Congress, on tap June 16-19 in Barcelona.   This gathering of international ophthalmologists occurs every two years, attracting upwards of 15,000 attendees from more than 130 countries. “One of the primary reasons we selected SPARGO… more
Feb 17, 2016
At last year’s AAPEX, a show for the aftermarket auto parts industry that is held in November at the Sands Expo in Las Vegas, decided to up their attendee engagement game by hiring a bevy of customer service staff members they called “Ask Joes” to help people out at the show. The “Ask Joes” auditioned for their roles to demonstrate their ability to meet and greet attendees with enthusiasm, according to show management, and then they also received comprehensive training and were stationed at custom-designed Ask Joe Service Stations throughout the showfloor. As a result of this effort and other… more
Feb 16, 2016
The American Society of Association Executives is introducing a hybrid membership model, which will provide associations and Association Management Companies (AMC) the option of joining or renewing through an organizational purchasing model. For one flat annual fee determined by staff size, every employee in any size association or AMC office can opt to join ASAE and reap all available member benefits.   “We’ve had tremendous success with our small staff organizational membership. ASAE wanted to engage more association professionals who are employed by more than 15,000 associations… more
Feb 16, 2016
This year’s Medical Design & Manufacturing (MD&M) West conference at the Anaheim Convention Center not only saw more attendee, but also they were engaged in a variety of ways on the showfloor. The leading medical manufacturer’s conference was held Feb. 9-11 and drew an estimated 22,000-plus attendees, more than 2,200 exhibitors and 380,000 square feet of exhibitor space at the Anaheim Convention Center. “We have seen an increase on all three fronts from last year. We are ahead on number of attendees, number of exhibitors, and we sold out our exhibit space,” said Stephen Corrick,… more
Feb 16, 2016
The National Restaurant Association announced that US Foods will collocate its traveling road show Food Fanatics LIVE March 15 during the 2016 New England Food Show. “The National Restaurant Association is pleased to share the BCEC with US Foods during NEFS 2016,” said Mary Pat Heftman, executive vice president, Convention at National Restaurant Association. She added, “Bringing these two events together provides a one-stop shop for New England foodservice professionals looking to explore new products, participate in robust educational and edutainment-type programming and connect with one… 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.