Feb 20, 2025
Fans of fiction and fantasy are not the only ones patiently waiting for the opening day of Universal Orlando Resort's Epic Universe on May 22. Organizers with events and trade shows planned in Orlando, Fla., in the back half of 2025 are clamoring to offer new experiences to their exhibitors and attendees.
From the much-anticipated opening of new attractions like Epic Universe to substantial expansions at the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC), Orlando continues to lead as a hub for meetings and conventions. In fact, the OCCC hosted 189 events that attracted 1.7 million attendees during… more
Feb 19, 2025
Black History Month marks a significant moment to celebrate Black leaders in the event and trade show industries. It’s our mission to always spotlight the strategies, experiences, and insights of Black industry professionals—especially during a time when attacks on DEI programs have become prominent across business sectors.
Melissa K. Montes, vice president, Airport Experience News (AXN) and Womenswear in Nevada (WWIN), and diversity, equity and inclusion business (DEIB) lead at Clarion North America, is one leader who is committed to embedding DEI as a core value across business operations… more
Feb 18, 2025
Concerned about pressing issues currently facing the industry, such as tax reform, the next-gen workforce, inbound travel restrictions, and decarbonization? Then it’s time to make your voice heard at Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (ECA)’s 2025 Legislative Action Day, taking place on Thursday, May 29 in Washington, DC.
Background: Held annually, ECA’s Legislative Action Day brings together leaders and advocates from across the business and professional events industry to Capitol Hill to meet with their elected officials in support of ECA’s top public policy priorities. Established in… more
Feb 17, 2025
"Innovation” isn’t just a buzzword for the Specialty Food Association, which is reimagining the 2025 Winter Fancy Food Show as the Winter FancyFaire* in 2026. In its final iteration as the Food Show, 12,000 food-industry professionals descended on Las Vegas for the fourth-consecutive year to sample the latest F&B innovations and network with industry professionals.
It all went down Jan. 19-21 in the Las Vegas Convention Center’s 1.4 million-square-foot West Hall, where 1,100 exhibitors—180 of which were first-timers—from around the world exhibited across 45 specialty categories,… more
Feb 14, 2025
While many successful executive leaders may tout impressive track records for driving revenue growth and operational efficiency at their organizations, not all can boast a talent for connecting with teams, inspiring loyalty, and motivating individuals to excel out of a genuine commitment to that leader’s vision. This unusual talent for cultivating a positive, collaborative, and inclusive work environment that inspires professionals to take risks, innovate, and grow is what sets a transformative leader such as Karalynn Sprouse apart from the C-suite pack.
As Executive Vice President at… more
Feb 13, 2025
RELX, which owns independent event organizer RX, reported strong revenue and profit growth for 2024—with underlying revenue increasing 7% while adjusted operating profit rose 10% year over year, according to its 2024 results published on February 13. RX, the exhibitions division, reported 11% underlying revenue growth and adjusted operating profit of 31% for 2024, compared with 2023.
By the numbers: The Financial Times Stock Exchange (FTSE) 100 Index company reported revenues of £9.43 billion (approximately $11.73 billion USD) and adjusted operating profit of £3.2 billion (around $3.98… more
Feb 12, 2025
Showcasing groundbreaking innovations, education, and thought leadership in animal health, VMX 2025, one of the largest veterinary education conferences representing the $60 billion animal health care industry, once again took over the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) in Orlando, Fla. with record-breaking attendance, robust exhibitor participation, and an expanded trade show floor.
Held Jan. 25-29 and presented by the North American Veterinary Community (NAVC), the annual association event attracted nearly 30,000 veterinary professionals from 86 countries and 735 exhibitors--ranging… more
Feb 12, 2025
Sponsored by eShow
Streamlining event registration and check-in processes is essential for a smooth and successful event.
Efficient registration and check-in processes significantly improve the attendee experience and establish the tone for the entire event. They also reduce staff workload and help maintain data accuracy.
Importance of Streamlined Registration and Event Check-In
Effective registration and check-in processes are vital for several reasons:
First Impressions: The registration process is often the first contact attendees have with your event. A smooth experience sets a… more
Feb 11, 2025
What’s the outlook for the U.S. and global exhibition industries? UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has released the 34th edition of its flagship Global Exhibition Barometer report, which takes the pulse of the industry.
Zooming out: For the global exhibition industry, revenues in 2024 and 2025 are expected to grow by a respective 16% and 18% year on year. Globally, 46% of companies declare they plan to increase their workforce in the coming six months, while another 51% declare that they will keep current staff numbers stable.
Context: “UFI’s Barometer research has… more
Feb 10, 2025
Las Vegas is more than just a mecca for gambling, gaming and, more recently, sports. It’s also a food capital of the world with over-the-top hotel buffets—such as the iconic Bacchanal Buffet at Caesars Palace—and restaurants opened by famed chefs like Bazaar Meat by José Andrés and Amalfi by Bobby Flay, and no shortage of concepts from celebrities (think: Pinky’s by Vanderpump). Thus, it only makes sense that the Bar & Restaurant Expo descends on Sin City each year.
In its 39th edition, the Bar & Restaurant Expo—which describes itself as a “battleground” for F&B professionals—… 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.