News

Nov 17, 2013
Freeman recently upgraded PLANTOUR, its popular web-based tool that is designed to simplify the event planning process and enhance the marketing of on-site sponsorship opportunities. The new tool is part of the Freeman Technology Suite, Freeman’s integrated platform of tools, and is free to Freeman customers. PLANTOUR addresses the need for exhibitors, show organizers, event planners and meeting managers to more efficiently scout for an event venue, view floor plans or plan for available sponsorship opportunities without ever having to leave their desks, according to company officials.… more
Nov 15, 2013
With a population of 251 million and the fastest-growing economy in the G20 after China, Indonesia is a hot spot for new shows, including U.K.-based Tarsus Group and U.S.-based E.J. Krause & Associates partnership to launch CONNECT EXPO COMM INODONESIA 2014. E.J. Krause’s EXPO COMM-branded series of shows is a leader in its sector, and Tarsus already has several shows in the country, such as Connect Indonesia, which runs as part of the annual Indonesia Infrastructure Week. “Indonesia Infrastructure Week has already established itself as the major international platform to… more
Nov 14, 2013
The third annual EVENTtech attracted more than 800 attendees, nearly doubling the conference from last year. And, with more than one-third of attendees as first timers, being able to experience the technology first hand was a huge attraction.  “This year’s EVENTtech was about pushing the technology experience,” said Dan Hanover, editor at Event Marketer Magazine (the host of the event). He added, “You learn about the technology in an educational session, and then go over to the exhibitor and actually test drive it. This year, we had $2 million worth of… more
Nov 13, 2013
The largest horticulture show in the United States, Short Course Convention & Marketplace, decied to stay close to home in 2017 and 2018 when it chose Columbus, Ohio, for the site of its 2017 and 2018 events. Columbus is home to some of the offices for a newly formed association that runs the show.   In September, two national associations representing the horticulture industry – OFA and the American Landscape Nursery Association – voted to join forces as AmericanHort, effective Jan. 1. Next year’s Short Course show will be managed by AmericanHort and held in… more
Nov 12, 2013
It was a long time coming, but the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center of New York recently celebrated the completion of its 110,000 square foot expansion, as well as renovations to the center located in the heart of New York City. Renovations included the installation of a new 240,000 sq. ft. glass curtain wall and the construction of the largest green roof in the Northeast. Billed as “the busiest convention center in the United States”, the Javits Center generated $1.4 billion of economic activity in FY 2012 for New York City and New York State. “The Javits Center fuels… more
Nov 11, 2013
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council’s eight fairs held in October and so far in November have brought in not only nearly 8,700 exhibitors, but also 200,000 buyers, up five percent, compared with the year before. It’s estimated that the fairs also brought in more than HK$1.4 billion to Hong Kong, not including trade orders. The eight fairs were: Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Autumn Edition), electronicAsia, Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Autumn Edition), Hong Kong Optical Fair, and the Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair, which were held at the Hong Kong… more
Nov 11, 2013
Global Sources' fall 2013 fashion shows with four collocated events - China Sourcing Fairs: Fashion Accessories, Garments & Textiles, Underwear & Swimwear and India Sourcing Fair: Garments & Accessories – featured 1,300 booths. "The China Sourcing Fairs fashion series are Asia's premier one-stop sourcing platform for fashion products and the majority of exhibitors are direct manufacturers," said Tommy Wong, president of Global Sources Exhibitions. He added, "Offering head-to-toe items for all seasons, the shows this fall feature Asia’s… more
Nov 11, 2013
This year was a very good one for the Thailand Convention & Visitors Bureau, which recently announced the performance of Thailand’s MICE Industry for the fiscal year 2013, revealing that the sector had exceeded its targets both in terms of visitor numbers and industry earnings. TCEB also unveiled its 2014 Strategic Plan that targets key high-quality markets and aims to boost the ‘Thailand Brand’ as Asia’s premiere MICE destination, according to CVB officials. The plan highlights three main pillars of Thailand’s MICE industry consisting of Destination;… more
Nov 11, 2013
Even with challenges in Western markets, the Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles – Autumn Edition drew not only a slight increase in visitors, compared with the 2012 event, but also a record number of countries took part this year. In all, there were 1,321 exhibitors from 31 countries and regions and 39,189 visitors from 97 countries and regions taking part Aug. 27-29 at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre. Wendy Wen, senior general manager of fair organiser Messe Frankfurt, said China was the ideal platform for countries looking to get into the market. “Speaking with… more
Nov 11, 2013
London-based B2B media group UBM plc released its interim results for the nine months ended 30th September 2013. The company posted revenues of £580.5million (US$940 million) in the period, a slight increase of 0.6% from last year. Adjusted operating profit in the first nine months of 2013 was £117.9million (US$191 million), a year-on-year 4.3% decrease. Revenues from its events business in the first nine months of the year were £331.3million (US$536 million), up 2.7% over 2012. However, adjusted operating profit from events dropped 9.7% to £92.8million (US$150… 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.