Mar 12, 2012
Nearly 11 years after a group of private equity investors led by Chicago-based Frontenac Company bought event marketing company Nth Degree from its original owners, another private equity firm, Gen Cap America, has stepped in to buy the company. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Gen Cap America is based in Nashville, Tenn., and specializes in acquisitions and recapitalizations of middle market businesses. “The face-to-face marketing industry continues to play an important role in the business-to-business marketing mix, enabling companies to interact with prospects and customers in… more
Mar 10, 2012
From all the smiling faces seen at EXHIBITOR Show, one might be fooled into thinking happy days are here again for the face-to-face marketing industry. Although that might be jumping the gun slightly, things are indeed looking up, according to participants at the 25th annual conference and exhibition for exhibit and corporate event marketing professionals. Held March 4-8 at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, the lively event boasted its second year of growth since the downturn, with approximately 6,011 attendees and 272 exhibitors covering 59,500 square feet of exhibition space, according… more
Mar 07, 2012
The BlogWorld & New Media Expo, billed as the ‘world’s largest new media conference and trade show’, expanded its reach with the purchase of Travel Blog Exchange (TBEX), a travel blogging conference. This year’s TBEX is set to take place June 15-17 at the Keystone Resort & Convention Center in Keystone in Colorado. TBEX is a gathering of travel bloggers that allows them to meet each other and learn more about the art of travel writing, as well as blogging as a business, cross connecting on other platforms and locating new audiences and vendors for their blogs… more
Mar 06, 2012
Last year saw significant increases in full-year revenues and profits at UK-based Tarsus Group, with the company scoring a 42 percent revenue increase to £61.7 million ($97 million), compared with £43.6 million ($69 million) in 2010, and adjusted profit before tax was up 77 percent to £16.8m ($26 million), compared with £9.5 million ($15 million) the year before. “2011 was a record year, with the Group achieving a strong financial performance, both on a year-on-year and biennial basis, and we have halved our debt level,” said Neville Buch, chairman of… more
Mar 05, 2012
The Hong Kong Trade and Development Council’s Hong Kong International Jewellery Show continued to draw strong attendance numbers, with the recent show attracting 38,000 buyers, a 3-percent increase, compared with last year’s event. A significant portion of the attendance increase at the event, held Feb. 16-20 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, came from the BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India, China) countries, with an 8-percent increase, compared with last year’s event. Konstantin Zakirov, a buyer from Russia, said he attended the show “to source silver,… more
Mar 05, 2012
The Metropolitan Pier & Exposition Authority, which owns Chicago’s McCormick Place and Navy Pier, recently named eight new board members, none of whom directly are in the trade show industry. Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel were each allotted four appointments under state law, and the new board appointments will replace the interim board that was in place to oversee changes made to MPEA’s operation of McCormick Place. The new board will be led by Chairman Jack M. Greenberg, who also is chairman of the Western Union Company and serves as chairman of… more
Mar 05, 2012
Global Sources bought a 80-percent stake of the China (Shenzhen) International Brand Clothing & Accessories Fair (SZIC), one of Asia’s largest fashion fairs, for US$17.3 million. Shenzhen is a base for garment designing and manufacturing in China and SZIC, which was launched in 2001, has grown since its inception. The 2011 event hosted about 300 exhibitors, 4,000 booths and 31,000 professional visitors. "The apparel industry in China is moving from pure manufacturing to design and innovation, driving Chinese brands to become more well-known and prestigious, ultimately… more
Mar 01, 2012
Trade Show News Network is launching its 2012 FREE Webinar Series with “Virtual/Hybrid Events: What's Working and What's Not?” at 1pm EST March 15th. Click HERE to register for the free webinar. The webinar is courtesy of MarketArt & Onstream Media Corporation - Creators of Marketplace365 During the past few years, a number of trade associations and for-profit exhibition organizers have launched virtual and hybrid events. Some initiatives have been successful, others have been less than effective in reaching the organization's objectives. Join Michelle Bruno, as she moderates a… more
Feb 27, 2012
UK-based UBM, through its UBM Asia division, has expanded even further in the Asia-Pacific Region, buying two trade shows and forming a joint venture to develop another one. Also, in the United States, UBM added onto its aviation division with another purchase. In China, UBM Asia formed a JV company, Shanghai UBM ShowStar Exhibition Co Ltd, with Shanghai ShowStar Exhibition Service Co Ltd, owner of the China International Exhibition & Symposium on Dental Equipment, Technology & Products, known as DenTech China. UBM acquired 70 percent of the JV company and will organize DenTech… more
Feb 27, 2012
Trade association Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute has scored more than 1 million square feet of exhibit space and 1,300 exhibitors and their event still is nine months away. The biannual event for the packaging industry also is expecting 46,000 attendees to the show when its doors open Oct. 28-31 at Chicago’s McCormick Place. “Reaching this milestone this far out from the show makes a statement about the role PACK EXPO plays in the realm of processing and packaging,” said Charles D. Yuska, president & CEO of show owner/producer PMMI. He added, “But… 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.