News

Aug 17, 2014
Ovation Hall in Atlantic City’s Revel Hotel and Casino was filled with the who’s who of independent show organizers earlier this week.   They were gathered there to witness the second annual SISO Executive Conference Event Innovation Battlefield in which three event technology companies would try to convince the audience their product was most deserving of being named the overall winner. Spectators were taking their seats and the tension was mounting in the back of the hal,l as competitors were putting the final touches on their presentations and getting mic’d up. With… more
Aug 17, 2014
Latisys, a leading international provider of hybrid cloud hosting and data center solutions, has made an IT infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) agreement with Emerald Expositions. Previously owned by the Nielsen Company, Emerald had served as Nielsen's trade show division until it was acquired by Onex Partners in 2013 to form Emerald Expositions. The acquisition included certain requirements and deadlines for establishing Emerald as an independent business -- including the complete separation of its IT infrastructure from Nielsen. Focused on rapid business growth, both organically and… more
Aug 16, 2014
Ovation Hall in Atlantic City’s Revel Hotel and Casino was filled with the who’s who of independent show organizers earlier this week.   They were gathered there to witness the second annual SISO Executive Conference Event Innovation Battlefield in which three event technology companies would try to convince the audience their product was most deserving of being named the overall winner. Spectators were taking their seats and the tension was mounting in the back of the hal,l as competitors were putting the final touches on their presentations and getting mic’d up. With just six minutes… more
Aug 15, 2014
The Oregon Convention Center has been certified to the highest level of a new international sustainability standard. OCC achieved Level Four certification for the ASTM Standard pertaining to the evaluation and selection of venues for environmentally sustainable meetings, events, trade shows and conferences. The venue standard is one of nine standards introduced by the meetings, conventions, exhibitions and events in industry in 2012 to provide event planners and suppliers with specifications for producing events in a more sustainable manner. “We are proud and excited to be the first… more
Aug 14, 2014
Atlantic City rolled out the red carpet, and then some, for 175 attendees to the Society of Independent Show Organizers’ Executive Leadership Conference, held Aug. 11-13 at the Revel Casino and Resort. Even with news about some casinos closing and the fate of the Revel in the balance right now, the city forged ahead and put on a high-level event, with three days filled with networking and education opportunities. “We loved it here,” said SISO’s Executive Director Lew Shomer. “They have been great to us. They really pulled out all the stops. The Revel was fabulous for its food and venue and… more
Aug 13, 2014
Cygnus Business Media shed another piece of its portfolio with the sale of its Heavy Construction and Logistics Group to AC Business Media, a new publishing company. The sale consists of one trade show – National Pavement Expo – as well as nine publications and related Web sites. “We are very pleased to have found a buyer of these highly profitable multi-platform properties serving the heavy construction and logistics print and digital publications business that will utilize the current team’s creativity and experience,” said John French, CEO of Cygnus Business Media. AC Business Media is… more
Aug 13, 2014
Houston is on its way to a new hotel adjacent to the George R. Brown Convention Center, with an RFP being issued to find a team to develop and design the new property. The RFP, issued by Houston First Corporation, said the team would privately finance, own and operatethe hotel, which would attach via sky bridge to the north end of the convention center. HFC expects to enter into a site/pad lease with the hotel owner. The location has been designed to accommodate about 400 rooms on 15 floors above the 1,900-spaceparking garage and would include a ground-floor lobby and guest drop-off area. Up… more
Aug 12, 2014
A giant logo of Sony PlayStation is projected onto the terracotta wall of The Westin Resort and Spa Los Cabos, Mexico. The Sea of Cortez rushes against the shore in the background. Tomorrow, some 200 game developers will descend onto this luxury resort to show off their ideas, compete in “Olympics” on the private beach and talk geek over flaming margaritas. “We’re back at pre-recession levels,” said Edward Burgos, tour and sales travel manager at the property. “Meetings are up and so is our incentive business.” Along with the improving economic situation and ease of access from the U.S.,… more
Aug 10, 2014
Trade show and expo organizers and even exhibitors looking to add a fun, no-hassle charitable component to their event, need look no further than the Foundation for Hospital Art. The Foundation for Hospital Art installs brightly colored murals in hospitals, nursing homes and other healthcare facilities around the world. The murals are often painted by attendees at events. This is an activity that all ages can participate in. There are no physical limitations, and no artistic ability is required. If you can color in the lines, you can paint a mural. Whether someone has just three minutes to… more
Aug 10, 2014
Our research has shown that 76 percent of attendees decide which exhibitors they want/need to visit at an event before they arrive at the event. Are your exhibitors capitalizing on this pre-event selling opportunity? To influence attendees at the pre-event planning stage exhibitors need to stand out from the many companies on the exhibitor list. The most direct way to do this is through an online eBooth that showcases a company’s products, services, news, and show specials in an appealing visual display. Revenue Opportunities from Selling Enhanced Listings and Digital… 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.