News

Feb 21, 2015
The Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority’s Board of Directors voted to approve a contract for the purchase of the historic Riviera Hotel & Casino’s 26-acre site as the cornerstone for its planned Las Vegas Global Business District.  The District will expand the Las Vegas Convention Center’s footprint from 3.2 million square feet to nearly 5.7 million square feet and give it a Strip-front location. “The Las Vegas Global Business District is the single most important economic development project in the state,” said Rossi Ralenkotter, president and CEO of the LVCVA. He added, “… more
Feb 20, 2015
In its 87th year, Western Veterinary Conference evolves with the times just like the dynamic industry it’s serving. For its annual event that took place Feb. 16-19 at Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, it made strides into the RFID technology and Amazon-inspired marketing model for its continued education offerings, as well as revealed its new branding, to stay on the cutting edge. “It’s about having an accessible, customized and personalized experience,” said WVC CEO David Little. “If we can enhance that, it makes our attendee experience more valuable.” One of the steps on that… more
Feb 17, 2015
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events reported that Expo! Expo! IAEE's Annual Meeting & Exhibition, held Dec. 9-11 in Los Angeles, yielded higher attendance than in 2013, according to an independent attendance verification audit conducted by Exhibit Surveys. The audit was conducted in compliance with the requirements of attendance audits promulgated by the Exhibition and Event Industry Audit Commission (EEIAC). Here are some of the key statistics comparing Expo! Expo! 2014 to the 2013 event: ·  Overall attendance increased by 15 percent in 2014 from 1,934 to… more
Feb 17, 2015
In a letter to UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry’s members, UFI President Andrés Lopez-Valderrama said Paul Woodward, the organization’s managing director, would be stepping down later this year. Lopez-Valderrama added that Woodward had made the decision “to spend more time with family and to cut down on travel and business commitments. UFI is in a very strong position, but we now have to embark on the task of finding a replacement for Paul.” Woodward, who has been in the position for the past five years, will remain in his post until at least after the Milan Congress,… more
Feb 17, 2015
Supplier and show organizers alike promoted from within and brought on new personnel for a variety of positions across the trade show industry in the past month. Reed Exhibitions appointed Nick Pilbeam to the position of divisional director – Travel. Pilbeam will oversee the travel division under Reed Travel Exhibitions, which includes the International Luxury Travel Market portfolio, World Travel Market portfolio and the newly branded ibtm events portfolio of global and regional events providing business solutions on five continents.  They include ibtm world, ibtm arabia, ibtm… more
Feb 16, 2015
USITT 2015, which is run by the United States Institute for Theatre Technology, is on tap in Cincinnati and now boasts a record 280 exhibitors – including 60 new ones. USITT Stage Expo Manager Ron Procopio says he is excited to welcome so many companies new or returning after years away to the 55th Annual Conference & Stage Expo. The event will fill some 45,000 square feet of Cincinnati’s Duke Energy Convention Center March 19-21. “As the industry and economy changes, so does USITT’s Stage Expo floor,” Procopio said. “So, besides our huge showing of big industry names, we’re attracting… more
Feb 13, 2015
Cybersecurity is a topic affecting every business that utilizes the Internet, including meetings, conferences, and trade shows where business intelligence and private information is exchanged and communicated regularly over wired and wireless networks. While it only takes ONE major incident to compromise the integrity of an organization, most trade show planners are oblivious to the risks and remedies available to them. In this TSNN webinar, event-technology journalist Michelle Bruno speaks with cyber-security expert Michael Robinson about what to look for, how to prepare, and who… more
Feb 12, 2015
This month on Interview with a Trade Show Exec, part of an ongoing TSNN series conducted by Traci Browne, we’ll be getting to know a bit more about another one of our industry’s rock stars. While it may not have the Gothic setting of an Anne Rice novel, I think these main characters are just as complicated and deep as were Lestat de Lioncourt and Louis de Pointe du Lac, but without all that brooding undead thing going on. Jeffrey L. Portman, Sr. Vice Chairman, president & COO AMC Inc. AmericasMart shows and markets and LIGHTFAIR 29 years in the trade show industry Traci Browne: Where… more
Feb 12, 2015
One of the biggest stories at CES last month was the throng of wrist wearables on display.  While some experts are not convinced that wearable technology will take over the technological world, there are many people who are jumping on the wearable bandwagon. So, how can you incorporate this technology when you develop your booth engagement strategy? First, consider what the pull is for having a wrist wearable.  The idea is to have a ton of tech available to stay in touch with what is going on around you, including emails and calls coming in from your smartphone.  It is about… more
Feb 12, 2015
One of the biggest stories at CES last month was the throng of wrist wearables on display.  While some experts are not convinced that wearable technology will take over the technological world, there are many people who are jumping on the wearable bandwagon. So, how can you incorporate this technology when you develop your booth engagement strategy? First, consider what the pull is for having a wrist wearable.  The idea is to have a ton of tech available to stay in touch with what is going on around you, including emails and calls coming in from your smartphone.  It is about… 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.