Feb 27, 2019
In a year without its two biggest biennial shows – Labelexpo Europe and the Dubai Airshow – U.K.-based Tarsus Group still snagged a 9-percent increase in like-for-like revenue (compared to 2016) of $133 million, according to the company’s 2018 results. Another bright spot was a double-digit increase of buyer/visitor growth across the portfolio of 10 percent, at the top end of the Group’s KPI target of 5-10 percent. "2018 saw the launch of the latest phase of our Quickening the Pace strategy and we are delivering against that strategy with another good year of progress both operationally… more
Feb 27, 2019
CVBs are thrilled to be in headlines when it comes to stories boasting record tourism to their respective cities, often for which they deserve credit. Yet Visit Dallas could have done without the media blitz that ensued this month following the release of an audit in January that revealed numbers viewed as unsavory to some. In a meeting of Dallas City Council’s Government Performance and Financial Management Committee last week, three of the five members voted against canceling the city’s contract with the CVB as a result of the audit. While that much is good news, it’s not the end of the… more
Feb 26, 2019
Here’s a glimpse inside of some of this month’s top trade shows, which brought together industry professionals specializing in home building, health care technologies and more. World of Asphalt The 2019 edition of World of Asphalt Show & Conference and AGG1 Academy and Expo, held Feb. 12-14 at Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, was a smashing success by all accounts. Attendance was at an all-time high, according to show officials — this year’s 10,063 attendees accounted for a 28 increase over the 2018 show in Houston. All 50 states were represented in delegation and… more
Feb 25, 2019
Hilton launched Signia, a new brand designed to cater specifically to the meetings and events industry, last week. The Signia Hilton portfolio promises to infuse state-of-the-art technology and design into the entire guest experience, with a strong focus on meeting space. “In our 100th year of hospitality, we are more focused than ever on providing exceptional experiences to all of our guests — and that includes evolving those experiences to meet their changing needs,” said Christopher J. Nassetta, president and CEO of Hilton. He continued, “We are proud to launch Signia Hilton, which… more
Feb 20, 2019
Smart fabrics, sustainable fashion and the ongoing tariffs dispute were only a few of the hot topics at this year’s MAGIC, the biannual fashion trade show that brought about 80,000 attendees to Las Vegas Feb. 4-7.  Comprising a dozen shows within the show, MAGIC covers nearly every aspect of the apparel, accessories, pool wear and footwear industries. This month’s event marked the last time the show will be collocated at both Las Vegas Convention Center and Mandalay Bay Convention Center (in case you missed it, learn more about this big show announcement here.) At SOURCING at MAGIC,… more
Feb 20, 2019
While event professionals have long touted the power of the events they plan, many have not previously had great support from leadership in this area. The good news is that the data shows that to be changing. Recent event industry studies all indicate the industry is healthy and growing, and a big part of that is due to marketing. Findings from Bizzabo’s “Event Marketing 2019: Benchmarking and Trends” report show that today, face-to-face events are more effective for achieving business goals than ever before — and executives are taking notice. Bizzabo surveyed more than 1,000 mid- to senior… more
Feb 19, 2019
In its 17-year tenure, Connecticut-based trade show incubator JD Events has launched many successful shows —Travel Commerce Expo (sold to U.S. Travel Association in 2005), SATCON and HD World (now owned by National Association of Broadcasters and branded as NAB Show New York), to name a few. After selling Drone World Expo to Diversified Business Communications at the end of 2017, the company was on a mission to launch a trade show in a new marketplace. Joel Davis, founder and CEO of JD Events, enlisted his son, Ben Davis, to help brainstorm ideas. Together, they began looking at the plant-… more
Feb 19, 2019
ASAE today announced two changes to its Certified Association Executive (CAE) Program. The biggest takeaway is that the experience requirement for candidates employed as an association CEO or another C-suite-level position has been reduced to one year. Additionally, the CAE Commission has adopted a one-credit ethics requirement to be included as part of the 40 credits required for each CAE renewal cycle. This will begin with certificates set to renew in 2010. “The CAE Commission recognizes that executives come to the association world through many paths, often gaining valuable experience… more
Feb 18, 2019
Thirty-year event veteran Danny Phillips has joined media M&A firm Oaklins DeSilva+Phillips as managing director for events.  For 16 years, Phillips was executive vice president of Advanstar (now UBM/Informa), where he was responsible for technology, automotive, licensing, entertainment and healthcare divisions in the U.S., France, Brazil, Germany, the UK and Hong Kong. Previously, he led European technology media business units for both International Thomson and EMAP from London, and also served as CEO of Argyle Executive Forum, a B2B and media and events company, where he oversaw its… more
Feb 15, 2019
The first quarter of 2019 is off to a roaring start, with event companies and suppliers far and wide renewing partnerships and signing new business contracts. The Dallas City Council approved a five-year contract with Spectra Venue Management to manage the day-to-day client and facility operations of the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas, effective Feb. 13. Spectra, an Atairos-owned and Comcast-backed events management and promotion company, will implement its best practices over an initial 45-day transition period, with the goal of reducing costs, increasing revenues and… more
Partner Voices
  MGM Resorts is renowned for its exceptional service and diverse venue options across Las Vegas, Detroit, Springfield, National Harbor, Biloxi, and Atlantic City, providing flexible spaces for meetings of any size. Beyond these offerings, MGM Resorts distinguishes itself through a strong commitment to social responsibility and sustainability, making it an ideal choice for your next meeting.  At the core of MGM Resorts' company values is its platform, "Focused on What Matters," dedicated to meeting customer needs while advancing socially responsible practices. This commitment is evident in several key areas:  Protecting Natural Resources  MGM Resorts is home to industry-leading recycling, renewable electricity and water conservation programs. Some highlights include a cogeneration power plant at ARIA, producing ultra-efficient electricity; one of America’s largest contiguous rooftop solar arrays atop the convention center at Mandalay Bay; and onsite wells that provide water for the celebrated Fountains of Bellagio, avoiding reliance on precious Colorado River water. These efforts and many more save on natural resources while boosting attendee satisfaction.  Committed to Community  Always striving to be good neighbors, MGM Resorts works to avoid food waste and combat food insecurity with the Feeding Forward program. In partnership with local food banks, they safely divert unserved food to food insecure members of the community. Since 2016, over 5 million meals have been provided, highlighting MGM Resorts' commitment to minimizing food waste and addressing community needs.  MGM Resorts supports clients in their responsible-meetings efforts, not only with efficient venues but also waste-reducing décor and signage; sustainable food and beverage options; and outreach to help planners communicate sustainability efforts to attendees. What’s more, they offer a Mindful Meetings series that puts attendee wellness first—through fitness and mindfulness activities, and in give-back events with local charity organizations.   Fostering Diversity & Inclusion  To MGM Resorts, a diverse and talented workforce is essential to success. By cultivating innovative strategies that consider multiple perspectives and viewpoints, the company creates an inclusive workplace culture that benefits its employees and community. MGM Resorts takes pride in being a welcoming home for veterans, individuals with disabilities, people from diverse backgrounds, LGBTQ+ community members, and more. This commitment to inclusion is reflected in the company's recruitment and hiring practices and its social responsibility initiatives. From the workplace to the community, MGM Resorts' commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion remains unwavering, and its efforts continue to create a more equitable and sustainable world for all.  MGM Resorts offers unparalleled service and venue options while standing out for its proactive approach to sustainability and community engagement. Choosing MGM Resorts for your next meeting means aligning with a company that values social responsibility, efficiency, and attendee satisfaction, ensuring a meaningful and impactful event experience.