News

Apr 14, 2015
At the annual business meeting lunch during the Society of Independent Show Organizer’s CEO Summit, held April 13-16 on Kiawah Island, S.C., the association’s chair, Charlie McCurdy, revealed that Exposition Development Company (ExpoDevCo) was named SISO’s new management company and David Audrain, CEO of ExpoDevCo, as new executive director.   “I’ve been humbled … I’ve been very lucky these last couple of years to have the support of SISO,” Audrain said. He added, “ … From an industry perspective, SISO provides the very best gathering for leadership to have networking and business… more
Apr 14, 2015
The Center for Exhibition Industry Research released its full-year 2014 Index Report indicating that the trade show industry grew by a modest 1.8 percent last year, which was slightly less than the 2 percent originally predicted. The growth in 2014 also was 1 percentage point higher than 2013’s total growth. "We are optimistic for the performance of the industry overall this year. Economic and job growth should continue to drive expansion in exhibitions," said CEIR Economist Allen Shaw, Ph.D., chief economist for Global Economic Consulting Associates. The overall CEIR index is forecast to… more
Apr 12, 2015
The International Council of Shopping Centers has added several new programs, spotlighting additional education, professional development and deal-making opportunities, to RECon 2015 on tap May 17-20 in Las Vegas.   The three-day global conference will debut a revamped educational program, a full day dedicated to professional development and the Talent Development Pavilion. RECon’s more than one million square feet of exhibiting space has expanded to include SPREE RECon, the Leasing Mall, and the Marketplace Mall – providing further ground to bolster ICSC’s estimate that approximately 50… more
Apr 12, 2015
Most of us treat social media posts and interactions as having ephemeral experiences – seen today, forgotten tomorrow. But, as practiced marketers well know, there always are some posts that deserve a much longer shelf life. When a customer posts a complimentary testimonial or when your organization posts about a prestigious award win, these are messages that you should be promoting and circulating to help you spread the word about your brand. Here are three nifty ways to drive engagement for your social media messages: 1.Embed into your event website, blog and e-newsletters Embedding… more
Apr 12, 2015
Most of us treat social media posts and interactions as having ephemeral experiences – seen today, forgotten tomorrow. But, as practiced marketers well know, there always are some posts that deserve a much longer shelf life. When a customer posts a complimentary testimonial or when your organization posts about a prestigious award win, these are messages that you should be promoting and circulating to help you spread the word about your brand. Here are three nifty ways to drive engagement for your social media messages: 1.Embed into your event website, blog and e-newsletters Embedding… more
Apr 11, 2015
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events held a sold out Women's Leadership Forum April 8 at the Washington Marriott Marquis in Washington, D.C. More than 150 attendees sold out this year's event which featured education sessions for women at all stages of their career. "We understood the need for this type of program when we created it in 2013," said IAEE President & CEO David DuBois, CMP, CAE, FASAE, CTA. "Nonetheless, the feedback we are receiving from attendees is really amazing, and we are very satisfied with the direction this program has taken." Here are… more
Apr 10, 2015
Phoenix Convention Center is joining the Worker Identification System (WIS) that will require a national identification badge for trade show labor starting in July 2015. Workers setting up and moving shows in and out will have to display a valid WIS badge with their name, photo and a scannable barcode. Powered by the Exhibition Services Contractors Association (ESCA), the WIS program is aimed at providing a uniform form of identification for exhibition workers in a form of photo ID badges connected to a database. The system assists venues in security for their events and can also help… more
Apr 10, 2015
The Spokane (Wash.) Convention Center finished its $55-million expansion in late February, adding 91,000 square feet of meeting and exhibit space. Now, the facility overlooking the Spokane River features 120,000 sq. ft. exhibit hall, as well as additional ballroom and up to 32 meeting rooms. Most of the new space features either second-level or ground-level views of the river thanks to a completely glass north side. "The physical difference in the Convention Center is, itself, exciting," said Keith Backsen, Visit Spokane vice president of sales and services. "What we're really happy about is… more
Apr 10, 2015
Up until a few weeks ago if you typed Meerkat into a Google search you would see images of small mongooses. When searching the term periscope, you would get pages and pages of references to an optical instrument. Today, those same Google searches provide pages and pages of content  referring to two much-talked about apps that let users stream live video from their mobile phone. Meerkat was the first to flood news feeds when attendees at SXSW started using it. John Shinal writing for USA Today said, “the most popular uses of the app was using Meerkat to stream others using Meerkat.… more
Apr 10, 2015
Up until a few weeks ago if you typed Meerkat into a Google search you would see images of small mongooses. When searching the term periscope, you would get pages and pages of references to an optical instrument. Today, those same Google searches provide pages and pages of content  referring to two much-talked about apps that let users stream live video from their mobile phone. Meerkat was the first to flood news feeds when attendees at SXSW started using it. John Shinal writing for USA Today said, “the most popular uses of the app was using Meerkat to stream others using Meerkat.… more
Partner Voices
  MGM Resorts is renowned for its exceptional service and diverse venue options across Las Vegas, Detroit, Springfield, National Harbor, Biloxi, and Atlantic City, providing flexible spaces for meetings of any size. Beyond these offerings, MGM Resorts distinguishes itself through a strong commitment to social responsibility and sustainability, making it an ideal choice for your next meeting.  At the core of MGM Resorts' company values is its platform, "Focused on What Matters," dedicated to meeting customer needs while advancing socially responsible practices. This commitment is evident in several key areas:  Protecting Natural Resources  MGM Resorts is home to industry-leading recycling, renewable electricity and water conservation programs. Some highlights include a cogeneration power plant at ARIA, producing ultra-efficient electricity; one of America’s largest contiguous rooftop solar arrays atop the convention center at Mandalay Bay; and onsite wells that provide water for the celebrated Fountains of Bellagio, avoiding reliance on precious Colorado River water. These efforts and many more save on natural resources while boosting attendee satisfaction.  Committed to Community  Always striving to be good neighbors, MGM Resorts works to avoid food waste and combat food insecurity with the Feeding Forward program. In partnership with local food banks, they safely divert unserved food to food insecure members of the community. Since 2016, over 5 million meals have been provided, highlighting MGM Resorts' commitment to minimizing food waste and addressing community needs.  MGM Resorts supports clients in their responsible-meetings efforts, not only with efficient venues but also waste-reducing décor and signage; sustainable food and beverage options; and outreach to help planners communicate sustainability efforts to attendees. What’s more, they offer a Mindful Meetings series that puts attendee wellness first—through fitness and mindfulness activities, and in give-back events with local charity organizations.   Fostering Diversity & Inclusion  To MGM Resorts, a diverse and talented workforce is essential to success. By cultivating innovative strategies that consider multiple perspectives and viewpoints, the company creates an inclusive workplace culture that benefits its employees and community. MGM Resorts takes pride in being a welcoming home for veterans, individuals with disabilities, people from diverse backgrounds, LGBTQ+ community members, and more. This commitment to inclusion is reflected in the company's recruitment and hiring practices and its social responsibility initiatives. From the workplace to the community, MGM Resorts' commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion remains unwavering, and its efforts continue to create a more equitable and sustainable world for all.  MGM Resorts offers unparalleled service and venue options while standing out for its proactive approach to sustainability and community engagement. Choosing MGM Resorts for your next meeting means aligning with a company that values social responsibility, efficiency, and attendee satisfaction, ensuring a meaningful and impactful event experience.