News
Aug 04, 2022
While the U.S. economy may be losing momentum, that hasn’t stopped trade show and event-related organizations—particularly convention and visitors bureaus—from hiring fresh talent and placing new and experienced leadership at the helm. Take a look!
Visit Baton Rouge
Jill Kidder, current president and CEO of the Louisiana Travel Association (LTA), the primary voice for Louisiana’s tourism industry, has been tapped to become the new president and CEO of Visit Baton Rouge. Selected by the Visit Baton Rouge Board of Directors June 30, she will replace current President and CEO Paul Arrigo, who… more
Aug 03, 2022
The U.S. Travel Association launched the Sustainable Travel Coalition in an effort to help every sector of the travel industry, including meetings and events, develop and advance strategies for sustainability.
With nearly 60 member entities to start, including major DMOs, hotel groups and industry organizations such as the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA), the Sustainable Travel Coalition will serve as an advisory body to inform U.S. Travel on sustainability issues, opportunities and concerns within member entities. A dedicated Policy Committee will help drive the… more
Aug 02, 2022
As part of its ongoing commitment to helping association, event and corporate clients evolve from legacy-based to data-driven operating models, mdg, A Freeman Company, has launched a new division dedicated to research, data and insights.
Consisting of data strategists, scientists, analysts and experts specializing in collecting and evaluating market research and intelligence, this newly-formed department’s mission is to help clients capitalize on technological advances to reach new audiences and create more personal and human customer journeys, from marketing campaigns to meaningful… more
Aug 01, 2022
It can be daunting to be the “first.” But for Lynn Osmond, the new president and CEO of Choose Chicago, being the very first woman to helm the city’s official destination marketing organization is an exhilarating, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Just two and a half months into her new role, Osmond has hit the ground running, laser-focused on promoting the U.S.’s third-largest city on the national and global stage. And she is more than prepared to pull this mission off successfully. She possesses an intimate knowledge of the Windy City, its tourism and hospitality community and DMO following… more
Jul 29, 2022
The largest and most iconic global jewelry buying experience, JCK, operated by RX, brought a gem of a show to Las Vegas in June, exceeding pre-pandemic 2019 attendance numbers and reuniting the jewelry industry to celebrate the 30th anniversary of JCK.
Approximately 30,000 people from all facets of the jewelry industry joined JCK and Luxury, the show’s ultra-curated and exclusive jewelry-buying experience, for a week of product sourcing, education and networking. More than 17,000 attendees from 130 countries conducted business with more than 1,800 exhibiting companies in more than 20… more
Jul 29, 2022
Event software provider Cadmium partnered with Bear Analytics to bolster the digital product and service offerings of both organizations in the event technology industry.
The partnership, which facilitates the connection between users of Cadmium technology and Bear Analytics’ Bear IQ platform, enables data-driven decision making for organizations evaluating the effectiveness of their event and online learning programs.
Cadmium is an event and learning software provider offering continuing education, professional development, and content management solutions. Bear Analytics is a leading… more
Jul 28, 2022
Puerto Rico is no stranger to crises, having faced and overcome major challenges such as the Zika virus outbreak and Hurricane Irma over the past several years. COVID-19 has been no exception, with the destination showing its profound resiliency as it emerges from the pandemic.
Brad Dean, president and CEO of Discover Puerto Rico, recently highlighted some of the promising numbers along with a newly launched branding initiative for event attendees and venue developments.
“Rebuilding has been vitally important over the past four years and to position Puerto Rico to not just come back but to… more
Jul 26, 2022
UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has released its latest flagship Global Exhibition Barometer research report, designed to take the pulse of the global exhibition industry, with results pointing to a continued wave of positivity.
Concluded in June 2022, the 29th edition of the bi-annual survey includes data from 366 companies across 57 countries and regions, and outlooks and analysis for 23 focus countries and regions, including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Singapore,… more
Jul 25, 2022
Rimini, Italy-based Italian Exhibition Group (IEG) inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Deutsche Messe to acquire 50% of the German trade show organizer’s companies in the U.S., Mexico and Canada. The 50-50 joint venture is expected to strongly boost the international reach of both companies’ respective show brands and launches in economic sectors covered by both show organizers, according to IEG officials.
Hannover-based Deutsche Messe and IEG are considered two of Europe’s largest exhibition organizers, boasting pre-COVID turnovers of €355 ($363 US) and €179 ($183 US) million,… more
Jul 21, 2022
The 2022 TSNN Awards, on tap Nov. 8-9 in Las Vegas, has opened nominations for a bevy of trade show Innovation Awards, as well as Outstanding Show Pros awards.
Has your show created an incredible community? Did you have a really savvy marketing campaign? Use data in a strategic way? Or roll out an amazing exhibitor program? These are just a few of the categories for the Innovation Awards, with a full list below.
Outstanding Show Pros are exactly what it sounds like - people that have truly shone brightly in the past year leading an amazing event - perhaps creating an outstanding community… 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.