News
Mar 31, 2015
Unibail-Rodamco SE, Europe’s largest listed commercial property company, and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Paris Ile-deFrance (CCIR) have entered into an agreement with U.K.-based private equity firm Charterhouse to take over Unibail’s 50 percent stake in Comexposium.
This offer values Comexposium at €550 million ($816 million).
Early in 2008, Unibail-Rodamco and the CCIR merged their convention and exhibition activities into two entities: Viparis, in charge of managing the venues, and Comexposium, in charge of the events organization business.
Comexposium brought together… more
Mar 31, 2015
Not only has the American Society of Association Executives and the International Association of Exhibitions and Events expressed concern about the recent passing of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act in Indiana, but also Visit Indy, which represents the city of Indianapolis, is worried about the act’s possible impact.
The Religious Freedom Restoration Act prohibits the government from substantially burdening a person's ability to practice his or her religion, but opponents say it opens the door to possible discrimination.
“Since February, we have opposed Indiana’s RFRA bill, a bill… more
Mar 30, 2015
USITT 2015 broke all previous attendance records, attracting nearly 5,500 people to Cincinnati’s Duke Energy Center last week for the backstage industry’s annual event.
More than 280 exhibitors were at booths with state-of-the-art entertainment products for the largest Stage Expo ever – and 170-plus already have signed on for USITT 2016 in Salt Lake City.
“So many people told us this was their best conference experience ever,” said USITT Executive Director David Grindle.
He added, “We are very proud to be known for a show that shines in quality, excitement, and customer service.”
USITT 2015… more
Mar 30, 2015
The American Society of Association Executives expects nearly 5,500 nonprofit and association professionals to come together Aug. 8-11 for the 2015 ASAE Annual Meeting & Exposition, which will be held at Detroit’s newly renovated Cobo Center.
How can associations harness fresh approaches to all aspects of their work? Opening general speaker Josh Linkner, a business leader, venture capitalist, tech entrepreneur and author, will discuss a systematic process he discovered that increases creativity and produces results.
At the opening keynote, attendees will walk away with practical… more
Mar 29, 2015
1. Customer experience
Customer experience rather than brand loyalty is taking center stage globally. More resources are being channeled than ever before into online, social media and face-to-face customer service. According to Gartner, by 2017, 50 percent of consumer product investments will be redirected to customer experience innovations. Consumers will bring similar customer service expectations to the events they attend.
2. Interactive marketing
These days, customers expect to be active participants in the success… more
Mar 29, 2015
SourceDirect at ASD (SourceDirect) has unveiled its brand new, fully-functional website, sourcedirectshow.com.
The website serves the SourceDirect community as a virtual resource for importers, distributors, wholesalers, sourcing and product development professionals who have, or are interested in, doing business directly with manufacturers around the world.
The new site provides extensive content and 24/7 access to both buyers and suppliers about the SourceDirect show.
Launched in 2013, SourceDirect is a part of ASD MARKETWeek, the largest general merchandise, wholesale trade show… more
Mar 29, 2015
1. Customer experience
Customer experience rather than brand loyalty is taking center stage globally. More resources are being channeled than ever before into online, social media and face-to-face customer service. According to Gartner, by 2017, 50 percent of consumer product investments will be redirected to customer experience innovations. Consumers will bring similar customer service expectations to the events they attend.
2. Interactive marketing
These days, customers expect to be active participants in the success… more
Mar 29, 2015
SourceDirect at ASD (SourceDirect) has unveiled its brand new, fully-functional website, sourcedirectshow.com.
The website serves the SourceDirect community as a virtual resource for importers, distributors, wholesalers, sourcing and product development professionals who have, or are interested in, doing business directly with manufacturers around the world.
The new site provides extensive content and 24/7 access to both buyers and suppliers about the SourceDirect show.
Launched in 2013, SourceDirect is a part of ASD MARKETWeek, the largest general merchandise, wholesale trade show… more
Mar 26, 2015
Meetings Mean Business, a coalition formed in 2009 to spread the word about the value that business meetings, travel and events bring to the U.S. economy, recently conducted a survey of 100 federal employees who organize, attend or influence meetings and travel as part of their jobs.
Even with the pressures on government travel to meetings, a whopping 98 percent of the respondents said that in-person meetings are important for advancing their agency’s mission.
Ninety-two percent said that engaging with colleagues, peers, partners and vendors face-to-face improves their ability to work… more
Mar 26, 2015
After making its home in Chicago for a long time, Graph Expo will be moving to the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando in 2016 for the first time.
The show, owned by the Graphic Arts Show Company, will be held Sept. 25-28.
"We are delighted to be bringing GRAPH EXPO to Orlando in 2016," said GASC President Ralph Nappi.
He added, “Not only did Visit Orlando and the Orange County Convention Center superbly represent just how ideal a destination Orlando would be for our show’s date and size requirements, they also convinced us with the momentum behind Orlando's… 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.