Jul 02, 2019
The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI), The International Association of Convention Centres (AIPC), and The International Congress and Convention Association will collaborate more closely in the future to generate better benefits for their respective members, as well as the international meetings industry.
“With our Global Alliance, the three of us choose value for our members [and] choose collaboration over competition,” said Craig Newman, president of UFI.
The global alliance effort among the three associations was announced last week.
“We are all organizations with a… more
Jun 27, 2019
The second in the Center for Exhibition Industry Research’s “Head of Marketing Insights” series, “Aligning Exhibit Sales for Success” takes a close look at the B2B exhibitor’s decision-making process, pinpointing the areas where marketing leaders see the most value in these exhibitions.
The report, which is based on survey data from marketing executives at North American organizations that use exhibiting as channel in their marketing mix, examines how brand marketers build an exhibit program. It also offers suggestions on how show organizers can position sales efforts to align with these… more
Jun 24, 2019
Eldorado Resorts agreed to acquire Caesars Entertainment in a cash-and-stock transaction valued at $8.58 billion, creating a mega-casino company in the U.S.
The combined company will provide its guests with access to approximately 60 domestic casino–resorts and gaming facilities across 16 states.
“Eldorado’s combination with Caesars will create the largest owner and operator of U.S. gaming assets and is a strategically, financially and operationally compelling opportunity that brings immediate and long-term value to stakeholders of both companies,” said El Dorado CEO Tom Reeg.
He added, “… more
Jun 24, 2019
Hannover Fairs USA and IBTM will each launch a new show in 2020.
The U.S. subsidiary of Deutsche Messe in Germany, Hannover Fairs USA, will debut Interschutz USA next year. Interschutz, currently the world’s largest trade show for fire and rescue services, takes place every five years in Germany. It will be complemented by Interschutz USA, set for Oct. 13-17, 2020 at Pennsylvania Convention Center in Pennsylvania.
This new show will provide a global view of firefighting equipment and tactics, and demonstrate safety techniques that reflect the current and future strategies of U.S.… more
Jun 20, 2019
Know an incredible show manager? Now’s the time to nominate him or her for The Expo Group’s annual Show Manager of the Year awards, also known as SMOTY.
These awards are independent of any industry associations and meant to honor the hardworking professionals behind events and trade shows.
“This program is a way for us to give back to our profession by drawing attention to the people who impress everyone with their commitment, innovation and excellence,” said Randy Pekowski, president and COO of The Expo Group, which is headquartered outside of Dallas.
This year’s SMOTY trophies will be… more
Jun 20, 2019
From the latest healthy snacks to new car wash technologies and trends in tile, May was a busy month for trade shows and associations. Here’s a recap of five that posted great numbers last month.
National Restaurant Association Show
The centennial year of National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show, one of the most anticipated events in the foodservice industry, was one to remember — not least for the 23-foot-tall, 1,200-pound birthday cheesecake in the middle of the show.
The event drew more than 42,557 attendees to Chicago’s McCormick Place from May 18-21, including… more
Jun 18, 2019
Michael Dominguez has been named president and CEO of Associated Luxury Hotels International. The well-known, well-liked industry veteran previously served as senior vice president and chief sales officer for MGM Resorts International for the past seven years. He also directed sales development for Loews Hotels as vice president of global sales prior to MGM.
Colleagues say Dominguez’s strategic leadership, innovative business development, hands-on sales oversight and implementation of effective sales strategies in both the MICE and transient segments will lead him to be successful in his new… more
Jun 14, 2019
Two veteran trade show industry leaders have been appointed to an expanded executive leadership team at Winsight, a B2B information company serving the restaurant and noncommercial foodservice, convenience and petroleum retailing and grocery industries.
Mary Pat Heftman has been promoted to vice chairman and Tom Cindric has been tapped to be the new president of Winsight Exhibitions.
“We have aggressive growth goals for the Show, and to achieve those targets, we’re doubling down on talent at the top,” said Mike Wood, CEO of Winsight. “The team has done phenomenal work and much of that… more
Jun 12, 2019
GreenTech, a global platform for the horticulture industry currently taking place this week in Amsterdam, has announced it will launch GreenTech Americas in partnership with Tarsus Mexico and RAI Amsterdam. The new event will take place March 24-26, 2020, in Querétaro, Mexico, the heartland for agriculture production in the country.
“Protected horticulture is the fastest growing area for agriculture production in Mexico,” says Paul St. Amour, vice president Latin America for Tarsus Mexico. “The growers have a desire to upgrade their production processes with better greenhouse technology,… more
Jun 11, 2019
Adding a page to the comeback story of Puerto Rico, Connect announced it has selected the destination as host of Connect 2021.
Formerly known as Collinson Media & Events (and also now owned by Corporate Event News’ parent company, Tarsus Group), Connect is known for its national marketplace-style shows for meeting planners in the corporate, sports, diversity, association and faith sectors.
Connect 2021 is expected to bring 3,500 planners, suppliers and other industry leaders to Puerto Rico for face-to-face meetings, education, networking and its signature lively receptions.
“We are… 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.