Dec 11, 2024
As we close out 2024 and prepare to welcome 2025, we want to take a moment to reflect on and highlight the news and thought leadership articles that captured the attention of you, our readers, throughout an incredibly busy year. From insightful analyses of the U.S. trade show industry’s recovery, emerging economic trends and their implications, to event trends and business moves of some of the most talented professionals shaping the industry landscape, our most-read articles offer a glimpse into the topics that resonated most with trade show industry professionals this year. Here are 10 of… more
Dec 09, 2024
The U.S. B2B exhibition industry is gaining momentum after a minor slowdown in Q2 2024, according to the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR)’s Q3 Total Index report, which evaluates industry performance across four key metrics: attendance, net square footage, exhibitors, and real revenues.
Released on December 4, the report highlights mixed results, with increases in exhibition net square footage and recovering exhibitor participation contrasting with lagging revenues and attendance amid a favorable economic outlook hindered by high prices and political uncertainty.
Key… more
Dec 05, 2024
Nearly 120 exhibition industry professionals gathered in Milan, Italy, for the 2nd annual Women in Exhibitions (WIE) World Summit. Held Nov. 18–19 Nov at the Chiostri di San Barnaba, the event’s theme was “Building Bridges, Breaking Ceilings.”
Looking back: In 2023, the WIE World Summit attracted about 80 exhibition industry professionals to MECC Maastricht, when the event was held June 13–14, 2023 in the Netherlands.
Context: Founded in 2018 by Oana Cipca, WIE provides professional development for women working in exhibitions and opportunities to meet and network. WIE currently has… more
Dec 04, 2024
In less than two weeks, thousands of exhibition and event professionals from across the globe will gather in Los Angeles for the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) Annual Meeting and Expo! Expo!
The influential gathering of trade show organizers and suppliers will be held December 16-19 at the iconic Los Angeles Convention Center.
Whether you’re a seasoned attendee or a first timer, planning your schedule ahead is critical to maximizing the experience on the ground.
What do you need to know before you go? We caught up with IAEE VP Events and Experiences Jason… more
Dec 02, 2024
As a meeting professional, knowing the average pay for colleagues in the industry is invaluable when you find yourself in the market for a new job or when it comes time to ask for a raise.
The Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) is on the job, providing the industry with its annual Convene Salary Survey. The 2024 report analyzed data from 462 event professionals, providing information on their average salaries, role, experience, job satisfaction, and more.
PCMA reports meeting-industry salary averages in several ways, the most relevant being by job title and by… more
Nov 29, 2024
Held Nov. 3-6 in Chicago, the biennial PACK EXPO International went down in the history books as the largest to date, as well as the biggest event hosted at McCormick Place in 2024, according to officials from The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies (PMMI), which produces the show.
The packaging and processing industry trade show and conference brought together 48,000 attendees and 29,500 exhibitor personnel, reaching 77,500 in total attendance with a 19% increase in international attendance. The trade show reported a record number of 2,700 exhibitors occupied more than 1.… more
Nov 20, 2024
Boasting robust year-over-year growth, The Hospitality Show (The Show) recently wrapped up its second annual edition at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas. Held October 28-30, the burgeoning hospitality industry trade show and conference attracted 4,800 attendees and 460 exhibitors, marking a 26% and 43% increase in attendance and vendors, respectively.
Produced by Questex and the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), The Show offers three packed days of industry insights, networking opportunities, and innovative solutions. With the goal of helping… more
Nov 19, 2024
Whether you are celebrating the results of the U.S. election or not, the incoming administration and the governing dynamics of the 118th Congress are certain to have an impact on the trade show and business events industry in 2025 and beyond.
As the Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (ECA) works to advocate for initiatives that enhance the event industry’s growth and resilience to ensure it remains a vital component of the economy in the coming years, the organization has been closely monitoring the implications of the election, said ECA Vice President Tommy Goodwin.
“[The]… more
Nov 18, 2024
This year’s CEIR Predict Conference brought together forward-thinking executive leaders to deliver crucial insights on global trends, AI innovation and strategic planning. The event featured leading AI innovators, economists, business intelligence specialists, and political analysts who collaborated with industry experts to provide a comprehensive outlook on the exhibition industry's future.
Economic and Geopolitical Insights
Adam Sacks, president of Tourism Economics at Oxford Economics Company, delivered a compelling analysis of the CEIR Index and its implications for different market… more
Nov 14, 2024
On Thursday, Nov. 7, more than 200 trade show industry leaders gathered at the New York Area Chapter of the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (NYIAEE) Awards Luncheon to honor MetroMultimedia CEO Bruno Giaccio as the 2024 recipient of the King’s Glove Award for his outstanding leadership of one of the top U.S. audio-visual production firms and his significant contributions to improving event operations nationwide.
“Bruno represents the best of the best in our industry, combining technical expertise with boundless enthusiasm, and his passion for mentoring the next… 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.