Dec 12, 2024
Moss, a producer of premium graphics, complex structures, and custom installations for branded experiences based outside of Chicago, has acquired Stretch Shapes, a Eugene, Ore.-based supplier of fabric-based products used to create immersive environments for set designers and live event producers.
Back story: Led by founder Niko Mantele, the 15-year-old company has executed projects at notable live events such as Coachella, Formula One, and PGA Tournaments. With a team of more than 40 professionals, the reusable stretch fabric structure company serves clients, such as Live Nation, BaAM,… more
Dec 12, 2024
As the trade show industry moves into the holiday season, a plethora of associations and suppliers announced good tidings in the form of leadership appointments and executive promotions in November. Here’s our roundup on trade show moves last month.
TSNN’s take on the biggest move in November: The Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association (AVIXA) welcomed Jenn Heinold as senior vice president, expositions, Americas. She is responsible for leading the strategy and operations for AVIXA’s exposition and conference portfolio in the Americas, including InfoComm and InfoComm América… more
Dec 11, 2024
As we close out 2024 and prepare to welcome 2025, we want to take a moment to reflect on and highlight the news and thought leadership articles that captured the attention of you, our readers, throughout an incredibly busy year. From insightful analyses of the U.S. trade show industry’s recovery, emerging economic trends and their implications, to event trends and business moves of some of the most talented professionals shaping the industry landscape, our most-read articles offer a glimpse into the topics that resonated most with trade show industry professionals this year. Here are 10 of… more
Dec 10, 2024
The latest research from The Exhibitor Advocate and EVOLIO Marketing paints a sobering picture of the current state of the event industry.
The report, The State of the Event Industry: From the Perspective of Exhibit and Event Marketers, highlights critical challenges facing exhibitors, organizers, and service suppliers. Rising costs and strained exhibitor-organizer relationships threaten revenue and the long-term sustainability of the industry, according to the research.
Key Findings Event Organizers Need to Know
1. Cost Concerns Are Skyrocketing
88% of exhibit marketers list budget… more
Dec 09, 2024
The U.S. B2B exhibition industry is gaining momentum after a minor slowdown in Q2 2024, according to the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR)’s Q3 Total Index report, which evaluates industry performance across four key metrics: attendance, net square footage, exhibitors, and real revenues.
Released on December 4, the report highlights mixed results, with increases in exhibition net square footage and recovering exhibitor participation contrasting with lagging revenues and attendance amid a favorable economic outlook hindered by high prices and political uncertainty.
Key… more
Dec 06, 2024
UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, welcomed 600 delegates to its 91st Global Congress in Cologne, Germany. By comparison, last year’s UFI Global Congress drew 500 delegates to Las Vegas. Held Nov. 20-23 and hosted by Koelnmesse, the 2024 UFI Global Congress attracted members from more than 55 countries and regions, who reunited for four days of networking and knowledge sharing.
“The strength of our industry lies in its ability to bring people together. The past few days in Cologne have impressively demonstrated what we can achieve when we unite our ideas, knowledge, and… more
Dec 05, 2024
Nearly 120 exhibition industry professionals gathered in Milan, Italy, for the 2nd annual Women in Exhibitions (WIE) World Summit. Held Nov. 18–19 Nov at the Chiostri di San Barnaba, the event’s theme was “Building Bridges, Breaking Ceilings.”
Looking back: In 2023, the WIE World Summit attracted about 80 exhibition industry professionals to MECC Maastricht, when the event was held June 13–14, 2023 in the Netherlands.
Context: Founded in 2018 by Oana Cipca, WIE provides professional development for women working in exhibitions and opportunities to meet and network. WIE currently has… more
Dec 04, 2024
In less than two weeks, thousands of exhibition and event professionals from across the globe will gather in Los Angeles for the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) Annual Meeting and Expo! Expo!
The influential gathering of trade show organizers and suppliers will be held December 16-19 at the iconic Los Angeles Convention Center.
Whether you’re a seasoned attendee or a first timer, planning your schedule ahead is critical to maximizing the experience on the ground.
What do you need to know before you go? We caught up with IAEE VP Events and Experiences Jason… more
Dec 03, 2024
Privately owned event and exhibition industry organizer Clarion Events North America has promoted Liz Irving to CEO. Since joining the company in May 2018, Irving has steadily moved up the ranks, assuming the helm as the company’s first-ever president, North America in August 2023.
The announcement, made on December 2, recognizes Irving’s exceptional leadership and transformative vision that have significantly contributed to the company’s growth and industry collaboration, according to Clarion officials.
“Liz has consistently demonstrated an ability to identify new opportunities, navigate… more
Dec 02, 2024
As a meeting professional, knowing the average pay for colleagues in the industry is invaluable when you find yourself in the market for a new job or when it comes time to ask for a raise.
The Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) is on the job, providing the industry with its annual Convene Salary Survey. The 2024 report analyzed data from 462 event professionals, providing information on their average salaries, role, experience, job satisfaction, and more.
PCMA reports meeting-industry salary averages in several ways, the most relevant being by job title and by… 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.