News

Jul 30, 2014
We’re nearing the half-way mark of 2014 so now is a good time to stand up and be counted as we see whether the predictions we made at the start of the year came to pass. We’re patting ourselves on the back somewhat as we were pretty near the mark with most of them – details below. 1. Organizers will be looking for joined up solutions We foresaw the desire among clients for fewer vendors to provide more in the way of functionality and mentioned audience response as a stand-alone product that should be part of a larger event technology offering. And the response to our new… more
Jul 30, 2014
We’re nearing the half-way mark of 2014 so now is a good time to stand up and be counted as we see whether the predictions we made at the start of the year came to pass. We’re patting ourselves on the back somewhat as we were pretty near the mark with most of them – details below. 1. Organizers will be looking for joined up solutions We foresaw the desire among clients for fewer vendors to provide more in the way of functionality and mentioned audience response as a stand-alone product that should be part of a larger event technology offering. And the response to our new… more
Jul 29, 2014
London-based Informa bought Phoenix-based Virgo, which has six trade shows and conferences and will become part of the company’s Global Exhibitions Group.Financial details of the transaction have not been disclosed.The acquisition gives Informa a foothold into the U.S. market in which Informa primarily only had conferences and learning.The largest trade show on the Virgo portfolio is SupplySide West, serving the health and nutrition markets. The show was ranked No. 140 on the 2013 TSNN Top 250 Trade Show list and was held at the Sands Expo & Convention Center in Las Vegas.Supplyside… more
Jul 29, 2014
This summer hasn’t slowed down at all, with plenty of new business contracts taking place between suppliers and shows.CompuSystems continues to grow its client base by adding Randall-Reilly, a marketing solutions company and organizer of the Great American Trucking Show (GATS). CompuSystems will provide registration and lead retrieval services for the 2014 and 2015 Great American Trucking Show. Access Intelligence has selected Convention Data Services (CDS), a registration and lead management company, as their new registration partner. Under the agreement, CDS will provide registration… more
Jul 28, 2014
When the Society of Independent Show Organizers’ Executive Conference kicks off Aug. 11-13 in Atlantic City, N.J., at the Revel Casino Hotel, attendees will have the opportunity to examine the event experience through the eyes of attendees and exhibitors alike.On the first full day of the conference, one of the first sessions on tap – “The Attendee Experience: What Works? What Doesn't?” – led by Tom Mitchell, president of Messe Dusseldorf, and David Adler, founder and CEO of BizBash Media, will take a look at what’s being done to keep events fresh and engaging.Instead of just speaking from… more
Jul 28, 2014
The 21st annual canfitpro International Fitness and Club Business Conference and Trade Show is set to take place Aug. 8-9 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.The show will have more than 200,000 square feet of exhibits and 200-plus leading fitness, health and wellness companies represented.Attendees will have the opportunity to learn from well-known fitness celebrities and experts on the trade showfloor, as they bring you the latest in exercise and nutrition information, classes and demos.Fresh off her Gold Medal win at the Sochi Olympics, Hayly Wickenheiser will present “It… more
Jul 28, 2014
The second quarter of this year was supposed to be a challenging one for Global Experience Specialists and its parent company Viad, with $12 million in predicted negative show rotation to contend with.Despite that, though, Viad saw an uptick in revenues to $256.4 million during the second quarter of this year, compared with $246.2 million in 2013.Paul B. Dykstra, chairman, president and CEO of Viad, said of the overall company’s results, “As expected, we delivered meaningful growth in the second quarter. The Marketing & Events Group and the Travel & Recreation Group both posted… more
Jul 28, 2014
The global medical device industry has grown significantly during the last five years and is projected to reach approximately $302 billion by 2017, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.1 percent.To serve this growing industry, Pharma EXPO 2014, on tap Nov, 2-5 at Chicago’s McCormick Place and collocated with PACK EXPO International, will provide solutions medical device manufacturers can use to enhance efficiency, speed and time to market, and to ensure regulatory compliance.“The U.S. medical device market is currently a $110 billion industry – the largest in the world. There are more than… more
Jul 28, 2014
The Healthcare Convention & Exhibitors Association (HCEA) announced its officers and directors at the 2014 HCEA Annual Meeting, June 21-24, in Cleveland, Ohio. Diane Benson, CTSM, GE Healthcare, was inducted as President.Here are the 2014-2015 Board Officers:President-Elect– Christine Farmer, Sanofi; Vice President – Don Schmid, MBA, CME/H Hospira, Inc.; Secretary/Treasurer – Christine DiDomenico, MBA; and Immediate Past President – Sue Huff, Medtronic, Inc.Here are the Association’s 2013-2015 Directors:Ann Marie Bermudez, Daiichi Sankyo, Inc.; Cassandra Costello, Actelion… more
Jul 27, 2014
When the Georgia World Congress Center welcomed more than 20,000 attendees during the 2014 ISTE conference at the beginning of July, the venue was challenged to make sure everyone stayed connected. ISTE (The International Society for Technology in Education) is the premier membership association for educators and education leaders engaged in advancing excellence in learning and teaching through the innovative and effective uses of technology in PK–12 and teacher education. Because of the technological nature of the show, ISTE depends heavily on wireless connectivity to support their… 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.