Jul 28, 2014
The second quarter of this year was supposed to be a challenging one for Global Experience Specialists and its parent company Viad, with $12 million in predicted negative show rotation to contend with.Despite that, though, Viad saw an uptick in revenues to $256.4 million during the second quarter of this year, compared with $246.2 million in 2013.Paul B. Dykstra, chairman, president and CEO of Viad, said of the overall company’s results, “As expected, we delivered meaningful growth in the second quarter. The Marketing & Events Group and the Travel & Recreation Group both posted… more
Jul 28, 2014
The 21st annual canfitpro International Fitness and Club Business Conference and Trade Show is set to take place Aug. 8-9 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.The show will have more than 200,000 square feet of exhibits and 200-plus leading fitness, health and wellness companies represented.Attendees will have the opportunity to learn from well-known fitness celebrities and experts on the trade showfloor, as they bring you the latest in exercise and nutrition information, classes and demos.Fresh off her Gold Medal win at the Sochi Olympics, Hayly Wickenheiser will present “It… more
Jul 28, 2014
When the Society of Independent Show Organizers’ Executive Conference kicks off Aug. 11-13 in Atlantic City, N.J., at the Revel Casino Hotel, attendees will have the opportunity to examine the event experience through the eyes of attendees and exhibitors alike.On the first full day of the conference, one of the first sessions on tap – “The Attendee Experience: What Works? What Doesn't?” – led by Tom Mitchell, president of Messe Dusseldorf, and David Adler, founder and CEO of BizBash Media, will take a look at what’s being done to keep events fresh and engaging.Instead of just speaking from… more
Jul 28, 2014
The Healthcare Convention & Exhibitors Association (HCEA) announced its officers and directors at the 2014 HCEA Annual Meeting, June 21-24, in Cleveland, Ohio. Diane Benson, CTSM, GE Healthcare, was inducted as President.Here are the 2014-2015 Board Officers:President-Elect– Christine Farmer, Sanofi; Vice President – Don Schmid, MBA, CME/H Hospira, Inc.; Secretary/Treasurer – Christine DiDomenico, MBA; and Immediate Past President – Sue Huff, Medtronic, Inc.Here are the Association’s 2013-2015 Directors:Ann Marie Bermudez, Daiichi Sankyo, Inc.; Cassandra Costello, Actelion… more
Jul 28, 2014
The global medical device industry has grown significantly during the last five years and is projected to reach approximately $302 billion by 2017, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.1 percent.To serve this growing industry, Pharma EXPO 2014, on tap Nov, 2-5 at Chicago’s McCormick Place and collocated with PACK EXPO International, will provide solutions medical device manufacturers can use to enhance efficiency, speed and time to market, and to ensure regulatory compliance.“The U.S. medical device market is currently a $110 billion industry – the largest in the world. There are more than… more
Jul 25, 2014
Determined to have a vibrant event, World Pet Association decided to cap the square footage for its 2014 SuperZoo, a trade show for independent pet store owners, that took place July 22-24 at Mandalay Bay Convention Center.“We have a waiting list of about 250 companies that want to get on the showfloor,” said Doug Poindexter, president of World Pet Association that produces the SuperZoo. “Last year, our attendance grew 10 percent and our floor grew 20 percent. So we decided to pull back this year and let attendance catch up.The 2014 event spanned about 190,000 square feet and featured 945… more
Jul 24, 2014
In April, TSNN reported on the Big Telecom Event being produced by Light Reading. CEO and founder of Light Reading, Stephen Saunders had referred to the Big Telecom Event as the anti-tradeshow in an article he wrote announcing the event.BTE took place last month in Chicago, and the question on many people’s minds is: Was the event his readers asked for, indeed an event they wanted. Also, were his sponsors happy not having a traditional trade showfloor?Saunders' goal was to have 1,000 attendees, and he wanted at least half in attendance to be service providers. They ended with more than 1,500… more
Jul 23, 2014
For the “Best of Show” award, we are leaving it up to you to tell us why you think your show is the BEST. This is the fourth year for this special award, and five nominees will be invited to the TSNN Awards: Celebrating Trade Show Excellence Nov. 14-16 in Cleveland, Ohio.  The overall winner will be announced at the gala awards celebration Nov. 15th. To be considered, please, submit your show HERE. There is no specific criterion for the award. Be creative! What challenge(s) did the show face? What was the “Best of Show” solution(s)? And what were the overall… more
Jul 23, 2014
In a move to further showcase Boston as a top meeting and convention destination, the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCCA) and the Boston Convention Marketing Center (BCMC) have rolled out a new brand, Signature Boston, and Web site – SignatureBoston.com.Signature Boston will be the customer-facing brand for Boston’s two convention centers, the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center (BCEC), and the John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center.Signature Boston will replace “Advantage Boston,” the brand previously used by the BCMC since 2004.“Boston is competing strongly as… more
Jul 22, 2014
Iron Chef and Cleveland Native Michael Symon is heading back to his roots Nov. 14-16 to headline the International Exposition (I-X) Center’s Fabulous Food Show.Fabulous Food Show is the nation’s largest consumer food and beverage-themed event that attracts world-renowned culinary professionals, celebrity chefs and regional artisans who conduct high-quality demos.More than 100 live presentations will be scheduled across six different customized stages, and Chef Symon will appear at the event each day. “We are truly fortunate to live in a region ripe with exceptional culinary talent,” said… 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.