Association Show News

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Jan 31, 2012
Two big shows just named power keynotes: President Bill Clinton, founder of the William J. Clinton Foundation, will address attendees at the 2012 National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show, and the National Association of Broadcasters has chosen Marina Gorbis, executive director of the Institute for the Future, to address NAB Show attendees. The NRA Show is on tap May 5-8 at Chicago’s McCormick Place, and NAB Show is scheduled April 14-19 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. “President Clinton has a unique perspective on our nation and the world,”… more
Jan 17, 2012
Both Philadelphia and Atlanta wrapped up 2011 on a high note and are looking forward to strong bookings going into 2012 and the future. Atlanta’s 2011 fourth quarter was marked by eight large shows that accounted for 111,599 additional hotel rooms bookings and brought estimated 54,000 people to the city. “We finished the year on a high note on the sales side and Atlanta is positioned for another strong year in 2012,” said William Pate, president and CEO of Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau. Atlanta’s calendar also looks bright into the future, with the… more
Jan 02, 2012
Trade shows aren’t the greenest of environments in the world, but the Consumer Electronic Association’s International CES, Jan. 10-13 at several venues around Las Vegas, is making an effort to be as sustainable as possible. “Our green and recycling efforts at the 2012 International CES are unprecedented for the largest annual event in the western hemisphere, covering more than 1.8 million square feet and welcoming more than 140,000 attendees,” said Gary Shapiro, CEA’s president and CEO. He added, “We’ve worked hard to ensure that we are using… more
Jan 02, 2012
AIPC - the International Association of Congress Centres, in conjunction with the IMEX Group, has chosen five aspiring convention center managers to receive a scholarship to participate in the 2012 AIPC Academy. "AIPC sees professional development as a key part of our association mandate, and the investment we have made in creating the AIPC Academy as one of the most highly regarded educational programs in the industry is evidence of this,” said AIPC President Edgar Hirt. He added, "However, we recognize that in these financially challenging times, not all centers are in… more
Jan 02, 2012
Eleven destination marketing organizations have achieved accreditation from Destination Marketing Association International‘s Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP). The accreditation program is designed to recognize DMOs that meet or exceed industry standards. "Congratulations to these eleven destinations for receiving their DMAP accreditation," said James T. Wood, chair of DMAP and president and CEO of the Louisville CVB. He added, "The DMAP process is a comprehensive review of a DMO's business procedures and accountability. These DMOs have shown… more
Jan 02, 2012
When the Professional Convention Management Association’s annual meeting kicks off Jan. 8-11 at the San Diego Convention Center, there’s plenty in store – from The Learning Lounge to the collocated Virtual Edge Summit to innovative keynotes, educations sessions and networking opportunities. This year, Velvet Chainsaw Consulting is working with PCMA once again to organize part of the 2012 Convening Leaders Learning Lounge. There will be more than 100-plus education opportunities from Big Ideas TED-style presentations to “How To” iPad sessions to “Bring… more
Dec 13, 2011
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events is off to a positive start, raising $1 million for its public relations campaign to increase awareness about the long-term benefits of face-to-face exhibitions and events. The goal of the PR campaign is to tell the industry’s story, as well as give support to continue to bolster the trade show industry’s reputation as the No. 1 place to bring buyers and sellers together to conduct business. “I am thrilled by the support from hundreds of our colleagues and their organizations,” said Vinnie Polito, IAEE… more
Dec 12, 2011
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events has entered into a reciprocity agreement with the Shanghai Convention & Exhibition Industries Association, providing additional global opportunities for IAEE and SCEIA members to connect to develop new exhibitions and face-to-face events. "We are very enthusiastic about entering into this agreement with our friends and colleagues at SCEIA, and offer a new benefit and community for IAEE members,” said IAEE President Steven Hacker. He added, “We are looking forward to collaborating and extending the available… more
Dec 12, 2011
The Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute’s Expo Pack Mexico is getting a major vote of confidence from companies interested in the show, with 90 percent of the exhibit space being booked seven months out. The event will be held June 26-29 at Centro Banamex, Mexico City, and the high demand for the space several months before the show opens “clearly demonstrates exhibitor confidence in the market,” said José Martínez, Latin American office director for show owner and producer PMMI. “We are very pleased with the interest generated again by Expo… more
Nov 27, 2011
Once a year in the United States, people connected to the amusement parks industry come from far and wide to check out what’s new at the International Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions’ Attractions Expo. This year’s event ran Nov. 14-18 at Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center, and it saw a 5-percent increase to 15,300 attendees, compared with 14,600 attendees at the 2010 event. “The results for IAAPA Attractions Expo 2011 surpassed our expectations on several fronts,” said IAAPA President and CEO Chip Cleary. He added, “… 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.