Jun 14, 2018
In this era of the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements, women across a wide range of industries are speaking up and pushing back against the patriarchal status quo, and the events industry is no exception.  But, in a field where women are chronically underrepresented in leadership positions, what’s it going to take to empower more female event professionals to reach their career goals free from the impediments of institutionalized sexism and gender inequality?  As a former political activist and organizer who has worked tirelessly to inspire progressive change, Emilie Aries is a passionate… more
Jun 13, 2018
Global B2B event organizer, UBM, has expanded its healthcare event portfolio with the acquisition of ExpoMed from LIVEMED in Mexico and Live Healthcare in Brazil from founders Dr. Vitor Assentuno and Dr. Raphael Gordilho. Through these new acquisitions, UBM continues to grow its portfolio of healthcare events and further expands its position as a leading organizer in the Latin America healthcare sector. “Healthcare is a strategic vertical for UBM Americas, particularly in Mexico and Brazil, where public and private healthcare spending and service markets are growing rapidly,” explained… more
Jun 12, 2018
The Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association lowered the curtain on its first InfoComm show in North America as AVIXA, while the annual trade show and conference for audiovisual professionals set new records for size and attendance. Held June 6-9 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the show kicked off with a record-setting TIDE (Technology. Innovation. Design. Experience.) conference and boasted an exhibition that attracted nearly 43,000 registered attendees from across the U.S. and abroad, a 10 percent increase compared to the last time InfoComm was held in Las Vegas, in 2016.  “… more
Jun 07, 2018
The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority has hired Joyce Leveston as General Manager to oversee Boston’s Hynes Convention Center and Boston Convention & Exhibitions Center. She begins her new role July 16. “It is a privilege and an honor to be welcomed into the MCCA family. I look forward to supporting the vision and growth of such well respected professionals in the industry,” said Joyce Leveston. She added, “It is my intention to build on Boston’s outstanding industry reputation for customer service excellence as we welcome and host visitors from around the world to the MCCA’… more
Jun 07, 2018
Clarion UX has implemented two new key buyer programs across its restaurant and foodservice event portfolio designed to quantifiably enhance exhibitor ROI.  Created to deliver VIP restaurateurs, foodservice professionals and retail buyers, the programs will be driven by Karen Gillis, key accounts manager for the Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo; Florida Restaurant & Lodging Show; International Restaurant & Foodservice Show of New York and each show’s collocated Healthy Food Expo. Gillis will serve as a liaison with VIP attendees while providing them with personal customer… more
Jun 06, 2018
Marketplace Events has purchased two shows from O’Loughlin Trade Shows, the largest producer of consumer shows in the Pacific Northwest.  Marketplace Events now will operate both the Northwest Flower & Garden Festival, held each February at the Washington State Convention Center in Seattle and the Tacoma Home & Garden Show, held in January at the Tacoma Dome.   “From both a personal and professional standpoint, this is a meaningful deal,” said Tom Baugh, CEO of Marketplace Events, which is known as the largest producer of business-to-consumer home shows in North America. He… more
May 31, 2018
The mergers and acquisitions market continues to tick away with new activity as two recent companies – Endeavor Business Media and Caribou Media Group - both made recent buys. Caribou Media Group acquired two events and one publication from F+W Media. The BLADE Show, now in its 37th year, is the largest knife event in North America.  It is held each year at the Cobb Galleria in Atlanta, draws 15,000 enthusiast attendees and sells 170,000 square feet of exhibit space to 800 exhibiting companies.  The company recently launched a second annual BLADE event to be held the first time later… more
May 31, 2018
The Center for Exhibition Industry Research reports that the recent growth of the exhibition industry continued during the first quarter of 2018. The performance of the industry, as measured by the CEIR Total Index, posted a decent year-over-year gain of 1.8 percent, even though it underperformed the overall macroeconomy. "The increase in the first quarter supports our prediction that the exhibition industry will finally enter into an expansion phase in 2018 with the Total Index surpassing its previous peak," said CEIR Economist Allen Shaw, Ph.D., Chief Economist for Global Economic… more
May 30, 2018
Shepard Launched eventVOICE, a voice-driven assistant designed specifically for events to enhance attendee experience, improve exhibitor engagement and help organizers work smarter. This tool is a template-based operating platform that boasts ease of set-up, personalized notifications, and a responsive artificial intelligence database - giving a broader range of event organizers the ability to respond to the demand for voice-first search customer experience.  “The launch of this service aligns with our strategic imperatives to provide clients with innovative solutions which support the… more
May 30, 2018
Mohegan Sun, based in Uncasville, Conn., opened the Earth Expo & Convention Center today, the property’s $80 million dollar expansion, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The new center already is making a name for itself as it makes Mohegan Sun home to one of the largest and most attractive exposition sites in the Northeast, with more than 275,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space. “We are honored to have you all with us and are excited to be here today to celebrate the grand opening of the new Earth Expo & Convention Center,” said Mohegan Tribal Chairman, Kevin Brown “… 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.