News
May 10, 2015
New York Convention Center Operating Corporation President and CEO Alan Steel unveiled the launch of free wireless service – up to 256K of bandwidth – for all customers and visitors at the Javits Center, the busiest convention center in the United States.
With free wireless service throughout the facility, visitors can experience online access on their mobile devices while in and around the iconic structure on Manhattan’s West Side. Customers who prefer greater connectivity for larger data downloads will be charged at specific rates per day.
The wireless service is part of a… more
May 08, 2015
Experient and MGM Resorts International, in partnership with The Association of Equipment Manufacturers have released the whitepaper explaining why dynamic housing models work for the meetings and events industry.
The whitepaper, “Modernize Your Room Block Pricing Model,” can be downloaded for free at http://info.experient-inc.com/modernize-room-block-pricing.
The challenge for all meeting planners and event organizers is to sell the right rooms to the right customer at the right time for the right price. Planners and organizers need to obtain as many rooms as possible for the lowest… more
May 07, 2015
Production Resource Group has agreed to acquire the XL Video Group, one of the largest providers of multi-market video services.
“By combining XL Video with PRG, we are creating a tremendously valuable resource for event and entertainment producers anywhere in the world”, said PRG Chairman and CEO Jeremiah J. Harris.
He added, “The integrated company will be able to offer an exceptional breadth of production technologies and depth of industry expertise.”
XL Video, founded in 1995, is a multi-award winning provider of creative video solutions for concert touring, corporate events, exhibitions… more
May 06, 2015
The Convention Industry Council unveiled the names of the 2015 inductees into the CIC Hall of Leaders and the 4th class of Pacesetter Award recipients.
The awardees will be formally recognized a Hall of Leaders and Pacesetters Celebration during IMEX America Oct. 13 in Las Vegas.
“This year’s class of CIC Hall of Leaders and Pacesetter Award inductees represent a global footprint of the meetings, conventions, events and exhibitions industry and we are excited to celebrate their expertise, leadership and breadth of achievements,” said Convention Industry Council CEO Karen Kotowski, CAE, CMP… more
May 05, 2015
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events’ Public Events Council recently released the “Public Events Industry Report: 2014 Results” that covered 22 different sectors.
“The Public Events Industry Report, now in its sixth year, demonstrates that public events are performing as or better than expected," said IAEE President & CEO David DuBois, CMP, CAE, FASAE, CTA.
He added, "And, as the economy recovers we are seeing more new launches, more normal staffing patterns and a return to the more routine challenges that have always… more
May 04, 2015
A new association for women who are in the events industry, aptly called the Association of Women in Events, recently launched to connect and empower women in the meetings and events industry.
Founded by Carrie Abernathy, Tamela Blalock, Mas Tadesse Harris, Mary Higham and Kiki Janssens, AWE is a national association based in Washington, D.C., and officially launched March 30.
“This organization fills a need," said Carrie Abernathy, AWE Co-Founder. “There are a lot of resources out there, but it's difficult to find anything specifically geared towards women. AWE empowers a thirsty… more
May 04, 2015
Nearly 6,900 industry professionals participated in the world's largest car wash event, The Car Wash Show, held in April in Las Vegas.
The total attendance number represented a 22 percent increase, compared with last year's convention and trade show in Chicago and was the event's largest total since 2008.
"We're in the midst of a period of great growth for the car wash industry. Data from our Wash Count program and reports from operators across North America confirm strong wash volumes, ticket averages and profitability," said International Carwash Association CEO Eric Wulf.
He added… more
May 03, 2015
Negative show rotation in the first quarter of 2015 had an impact on Viad’s overall revenues, dipping to $264.4 million, compared with $285.6 million in the first quarter of 2014.
Global Experience Specialists, a division of Viad, also saw first-quarter revenues decrease to $256.9 million, compared with $277.8 million during the same time period last year.
"Both business groups delivered steady progress toward our financial goals for 2015. Results for the quarter were in line with guidance and the underlying businesses performed well, with continued same-show growth in M&E (… more
May 03, 2015
At SMX West this year, Google’s Matt Cutts stated that he “wouldn’t be surprised” if mobile search exceeded desktop queries this year. Though Google hasn't officially backed this prediction, it is obvious that the company agrees with this assessment.
By now, we have all heard about Google's recent release of “Mobilegeddon,” the major update to Google’s mobile search algorithm.
Currently, there are roughly 2.5 times more mobile devices than PCs in use globally. And the gap is growing fast. Thus it is just a matter of time before both mobile… more
May 03, 2015
The Boston Convention & Exhibition Center recently launched its new digital navigation system called ActivLocator. It’s a geolocation tool developed by Sherpa Solutions that allows attendees to use turn-by-turn navigation to find their way to a meeting room, exhibit hall and even specific exhibit booths from anywhere in the facility.
Attendees use a mobile app to access the tool, and once downloaded, the app doesn’t need a cellular or internet connection.
“It will be a tremendous value-add for our customers, because we will be able to map… 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.