Association Show News
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Jan 17, 2019
The 53rd annual CES took place Jan. 8-11, attracting around 180,000 attendees and 4,500 exhibiting companies from more than 155 countries. Occupying 2.9 million net square feet of expo space at the Las Vegas Convention Center, this was the technology show’s largest-ever showfloor.
Due to space constraints, the show’s attendance likely won’t grow much more. The goal is to keep attendance capped at around 180,000, says Sarah Brown, senior manager of event communications with Consumer Technology Association, which produces CES. Last year’s show saw 182,198 domestic and international attendees;… more
Jan 15, 2019
Pittsburgh put on one heck of a show for several thousand industry leaders last week at PCMA’s Convening Leaders annual conference, held Jan. 6-9 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. The theme hit hard on innovation in an ever-changing industry.
“We built this conference around the theme 'Disrupt + Deliver' because that’s what the industry needs and wants,’’ explained PCMA President and CEO Sherrif Karamat. “We leave here with a greater commitment and better understanding of how business events can and must drive economic and social progress.’’
A roster of standout speakers included… more
Jan 09, 2019
As part of its new vision that business events can be the drivers of social positive change, PCMA has committed to combat child exploitation by signing The Code of Conduct for the Protection of Children from Sexual Exploitation in Travel and Tourism.
In partnership with ECPAT-USA, the leading U.S. policy organization that works to end the commercial, sexual exploitation of children around the world, The Code is the only voluntary set of business principles that companies and organizations in the travel, business travel and tourism industries can implement to prevent and eradicate human… more
Jan 08, 2019
The annual trade show for independent grocers, the NGA Show, has announced plans to feature seven specialty pavilions with exhibits specifically focused on meat, produce, specialty foods, coffee, technology, seasonal merchandise and Latino cuisine.
To be held Feb. 24-27 at the San Diego Convention Center, the new pavilions are designed to provide attendees with greater opportunities to make connections with specialty exhibitors as well as learn about the latest developments in the grocery industry, according to show officials.
“We thank our returning partners, the North American Meat… more
Jan 03, 2019
Across the world, trade show visitors are reporting overall satisfaction with the shows they attend but at the same time, 22-27 percent of show visitors from mature markets believe that shows are “getting worse.” Meanwhile, younger C-suite show participants are asking for trade shows that are more entertaining while still helping them meet their business needs.
These are some of the core findings of the recently released 2018/19 Global Visitor Insights Study, which was jointly conducted by UFI – the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry and London-based event research specialists,… more
Dec 30, 2018
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events’ Expo! Expo! Annual Meeting & Exhibition attracted more than 2,300 attendees representing 26 countries (pending verified audit) to the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.
“I cannot think of a better way to celebrate IAEE’s 90th anniversary than with the Expo! Expo! we had last week,” said IAEE President and CEO David DuBois, CMP, CAE, FASAE, CTA.
He added, “The diversity in learning experiences offered, combined with one of our largest trade show floors ever and outstanding networking events in wonderful locations,… more
Dec 30, 2018
How can healthcare convention marketers leverage the power of digital persuasion to ignite social influence and maintain a competitive edge?
To help answer this question, HCEA has unveiled that the award-winning author Erin Gargan King will kick-off HCEAInnovate 2019, on tap Feb. 24 at the Mandalay Bay Casino in Las Vegas.
“Online media continue to dominate communication across industries – and especially the dynamic healthcare sector,” said Anne Trompeter, HCEAInnovate Chair.
She added, “We are so excited to welcome Erin as opening keynote speaker to share her observations with our… more
Dec 18, 2018
The Association for Women in Events (AWE) has opened registration for its premiere women’s leadership event: ELEVATE!.
The event is powered by AWE and is sponsored by Hilton and the Conrad Washington DC.
The event will be hosted March 7 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and a networking reception will follow from 5 to 7 p.m.
The event will include:
● Disruptive, compelling sessions with women in business and politics.
● Networking opportunities with women and men who are making a difference in the industry.
● World-class speakers and leaders who are changing the dialogue around how women do… more
Dec 18, 2018
Creating tension should be a key factor in developing compelling business events, said bestselling author and Marketing Hall of Fame honoree, Seth Godin.
Tension, he added, contributes to the fear of missing out, and that can create the buzz that helps make business events successful.
Godin will take participants at 2019 PCMA Convening Leaders on a journey that will have them wonder whether their events would be missed if they were gone.
His session, "You Can't Be Seen Until You Learn to See", is the first keynote address for Convening Leaders, taking place Jan. 6-9 at the David L.… more
Dec 18, 2018
A team of hospitality students from Kansas State University in Kansas won PCMA’s inaugural Business Events Industry Student Challenge for proposing how to protect personal data of people attending business events.
Members of the winning team were Brooks Hetle, Bailey Brown, Andie Contreras, Tia Gamble and Cameryn Rasmussen.
They were advised by Kristin Malek, an assistant professor of hospitality management.
Nearly two dozen collegiate teams from across the United States submitted proposals for the competition, which tested student knowledge and understanding of issues and trends… 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.