Jun 27, 2018
LIGHTFAIR International (LFI) set a new record at its 29thannual edition, held May 6-10 at McCormick Place in Chicago, with increased registration and a larger expo footprint compared to the year before. Known as the world’s largest annual architectural and commercial lighting trade show and conference, the event registered 28,075 attendees from 85 countries and boasted 600 exhibitors – including 66 first-time exhibiting companies and 136 manufacturers from outside the U.S. – spanning 285,600 net square feet of exhibition space. Held annually in rotation between Chicago, Philadelphia and… more
Jun 27, 2018
Just like the city of Louisville, Ky., is undergoing a massive transformation with new and renovated hotels, an expanded and spiffed up Kentucky International Convention Center and a bevy of new distilleries, restaurants and other entertainment attractions, the 2018 TSNN Awards, on tap Aug. 10-12, is mirroring the transformation theme in all facets of its event. “This year’s awards program in Louisville is packed with exciting events around the city,” said Tarsus Media and TSNN President Rachel Wimberly. She added, “The theme of transformation will be omnipresent in all activities, but… more
Jun 26, 2018
The Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) has released the third installment of its 2018How to Grow Attendance report series.  The four-part research report series is based on phone interviews and in-depth surveys conducted with executives responsible for final decision-making for attendee marketing for North American business-to-business (B2B) exhibitions.  Titled “Messaging that Resonates and Delivers,” the report identifies the three primary ingredients of marketing messaging that help drive attendee growth as well as the most effective elements that all B2B event marketers… more
Jun 21, 2018
The Italian Exhibition Group (IEG) has joined forces with Emerald Expositions (EEX) in a partnership intended to strengthen the presentation of Italian jewelry manufacturers in the U.S. market at EEX events, including COUTURE and the soon-to-be-launched PREMIER. Both events are set to place during Jewelry Market Week, which runs late May through early June in Las Vegas. The agreement is part of IEG’s long-term strategy to broaden its foothold in the U.S., which represents more than 43 percent of the world’s total trade show market.  “For the Italian Exhibition Group, this new partnership… more
Jun 21, 2018
PSAV, a global leader in event experiences, entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by private equity and real estate funds affiliated with Blackstone from affiliates of Goldman Sachs and Olympus Partners. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. “We are very excited to partner with Blackstone, one of the world’s preeminent investors in the hotel, tradeshow, travel and leisure, and business services sectors, to support the next phase of PSAV’s growth,” said Mike McIlwain, president and CEO of PSAV. He added, “Blackstone is an ideal partner who is highly supportive of our… more
Jun 21, 2018
Oklahoma City is gearing up to welcome a brand new convention center. On June 15, officials from the Oklahoma City Convention & Visitors Bureau (OKC CVB), local civic leaders and other dignitaries gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking for the $288 million Oklahoma City Convention Center, which will open debt-free in 2020. “This is a great day for Oklahoma City,” said Mike Carrier, OKC CVB president. “This totally new convention center marks a significant milestone in OKC’s commitment to the meetings and convention industry.” Designed by the architecture and design firms of Populous… more
Jun 20, 2018
It’s been a busy year so far for Marketplace Events, which been actively acquiring even more home and garden shows to add to its already extensive consumer event portfolio, including its most recent purchase of the Minnesota Home & Patio Show from Cenaiko Productions. The four-day show, which celebrates its 40thanniversary in 2019, runs annually in February at the Saint Paul RiverCentre in St. Paul, Minn.   Marketplace Events already operates four other shows in the Minneapolis/St. Paul market including two holiday shows and two other home shows. “Of the 32 markets in which we operate… more
Jun 19, 2018
The 2019 International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) appears to already be breaking its own showfloor records eight months prior to the event.  The annual feed, meat, egg and poultry trade show, which is scheduled for Feb. 12-14 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, has already surpassed 560,000 square feet of exhibit space while securing more than 1,100 exhibitors booking up 92 percent of the expo floor. The 2018 edition of IPPE attracted 30,678 attendees and 1,218 exhibitors spanning more than 521,000 square feet of expo space.  “We are pleased that our decision to… more
Jun 14, 2018
This week, we found out who will host the world’s largest and most passion-inducing event, For the Events Industry, it re-emphasizes a vital truth about our work, one we occasionally fail to put into practice.  The extravaganza in the spotlight is the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup, and its venues will be North American. Canada, Mexico, and the USA will provide a diverse setting for 48 national teams and over 100 stadium-filling matches. Now, you may not follow soccer or think much about sports in general, but “The United Bid”, as it is called, is a massive win for the three nation’s economies… more
Jun 14, 2018
Community Brands, provider of cloud-based software solutions for associations, nonprofits, schools and faith-based groups, has acquired global event technology and service company, Expo Logic. The addition of Expo Logic strengthens the Community Brands event management suite, which already includes event registration, mobile event fundraising and conference content video capture. “Meetings and events play an integral role in enhancing our customers’ organizational performance and our national economy,” explained Jean-Paul Guilbault, president and CEO of Community Brands.  He continued, “As… 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.