Jan 16, 2017
More than 1,200 association executives, consultants and industry professionals converged at the 2016 ASAE Technology Conference & Expo for three days of networking, education, insights and information about the latest trends, technologies, and strategies needed to take their organizations in a more forward-thinking direction.
Held Dec. 12-14 at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, MD, the association’s 11th annual event offered 32 high-level education sessions, a host of networking opportunities and an expo that featured135 exhibiting companies spanning… more
Jan 12, 2017
CES, the world’s largest consumer technology trade show, had yet another record-breaking year. Held at the Las Vegas Convention Center and venues throughout the city Jan. 5-8, the 50th annual event for the global technology industry boasted a 2.6 million net square foot showfloor occupied by 3,800 exhibitors and more than 175,000 attendees, including 55,000 from 150 countries.
Final attendance figures will be released after the show’s independent audit late this spring, according to officials from the Consumer Technology Association, which owns and produces the show.
Last year, CES attracted… more
Jan 11, 2017
For the second year in a row and much to my chagrin, I was unable to attend the Professional Convention Management Association’s Convening Leaders annual meeting.
This year, it was held in the great city of Austin, Texas, and had three days packed with education and networking events.
Of course, I had serious FOMO (fear of missing out) – but lucky for me, PCMA holds an online digital event powered by INXPO that streams throughout their live event.
In my humble opinion, it is bar none the best digital event out there that coincides with a live event.
Here are just a few of the reasons… more
Jan 11, 2017
The Craft & Hobby Association has transformed its CHA MEGA Conference & Trade Show into Creativation, a refreshed, reimagined event for the crafting industry. Set to debut Jan. 19-23 at the Phoenix Convention Center, the rebranded and reinvented show will feature new programs, learning opportunities and networking events; a targeted focus on innovation, collaboration and creative entrepreneurs, and at the heart of it all, a completely redesigned trade show floor.
As the annual trade show and conference for the global creative products industry, the event brings together manufacturers… more
Jan 10, 2017
One week after Will Secombe stepped down from the top post at Visit Florida in the midst of a controversy surrounding a $1 million promotional contract paid to musician Pitbull, Ken Lawson was named the bureau’s new President and CEO.
The announcement was made following a unanimous vote of the Visit Florida Board of Directors during a meeting Jan. 10 in Orlando.
Lawson, who currently serves as the secretary of the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), will assume his new position with Visit Florida Jan. 11.
“The work VISIT FLORIDA does to promote… more
Jan 09, 2017
The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority kicked off the new year on a celebratory note with the unveiling of the Diamond Lot, the Las Vegas Convention Center’s new outdoor parking and exhibition space.
Launched the day before CES on Jan. 4, the new space was commemorated with typical Las Vegas-style fanfare, including a ceremonial gathering complete with dignitaries, invited guests, showgirls and presentations by LVCVA president/CEO Rossi Ralenkotter and Consumer Technology Association President Gary Shapiro.
“The Diamond Lot represents the first step in our commitment to Las Vegas’… more
Jan 09, 2017
Reed Exhibitions Greater China continues its contribution to the future of the nation’s exhibition industry with the ninth annual edition of The Reed Exhibitions Greater China Scholarship Program.
The Reed Exhibitions Greater China Scholarship Program award ceremony recently was held Dec. 13 at Beijing International Studies University (BISU).
The Reed Exhibitions Greater China Scholarship Program was created to attract and motivate outstanding young talents who endeavor to serve China’s MICE trade through the exhibition industry.
It is … more
Jan 09, 2017
Freeman, a provider of brand experiences, is integrating several of its creative services across the Asia Pacific region, including China and Singapore, under the company’s agency division, FreemanXP.
The move comes after Freeman acquired Staging Connections Group Limited in November 2015. The event services company, with operations in Australia, New Zealand and Fiji, operated in Singapore as The Event Company and in China as ETGSC.
“Today’s integration announcement better aligns our teams to address the needs of clients by combining the Freemanagency resources with ETGSC and The Event… more
Jan 09, 2017
Eco Expo Asia 2016, held Oct. 26-29, closed amid great acclaim with record-breaking exhibitor and visitor numbers.
The Expo was jointly organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, and co-organised by the Environment Bureau of the Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
The four-day event attracted 325 exhibitors from 19 countries and regions, including 15 overseas and local pavilions and group participation.
The growth signifies stronger engagement by the green building, energy efficiency and green transportation sectors driven by the… more
Jan 09, 2017
Instead of ending on a quiet note, last year finished up with a flurry of new hires and promotions at venues, convention bureaus and other companies.
John Gonzalez, the long-time director of event and guest services at the George R. Brown Convention Center, has been promoted to the new vice president position at Houston First Corporation’s downtown convention complex.
In his new role, Gonzalez will assist HFC COO Luther Villagomez in the administration of the George R. Brown and its central role in shaping the new Avenida Houston convention and entertainment district.
Gonzalez will interface… 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.