Feb 14, 2019
The UFI Global Exhibition Barometer, issued semi-annually by UFI, the Global Association for the Exhibition Industry, is an important gauge of global trade show health. The latest report, which came out Feb. 5, revealed a positive look at 2019. Between mid-2018 and the end of 2019, the data shows a majority of companies from all four global regions indicate gross turnover increases. This positive outlook is especially strong in the Asia/Pacific and Middle East/Africa regions, which each recorded their highest levels in the last five years. A growing number of companies are also trying to… more
San Diego Convention Center
Feb 12, 2019
The sun will shine bright in San Diego next week as the National Grocers Association convenes in the city for the first time ever for the 2019 NGA Show. The 35th annual trade show and conference for the grocery industry brings together independent retailers and wholesalers, food retail industry executives, food/CPG manufacturers and service providers for learning and networking opportunities. This year’s show, produced and managed by Clarion UX, will feature more than 400 exhibiting companies occupying a total of 57,000 square feet of space across San Diego Convention Center, Feb. 24-27.… more
Feb 12, 2019
Are you feeling uncertain about how to get more millennials to your event? Then you won’t want to miss our next Ask Me Anything chat, Marketing Your Next Event to Millennial Professionals, set for Thursday, Feb. 28 at 2 p.m. EST. Join our host Dahlia El Gazzar of DAHLIA+ AGENCY and special guest Michaela Alexis, one of North America’s most in-demand speakers on topics related to LinkedIn and personal branding, to learn best practices for marketing your event to an audience that is critical to your event’s future success. RSVP for this free chat HERE today via Facebook or simply join HERE… more
Feb 07, 2019
AEG Facilities, the venue management subsidiary of AEG, and SMG, an Onex portfolio company and venue management company, have signed a definitive agreement to merge. This combination will create a new, standalone global facility management and venue services company that will operate as ASM Global (“ASM”). Onex and AEG’s subsidiary will each own 50 percent of the company following the completion of the transaction. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Wes Westley, CEO and president of SMG, said, “This merger is a major step for our industry. We are excited to bring… more
Feb 07, 2019
The biannual MAGIC fashion trade show is reinventing itself by offering a new one-stop shopping experience at a single venue, following feedback from MAGIC buyers.  Starting in August, MAGIC will take place entirely at the Las Vegas Convention Center, eliminating the need for retail industry buyers to hop between this venue and Mandalay Bay Convention Center to shop the massive marketplace. At the LVCC, MAGIC’s many distinct shows will be able to exist as unique, curated neighborhoods within a single campus. Each marketplace will have its own look, feel and sense of community while… more
Feb 06, 2019
This year has already been a busy one for trade shows, with five major events wrapping up in January. Take a look at some of the highlights, each indicators that the industry looks strong for 2019 and beyond. World of Concrete This signature event for the international concrete and mason industries marked its largest show in a decade, drawing 60,511 attendees and more than 1,500 companies—including 259 brand-new ones—exhibiting across nearly 777,000 net square feet of exhibit space at Las Vegas Convention Center. The show’s educational component enjoyed a 5 percent increase in attendance… more
Feb 06, 2019
Diversified Communications’ President and CEO Theodore Wirth promoted Mary Larkin to President of Diversified Communications’ U.S. operating division. “In 2014, we took the unusual step and established a three-person EVP team. Bill Springer, Mike Lodato and Mary Larkin were able to grow the business, but three-person leadership teams are challenging at best and we felt it was the right time to appoint one leader,” Wirth said. He added, “We greatly appreciate what Bill, Mike and Mary accomplished together and throughout their careers here and look forward to the future of Diversified… more
Feb 05, 2019
Is the next recession coming? Joe Popolo, CEO of Freeman, doesn’t seem to think so. In the past twelve months, the Dallas-based company completed several acquisitions and sales to stay nimble in the changing marketplace and is gaining ground around the world. TSNN sat down with Popolo at EFI Connect, a conference for digital imaging and printing that took place last month in Las Vegas, where he shared his thoughts on growing a family company to a $3 billion business, the role of new technologies and overall market trends. Freeman recently sold Encore Event Technologies to PSAV. What’s the… more
Feb 05, 2019
Full-service sourcing, housing and event management company Connections Housing has acquired Par Avion, a full-service convention housing and travel company based in Lawndale, Calif.   Both Connections Housing and Par Avion are women-owned business and are respected leaders in housing and travel services with mutual emphasis on executing superior and seamless events.    The announcement comes from company executives Nancy Hallberg and Kris Sieradzki, Connections Housing, and Toby Brenner, Par Avion.  “Both companies have been in business for 30-plus years with the paramount goal of… more
Feb 01, 2019
Nominations are open for five available positions on the ASAE and ASAE Foundation Board of Directors. The organization is seeking diverse leadership as defined by race, ethnicity, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation, nationality, disability, appearance, geographic location and professional level. The board positions include secretary-treasurer and four at-large directors, with all directors serving on the ASAE Board and two of the four selected also serving on the ASAE Foundation Board. “Participation as a member of the ASAE Board is not only valuable for your professional growth, but… 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.