News
Jul 02, 2015
Just days before Comic-Con International kicks off its annual convention, San Diego likely is breathing a huge sigh of relief, with its biggest event signing on to stay in the city through 2018.
With 130,000 attendees expected July 8-12 at the San Diego Convention Center, the event has grown so large, there was talk that it might move somewhere else when the current contract expired next year.
But, even with hotels booked for miles around and the halls filled to the brim with exhibits, the show will stay put.
“We are thrilled to be the home for Comic-Con International for two additional years… more
Jun 30, 2015
Nearly six years have passed since the $600 million expansion project was completed on the Phoenix Convention Center, providing attendees with nearly 900,000 square feet of event space.
Just steps away from downtown Phoenix, the convention center sits on a 26-acre campus and is linked to downtown and several hotels via the new light rail system.
The expansion provided several elements that positioned the convention center for the future. There is more than 300,000 sq. ft. of continuous exhibition hall space that connects the North and West Buildings, including 190,000 sq. ft. of virtually… more
Jun 29, 2015
Launched in 1992, Anime Expo, which promotes Japanese Pop Culture and the arts related to Japanese Animation, recently signed on to be held at the Los Angeles Convention Center through 2019.
The show, on tap July 2-5 and owned by the Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation, the show is billed as the largest anime convention in North America, with 100,000 attendees expected at this year’s event.
In 2014, the show attracted 80,000 attendees, and in 2013, the show drew 61,000 attendees.
“2015 marks Anime Expo’s 24th year and we are excited for another… more
Jun 26, 2015
The trade show industry continues to be busy, with several promotions and new hires within supplier and show management companies.
Rick McConnell, who already was president of Informa Exhibitions U.S. Construction & Real Estate, has expanded his role to include being named president of Informa Canada as well.
“McConnell’s tradeshow career, expertise in growing businesses and strong leadership skills made him the natural choice for this dual role in managing and growing these North American teams,” said Will Morris, CEO of Informa Exhibitions.
He added, “With his outstanding track record,… more
Jun 25, 2015
Even though Tropical Storm Bill was making land and approaching Austin, Texas, HITEC 2015 packed just as strong of a punch. The show June 15-18 at the Austin Convention Center and topped last year’s numbers, with more than 6,000 attendees, a sold out exhibit floor of 86,000 square feet and 823 exhibitors.
“We have seen standing room only in several boot camps, we sold out for exhibitors, and we see how important technology has become in the hospitality sector,” said Steven Stout, director of meetings and special events, HFTP.
He added, “There is a whole new world to keep up with, and IT… more
Jun 25, 2015
Following the trend of dropping the lengthier monikers, the Anaheim/Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau now is called Visit Anaheim.
After more than 20 years as AOCVCB, the bureau streamlined its name and introduced a new brand.
“A year’s worth of brand exploration, consumer, meetings and travel trade research told us clearly that we needed a name and brand that is reflective of our organization’s mission,” said Jay Burress, president & CEO, Visit Anaheim.
He added, “Visit Anaheim is a name that travel enthusiasts and conventioneers can easily find and understand. It evokes a… more
Jun 22, 2015
After 27 years with Reed Exhibitions, Chairman Mike Rusbridge will retire at the end of 2015. Chet Bruchett was promoted to CEO of the company earlier in the year.
“Mike’s achievement at Reed Exhibitions has been outstanding,” said Erik Engstrom, RELX Group CEO. “Over the two decades he has led the company and built the world’s largest exhibitions business, delivering consistent growth over 20 years. I wish him well for the future.”
Rusbridge joined Reed Exhibitions as its CEO Europe in 1988, becoming president of Europe and Asia in 1994 and appointed Chairman & CEO in 1996.
During… more
Jun 21, 2015
When PACK EXPO Las Vegas kicks Sept. 28-30 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, it will be collocated with Pharma Expo – which will have the latest manufacturing advances for the pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, nutraceutical and medical device industries.
Pharma EXPO is produced in partnership by PACK EXPO owner and organizer PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, and the International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE).
Together, the two shows will provide access to 2,000 processing and packaging solutions providers and 30,000 attendees.
“Co-locating… more
Jun 21, 2015
The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions’ Asian Attractions Expo (AAE) 2016 will take place June 13-16 at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC).
Since 1997, Asian Attractions Expo has been the premier international trade show and conference for the multibillion-dollar leisure and attractions industry in the Asia-Pacific region. IAAPA, the trade association for the attractions industry worldwide, produces the annual Expo.
"We are thrilled to take Asian Attractions Expo back to China," said … more
Jun 21, 2015
For the sixth year in a row, Healthcare Convention and Exhibitors Association partnered with a local charity at the site of their Annual Meeting, which was held June 20-23 in Denver.
Urban Peak helps youth experiencing homelessness and youth at risk for becoming homeless overcome real life challenges by providing essential services and a supportive community.
Their goal is to empower them to become self-sufficient adults.
HCEA Annual Meeting attendees had the opportunity to help Urban Peak in a number of ways, including a community service project, “Chip for Charity” golf outing and “Dots for… 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.