Association Show News
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Jul 15, 2024
What’s trending for service contractors who serve the trade show and events market? AI, sustainability and inflation were hot topics on the program at this year’s Exhibition Service Contractors Association (ESCA) Summer Educational Conference (SEC), held June 23-26 at the historic Omni Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, Va.
This year’s annual conference drew more than 200 executive- and senior-level leaders who represent service contractors large and small – from public companies like GES to family-owned businesses like Expo Convention Contractors Inc. New attendees and exhibitors reflect the… more
Jul 11, 2024
What’s trending for exhibitions in Europe? In this TSNN exclusive, we interviewed UFI European Regional Director Nick Dugdale-Moore, who shared insights from the recent UFI European Conference, discussed key trends in the European market, and previewed what’s next on UFI's calendar of events.
Held June 11-13 at Messe Zürich in Zurich, Switzerland, the event attracted 300 delegates from 41 countries, including top trade show executives, show directors, and senior- to mid-level professionals from Europe and beyond.
Here are nine highlights from our conversation. Watch or listen to the full… more
Jul 10, 2024
The Caesars Entertainment team, led by Director of Marketing Reina Herschdorfer, curated a wellness speaker list for its inaugural Global Wellness Summit for meeting planners held June 4-7 in Las Vegas. All speakers are featured on Caesars wellness menu but can also be booked independently.
Related: Behind the Scenes at the Inaugural Global Wellness Summit for Event Organizers
How are event planners incorporating wellness speakers into their events? One corporate event planner who attended the Global Wellness Summit told us they’re offering wellness tracks, in addition to industry-specific… more
Jul 10, 2024
Following its July 1 acquisition of event registration, onsite and lead services provider Convention Data Services (CDS) from global events company Freeman, Maritz is now poised to be the dominant player in registration, housing, lead retrieval, onsite support, and data services for some of the largest U.S. trade shows and business events.
Both Maritz, a meetings and event management company, and Freeman are privately owned companies, and terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
While Maritz officials would not disclose its client portfolio by press time, CDS boasts a who’s who of… more
Jul 08, 2024
Food and beverage purveyors from around the world descended on the Javits Center from June 23-25 for the 68th iteration of the Summer Fancy Food Show, which spanned 330,000 square feet of the iconic New York City convention center.
Fueled by a seemingly endless supply of samples from a staggering 2,400 exhibitors, the 29,000-plus food industry professionals in attendance certainly got their steps in over the course of the three-day trade show.
Flavorful Features
Similar to the Summer Fancy Food Show the Specialty Food Association (SFA) hosted last year at Javits, the bi-level show floor… more
Jun 19, 2024
After not gathering together for six years, NPE2024: The Plastics Show returned with more than 51,000 leaders from more than 130 countries representing every industry—from automotive and healthcare to consumer products to construction. Produced by the Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS), the triennial trade show showcased the newest and most innovative plastics products and solutions across more than 1 million net square feet of exhibit space, including six technology zones, keynotes, workshops, and opportunities to network and build partnerships.
Related: 10 Things To Do at NPE2024… more
Jun 07, 2024
Even when he’s not at work creating delicious fare for hotel guests and event groups at the William F. Bolger Center conference hotel in Potomac, MD, Chef Justin Key is still thinking about food.
“My oldest friends and my brother are all professional chefs, which makes for some interesting ‘shop talk’ even on days off,” Key said. “We often bounce ideas off each other and get together to play around with food. I enjoy cooking for large family events and find many food inspirations from those gatherings.”
A food and beverage (F&B) industry lifer, the Maryland native has been working in… more
Jun 03, 2024
A record number of business events industry leaders met with policymakers on Capitol Hill on Thurs., May 30 as part of the Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (ECA) annual Legislative Action Day. More than 130 advocates from 25 states raised awareness about the U.S. business events industry, which employs 2.6 million Americans and drives $399 billion in direct spending annually.
Armed with data on economic impact of business events by state, participants discussed key issues impacting the trade show, meetings and events industry during 112 meetings with senators, House representatives… more
May 31, 2024
Throughout the U.S. and across the pond, trade show-related organizations are forging partnerships and scooping up companies as they seek to expand their reach and bolster their market share.
Orbus Visual Communications Grows With Acquisition
Orbus Visual Communications — a North American company specializing in the manufacture of visual communications solutions for exhibits/live events, retail and interiors market segments — has acquired CRĒO Industrial Arts, a Seattle-based custom fabricator that has been producing architectural elements for more than 40 years.
The CRĒO leadership… more
May 27, 2024
Tasked with a lofty vision to create equitable healthcare for all, National Medical Association Director of Conventions & Events Derrick Johnson is doing everything in his power to help the organization change the world through connection, ensuring that physicians and partners share and learn in creative and meaningful ways.
At Connect Spring Marketplace 2024 in Las Vegas, Johnson joined us in our podcast booth on the show floor at the Venetian Convention & Expo Center to share his experience and passion for adult learning and connecting people.
The 122nd Annual Convention and… 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.