News
Jun 02, 2014
Orlando is the place to be for the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions’ Attractions Expo, with the organization signing on thru 2025 in the sunny Florida destination.
The weeklong event is the largest conference and trade show for the worldwide attractions industry, and it generates approximately $51.3 million for the Orlando-area economy.
“IAAPA Attractions Expo continues to grow year after year and that’s a testament to the power of Orlando as the ideal location for our global conference and trade show,” said IAAPA President and CEO Paul… more
Jun 02, 2014
JCK Las Vegas,the world’s largest diamond and jewelry trade show, rolled out the red carpet May 30- June 2 at Mandalay Bay Convention Center, showing that diamonds are, indeed, forever. At the time of consolidation of the jewelry industry, the show boasted strong attendance and exhibitor numbers and took over just about every inch of available space.
“While it’s a healthy industry, jewelry industry is certainly not growing in terms of a number of stores opening,” said Yancy Weinrich, group vice president of Reed Exhibitions’ JCK Portfolio. “Since moving to… more
Jun 02, 2014
The Center for Exhibition Industry Research Predict Conference, on tapSept. 11 at the Intercontinental Hotel Chicago, will feature a new, fast-paced format.
The format will mirror an action-packed financial news show, featuring lively interviews, substantive conversations and provocative discussions, providing economic insights and new perspectives about the exhibition industry, according to event organizers.
The focal point will be the CEIR Index and the 2014 CEIR Index Report: 2013 Results, which provides an objective measure of the annual performance of the exhibition industry… more
Jun 01, 2014
The paint and coatings industries, as well as hospitality design, all are experiencing good times right now, which translated to busy showfloors at two recent events - the American Coatings Show and HD Expo.
The American Coatings Show found success with its move to Atlanta this year, with the show breaking attendee and exhibitor records when it was held April 7-10 at the Georgia World Congress Center.
The fourth edition of the American Coatings Show attracted more than 8,700 attendees and 480 exhibitors from 70 countries.
The 2014 event generated an increase of 16 percent in attendance,… more
Jun 01, 2014
Exhibitors constantly are trying to find the next big thing that will make show attendees, who’ve seen it all before, stop in their tracks and take notice of the exhibitor’s booth.
A new display unit by Pufferfish out of the United Kingdom just may be that next big thing.
Pufferfish, the maker of PufferSphere spherical display systems, has a new smaller display called the PufferSphere M. This new sphere is powerful enough to stand out in a bright environment, such as a trade show floor.
Nichole Potts, sales manager at Freeman said, “Projection mapping is all the rage now,… more
Jun 01, 2014
“People look at your brand’s voice as a true representation of its heart and soul.”
- Lori Randall Stradtman, Online Reputation Management for Dummies (www.social-media-design.com)
Brands with positive reputations attract more customers, have longevity and deliver higher than normal ROI to organizations. Many brand management teams pay a lot of attention to their customers’ feedback in direct interactions, but most neglect to proactively manage their brand’s online reputation.
When a crisis erupts all of a sudden, such teams are caught off guard, and then it… more
Jun 01, 2014
“People look at your brand’s voice as a true representation of its heart and soul.”
- Lori Randall Stradtman, Online Reputation Management for Dummies (www.social-media-design.com)
Brands with positive reputations attract more customers, have longevity and deliver higher than normal ROI to organizations. Many brand management teams pay a lot of attention to their customers’ feedback in direct interactions, but most neglect to proactively manage their brand’s online reputation.
When a crisis erupts all of a sudden, such teams are caught off guard, and then it… more
Jun 01, 2014
Exhibitors constantly are trying to find the next big thing that will make show attendees, who’ve seen it all before, stop in their tracks and take notice of the exhibitor’s booth.
A new display unit by Pufferfish out of the United Kingdom just may be that next big thing.
Pufferfish, the maker of PufferSphere spherical display systems, has a new smaller display called the PufferSphere M. This new sphere is powerful enough to stand out in a bright environment, such as a trade show floor.
Nichole Potts, sales manager at Freeman said, “Projection mapping is all the rage now,… more
May 30, 2014
The ballroom at the JW Marriott in Washington, D.C., was filled with the who’s who of the association and for-profit trade show world; all gathered together to take part in the record-breaking 13th edition of the Exhibition & Convention Executives Forum held May 27-28.
Sam Lippman, who is president and founder of Lippman Connects and runs the event, said that the 216 registered attendees were a record, as well as the number of sponsors this year and supporting publications.
“The 13th time is not the curse, it’s the charm!,” Lippman said. “The speakers… more
May 28, 2014
The Archery Trade Association has targeted Louisville again for its annual event – ATA Trade Show – in 2016, 2019 and 2024 at the Kentucky Exposition Center after visiting the city in 2013.
The event is expected to draw 10,000 attendees with an estimated $17 million economic impact over the multi-year deal.
“Louisville is a vibrant, accessible city that’s well suited to handle our national and international companies and their staff,” said Jay McAninch, ATA president and CEO.
He added, “The Kentucky Exposition Center offers abundant floor space and,… 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.