News

Apr 15, 2013
Four of Professional Convention Management Association’s members will be inducted into the Convention Industry Council Hall of Leaders this October. The 2013 class includes two members of the PCMA Education Foundation Board of Trustees - Liz Erikson, executive director, Meetings & Incentives, Fairmont-Raffles-Swissotel and Eduardo Chaillo, consultant, Global Meetings and Tourism Specialists - and two longstanding PCMA members - Peggy Daidakis, executive director, Baltimore Convention Center and Stephen Powell, senior vice president, Worldwide Sales, Intercontinental Hotels Group… more
Apr 15, 2013
Reed Exhibitions’ decision to ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines at its Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show, which eventually led to the show’s cancellation earlier this year, has continued to have ramifications with the facility where the show was held opting to replace it in the schedule. The National Rifle Association’s Great American Outdoor Show now will run in that time slot, Feb 1-9 at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center in Harrisburg, Penn. “The NRA's deep-rooted heritage in the outdoor lifestyle makes this partnership a perfect… more
Apr 15, 2013
To our neighbors in Boston and to the many victims and their families, the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority extends its sympathies. To the first responders, including members of our own public safety team, we offer our gratitude for your brave and professional response and for the actions you are taking to insure justice and provide a sense of security in our community. Yesterday was a horrific day in Boston, and we are slowly coming back. In light of this tragedy, we are reaching out to update you on how our facilities and our events have been impacted, as well as enhanced security… more
Apr 14, 2013
After more than a decade of small and large businesses being scammed out of millions of dollars when were offered what they thought were free listings in a Fair Guide, the Federal Trade Commission has temporarily halted operations of the Slovakian-based guide’s publisher – Construct Data. "The sweetest justice is justice delayed," said Past-IAEE President Steven Hacker. "This has taken far too long allowing these thugs to terrorize exhibitors and take their money. The industry is a better place today." The International Association of Exhibitions and Events… more
Apr 14, 2013
UPDATE, Tuesday Evening: ASCA show site reports "After consultation with Boston officials, we are pleased to report that they recommend that ASCA 2013 proceed as planned. ASCA staff and consultants are in Boston and on-site preparing for your arrival." Exhibitors for the Ambulatory Surgery Center Association’s annual meeting, scheduled April 17-20, were unable to move in  after two bombs exploded blocks away from the John B. Hynes Convention Center during the Boston Marathon. Mac Daniel, director of communications and marketing for the Massachusetts Convention Center… more
Apr 14, 2013
For the very first time May 30 in Washington, D.C., the International Association of Exhibitions and Events will host the Women’s Leadership Forum at the Fairmont Hotel in Georgetown. Cathy Breden, IAEE’s COO, said the decision to launch the event had been in the works for the past few years and was moved forward when IAEE Past-chair Doreen Biela appointed a task force to explore the feasibility of a program geared toward female professionals in the industry. A survey was sent out to IAEE’s female members in September last year, and “the response clearly indicated… more
Apr 14, 2013
When the Social Media Tourism Symposium (SoMeT13US) had to choose a host city for their annual summit, they practiced what they preached and let their community decide via Facebook voting. Voting began in March with eight cities competing in a bracket-style contest on Facebook using the Woobox voting app. The winner of each round would advance until finally, on April 2nd, the final round of voting took place. While it’s certainly an interesting and social way of selecting a host city, it’s benefits go beyond entertainment. David Serino, founder of SoMeT, explained that the voting… more
Apr 14, 2013
According to a report published by the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR), the primary reason attendees decide to go to a specific show is through someone they know or by word of mouth. We intuitively recognize this fact to be universally true for any given vertical. The decisions we ourselves make every day as consumers tend to be heavily influenced by the recommendations our peers make. To attract and engage new audiences and to grow their events, tradeshow organizers not only need to provide a stellar experience to their attendees, but they also should proactively… more
Apr 14, 2013
According to a report published by the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR), the primary reason attendees decide to go to a specific show is through someone they know or by word of mouth. We intuitively recognize this fact to be universally true for any given vertical. The decisions we ourselves make every day as consumers tend to be heavily influenced by the recommendations our peers make. To attract and engage new audiences and to grow their events, tradeshow organizers not only need to provide a stellar experience to their attendees, but they also should proactively… more
Apr 14, 2013
When the Social Media Tourism Symposium (SoMeT13US) had to choose a host city for their annual summit, they practiced what they preached and let their community decide via Facebook voting. Voting began in March with eight cities competing in a bracket-style contest on Facebook using the Woobox voting app. The winner of each round would advance until finally, on April 2nd, the final round of voting took place. While it’s certainly an interesting and social way of selecting a host city, it’s benefits go beyond entertainment. David Serino, founder of SoMeT, explained that the voting… 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.