Jul 26, 2018
With the increasing demand for health and wellness activities during trade shows and conferences, it couldn’t be a better time for an industry event dedicated to helping planners learn how to incorporate these popular elements at their meetings, trade shows and conferences. As a grassroots educational event focused on health and wellness in the meetings and events industry, the Health & Wellness Forum (HWF) offers industry education, networking and experiential learning to help corporate event planners, association executives and meeting professionals transform meetings and convention… more
Jul 25, 2018
Always ahead the curve, the Trade Show News Network (TSNN.com) in partnership with  DAHLIA+ Agency has launched an innovative and informative TECH + Digital Video Series, sponsored exclusively by Map Your Show. As the event industry continues to evolve at the speed of light and increase in complexity, TSNN has witnessed event planners challenged to keep up with what’s new and what’s next. Partnering with DAHLIA+ Agency, an agency dedicated to educating show organizers and event managers on all things event tech, the Network will provide an ongoing video series in an easy grasp and implement… more
LACC's Ellen Schwartz named GM
Jul 25, 2018
In the past, companies typically slowed down with their hiring and other employee changes throughout the summer months, but not anymore. Now, it’s full steam ahead all-year long with a plethora of new hires and promotions occurring throughout the past few months. Ellen Schwartz has been promoted to General Manager of the Los Angeles Convention by AEG Facilities, operators of the downtown Los Angeles facility. Additionally, Brad Gessner, who has held the position of general manager of the Convention Center since AEG Facilities was awarded the management contract in October of 2013, has… more
Jul 24, 2018
International Market Centers (IMC) and AmericasMart Atlanta have completed an agreement to create world’s largest owner and operator of top-tier permanent showroom space for the furniture, gift, home décor, rug and apparel B2B industries. Operating under the name “International Market Centers,” the combined corporate entity now owns and operates nearly 20 million square feet of permanent showroom space in Las Vegas, High Point, N.C. and Atlanta, as well as more than 20 annual events. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The individual Markets and their respective venues… more
Jul 23, 2018
The North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) will move out of the crowded car show fall/winter timeframe and into summer starting in 2020 in Detroit. In addition, the show will transform into one that was traditionally held just inside the Cobo Center, to taking on more of a ‘festival’ environment and holding events in venues around the city, including outdoors. “Our show is undergoing its most significant transformation in the last three decades,” said Rod Alberts, Executive Director, NAIAS. He added, “Detroit will continue to be a global stage for some of the world’s most… more
Jul 20, 2018
Puerto Rico’s newly established destination marketing organization has been officially dubbed Discover Puerto Rico.  Established July 1, the new DMO will be responsible for all global marketing, sales and promotion of Puerto Rico as a premier destination for leisure and business travelers.  Brad Dean, CEO of Discover Puerto Rico unveiled the entity's new name during the Destinations International Annual Convention, a yearly gathering that attracts more than 1,600 destination marketing and management professionals from across the globe, held July 10-13 at the Anaheim Convention Center in… more
Jul 19, 2018
On July 16, Caesars Entertainment Corporation broke ground on its newest development: the CAESARS FORUM Las Vegas conference center. Slated to open in 2020, it will feature 550,000 square feet of flexible meeting, event and convention space. As the emcee for the ground-breaking ceremony, Roger Dow, president and CEO of U.S. Travel Association and long-time meetings industry veteran, spoke about how when he was first starting in the industry, the meetings market was an afterthought for Las Vegas. Forty years later, the city is now the leading destination for meetings within the U.S.   … more
Jul 18, 2018
It goes without saying that trade shows can be frontiers of innovation and creativity, an incredible forum for viewing what industries are developing as the next best products or ideas. In only a matter of days, a leading trade show can display hundreds or even thousands of products, services and ideas in front of a global audience.  Yet all this added exposure on the showfloor can also serve as a catalyst for intellectual property disputes, including over trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets and patents on developing inventions and designs. So, what can exhibiting companies do to protect… more
Jul 18, 2018
UFI, the Global Association for the Exhibition Industry, has released the latest edition of its flagship Global Barometer research, taking the pulse of the industry. One of the key findings: for the first time in the past 10 years, all four global regions have reported a positive turnover development simultaneously. In terms of operating profit, most companies maintained a good level of performance in 2017, and more than 40 percent of companies from all regions declared an increase of more than 10 percent, compared with 2016. However, the prospects for 2018 are currently lower globally… more
Jul 17, 2018
The Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) has released the fourth and final report in its new “How to Grow Attendance” series for event attendee marketers. By uncovering attendee marketer commitments to improve existing approaches and evolve with fast-changing marketing norms, Report Four: Plans on Where to Improve Approach in Near-term Future offers a look at the most popular marketing approaches and the characteristics that are tied to success in attendee growth. “This is the last report in the series,” explained Nancy Drapeau, CEIR senior research director. “It provides… 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.