Association Show News
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Oct 14, 2013
Convention Centers have identified growing international competition and government policies toward meetings and events participation as their top concerns heading into a period of slow economic recovery, according to the latest annual survey carried out by AIPC, the International Association of Convention Centres.
The survey, carried out between April and June 2013, achieved a 65 percent response rate from centers in 54 countries, with heavy participation from Europe.
"Growing competition amongst centers worldwide has been an issue for some years, but this very real spike in… more
Oct 07, 2013
Smart eyewear that captures video and sunglasses that float were among the showstoppers at the International Vision Expo West, co-owned by Reed Exhibitions and The Vision Council, which took place Oct. 2-5 at the Sands Convention & Expo Center.
The show celebrated its 25th anniversary with strong numbers as attendance trended up 8 percent from 12,000 last year. Square footage was at 185,000 and exhibitor count was at 426, also showing positive trends.
“We’ve rebound quite nicely over the past several years,” said Courtney Muller, group vice president for Reed… more
Oct 02, 2013
Thirty-year trade show industry veteran Brian Casey has been chosen by the Center for Exhibition Industry Research’s board of directors as the new president and CEO for the organization.
Casey was identified as the best candidate after an extensive search process that was initiated after long-time head of CEIR, Doug Ducate, announced he was stepping down from the role.
Casey’s new position will begin Dec. 1.
"I am very honored and excited to have been selected to lead CEIR moving forward,” Casey said.
He added, “Having been in the industry for more than 30… more
Sep 28, 2013
SME’s manufacturing show, SOUTH-TEC, has expanded its showfloor to accommodate demand for more exhibit space at its Oct. 29-31 expo in Greenville, S.C.
More than 300 companies will exhibit on the SOUTH-TEC floor at the TD Center and approximately 4,000 attendees are expected, according to SME officials.
"SME SOUTH-TEC will provide attendees thousands of square feet of opportunity, bursting with a full spectrum of knowledge, innovation, training and learning," said Dennis Bray, CEO of Contour Precision Group, LLC of Clover, S.C., and president of SME.
He added, "Experts… more
Sep 28, 2013
Young professionals are the future of the trade show industry and the American Society of Association Executives, along with its strategic partner Reno-Tahoe USA, recently hosted the NextGen Summit to touch on issues for this group.
The NextGen Summit, held Sept. 18-21 in Reno, Nev., included guests from the ASAE Board of Directors, California Society of Association Executives, The Association Forum of Chicago and the Texas Society of Association Executives.
Twenty-five individuals selected to participate were chosen from a national search process representing some of the brightest and most… more
Sep 28, 2013
Association management company SmithBucklin recently launched Board Forward, a content source specifically designed for volunteer board members and available free of charge.
The new resource features a monthly e-newsletter and Web site that will provide relevant news, information and guidance to help volunteer board members enhance the performance of their boards and organizations.
"At SmithBucklin, we understand the challenges volunteer boards face every day," said SmithBucklin President and CEO Henry Givray.
He added, "Our client organizations' volunteer leaders have… more
Sep 26, 2013
Strong growth in the packaging industry and the need for innovative and cost-saving solutions translated into the largest show yet for PMMI’s biennial PACK EXPO Las Vegas that took place Sept. 23-25 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
“It’s a record Las Vegas year for us,” said Julie Ackerman, senior director of public relations and communications for PMMI. The show spanned more than 740,000 square feet and attracted 1,700-plus exhibitors and 28,000 attendees. The previous PACK EXPO Las Vegas came in at 700,000 sq. ft., 1,600 exhibitors and 26,000 attendees… more
Sep 25, 2013
SnowSports Industries America puts on the largest show in its market sector every year, SIA Snow Show, but instead of focusing on getting as many people to the show as possible, they put their energies instead into ensuring that the people who are there have the most buying power.
“In our industry and other industries there is consolidation at the supplier and retailer level,” said SIA President David Ingemie.
For example, he added, if a company like Sport Chalet buys up another smaller company, there are now fewer people who are going to attend the show. Even so, Ingemie… more
Sep 17, 2013
At the recent Center for Exhibition Industry Research Foundation Predict conference in New York City, David Audrain, current chair of the Society of Independent Show Organizers, stood up at the end of the event and made a surprise announcement that SISO would be making a $100,000 donation to the CEIR Foundation during the next five years.
"We know and understand that all of the research that CEIR produces comes at a cost,” said Audrain, who also is president and CEO of Clarion Events North America.
He added, “The SISO board of directors believes in the important work CEIR… more
Sep 16, 2013
Have you ever been strolling through a trade show and all of a sudden you spot a booth that is such a great design it just stops you in your tracks?
Well, now you can help that booth really show off by taking part in a new program rolled out by the International Association of Exhibitions & Events and BizBash called #Boothlove.
The #Boothlove social media program was created to showcase the best booths and exhibit stands from around the world – providing a global "peek over the fence" to inspire trade show and exhibition professionals with new ideas, while spotlighting… 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.