News

Feb 26, 2015
“This industry (trade shows and expos) has not changed for 150 years. People just used to dress better,” said David Ely, head of sales and marketing for TurnoutNow. But Ely feels change now is possible and affordable with the arrival of beacons on the scene. There is no need to guess what attendees are doing at your event. Through the use of Bluetooth beacons, real-time data now is available to trade show and expo organizers. Bluetooth beacons are transmitters that use Bluetooth Low Energy 4.0 to broadcast signals that can be heard by compatible or smart devices. A typical example would be a… more
Feb 26, 2015
During one week in February in venues spread throughout Las Vegas, there are no less than 17 individual fashion shows going on at the same time. Making sure each show is memorable as a standalone event is key and often accomplished through creating a unique experience that leaves in an indelible impression. Waling the aisles at Reed Exhibitions’ The Agenda Show, held at the Venetian/Sands and serves the surf, skate and street community, an attendee instantly knows that are not at your typical show. Music is thumping, the aisles are packed with interesting booths and products, skateboarders… more
Feb 25, 2015
Trade Show News Network has unveiled the TSNN Global Trade Show Venue Directory (http://intlvenuedirectory.tsnn.com/), with more than 200 exhibit halls, convention centers and other facilities with exhibit space listed. “Trade Show News Network is committed to providing valuable data for the industry,” said Rachel Wimberly, TSNN president and Editor-in-Chief. “We designed the TSNN Global Trade Show Venue Directory to be the go-to place to find the perfect venue for show organizers’ events.” Complimentary to all users, the TSNN Global Trade Show Venue Directory is a comprehensive guide that is… more
Feb 24, 2015
The American Society of Association Executives conducted a Job Task Analysis last year that explored the core functional areas of association management. The results of this work will help in developing a comprehensive Body of Knowledge for the association field and CAE content outline.  Human Resources Research Organization (HumRRO) conducted the research, and the survey results confirmed identifiable competencies that reflect important elements of knowledge for those who work in associations. The results also highlighted that professionals working in associations have a broad range of… more
Feb 24, 2015
Leading healthcare professionals will convene to help address the most common and costly healthcare challenges at the MEDICAL WORLD AMERICAS (MWA) 2015 conference and expo April 27-29 at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston. In its second year, MWA has signed on GE Healthcare (NYSE: GE) as a Cornerstone Sponsor and PwC and Emirates Airline as Premier Sponsors, among other distinguished healthcare sponsors. GE is ranked 9th among the Fortune 500 and is known for its transformational medical technologies and services that are shaping a new age of patient care, including medical… more
Feb 24, 2015
Destination sales professionals will access planner information from Destination Marketing Association International’s empowerMINT initiative that includes improved data hygiene and supplemental meetings and contact information supplied by Columbia Books Information Services. The data platform will relaunch in summer of 2015. “Today’s planners expect sales professionals to be targeted with their prospecting, informed about their meetings, and timely in their outreach,” said DMAI President and CEO Michael Gehrisch. “As we leverage data partnerships and the competencies of CBIS, toward… more
Feb 24, 2015
The Healthcare Convention and Exhibitors Association (HCEA) recently hosted its annual Healthcare Marketing Summit Jan. 21-22 at the Hyatt Regency in Boston.  In addition to the one-day marketing summit, a half-day certificate program was offered in conjunction with Meeting Professionals International (MPI) and St. Louis University (SLU).  The certificate program is targeted towards those who are involved in planning and reporting transparency and spend as well as for those suppliers who provide services and products to the healthcare industry.   The HMCC gives professionals a… more
Feb 24, 2015
By Alexa Newman and Benjamin Rabe Even if you have years of event-planning experience, healthcare meetings are a different ballgame. As a healthcare meeting planner, you’ll need to be up-to-speed on the ever-changing rules, restrictions and legislation of this complex industry. From audiovisual considerations to continuing medical education requirements, the following tips will help prepare you for a successful healthcare meeting.   Get to Know Your Speakers and Their Presentations   Healthcare speakers are often experts – not only in their area of specialty, but in the… more
Feb 23, 2015
It is hard to imagine that the Medical Design & Manufacturing West (MD&M West) show hit its 30th year, but with seeing the numbers across the entire UBM Canon event (35,000 attendees, 2,100-plus exhibits and 365,000 square feet of show floor space), it is clear just how far the show has come.  Stephen Corrick, executive vice president and managing director at UBM Canon, which runs the show, said, “There is such an investment by all on a great show, including seeing such highly qualified audience members engage with the educational programs at the show.” Roger Burg, vice president… more
Feb 23, 2015
Smack dab in the middle of a busy trade show season in Boston, the city and surrounding areas have been hit by four blizzards in less than a month’s time. Mother Nature doesn’t care if a show needs to be moved in or opened on time, but a lot of hard-working and quick-thinking show organizers, meeting planners and the Boston trade show community supporting them somehow made it through. “We’ve had 70 inches of snow in just over 17 days,” said James E. Rooney, executive director of the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority a few days before the New England Boat Show was scheduled to open… 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.