Feb 27, 2018
In its 47th year and held recently at the Sands Expo and Convention Center in Las Vegas, OFFPRICE drew in positive attendance who connected with 475 vendors, 49 of which were new to the show. There also was a strong international presence on the showfloor. “I had new business with a department chain based in Mexico, with almost 200 storefronts,” said Harry Nassib, OFFPRICE exhibitor. He added, “This show, in particular, helped build awareness for my company and put my merchandise in front of buyers who I may not have reached elsewhere.” Even with the hurricane hitting Puerto Rico late… more
Feb 26, 2018
ReedPOP, producer of games and pop culture live events, has expanded its business beyond event production for the first time by acquiring Gamer Network and its portfolio of events, websites and video channels. Home to popular editorial and community websites and YouTube channels, Gamer Network boasts well-known flagship brands including Eurogamer, RockPaperShotgun, GamesIndustry.biz, VG247, Outside Xbox, Digital Foundry and USgamer. Founded in 1999, the company also organizes EGX, the U.K.’s biggest games event, as well as indie games event, EGX Rezzed. By combining the two portfolios,… more
Feb 23, 2018
Located in the heart of the historic city of Monterey, the new $60 million Monterey Conference Center is open for business after two years of renovations. The official ribbon cutting ceremony took place on Jan. 31, followed by a celebration that included live music, hors-d'oeuvres and guided tours of the property. The Conference Center is a modern, LEED-certified meeting facility that features more than 40,000 square feet of flexible meeting space and can fit groups of up to 3,200 attendees. The exterior of the building presents a striking first impression with natural stone, a large oval… more
Feb 22, 2018
As the events industry continues to be tasked with making the case for the value of face-to-face meetings and events, a new report commissioned by the Events Industry Council (EIC) has been released that will not only help the industry drive that case home but also prove what it has long known to be true: the meetings and events sector is critical to a healthy and thriving national economy. According to the Economic Significance of Meetings to the US Economy, conducted by independent global advisory firm, Oxford Economics, and supported by the Meetings Mean Business Coalition and other… more
Feb 21, 2018
In the past few years, MAGIC, the biannual series of shows serving the fashion retail industry, has undergone one major change of ownership and is on the cusp of a possible other, as well as bought even more shows so that now there are a dozen running at the same time in Las Vegas. The most recent MAGIC, held Feb. 12-14 at the Las Vegas Convention Center and Mandalay Bay Convention Center, marked a further evolution in the fast-growing series of shows. In 2016, MAGIC’s parent company, UBM, bought Business Journals Inc. and took several of BJI’s shows, including STITCH, MRket and… more
Feb 21, 2018
Trade show organizers and meeting planners strive to create experiences for both attendees and exhibitors that will provide value and be memorable. Historically, events have been designed based on what organizers felt attendees needed but in recent years, some organizers have flipped that notion on its head. Greg Bogue, chief experience architect at Maritz Global Events, believes it’s important to think about events differently and approach planning from the attendees’ perspective. “Walk in the shoes of your guests,” Bogue said. “Seriously consider going through the process of exactly what… more
Feb 20, 2018
In an effort to enhance international business relationships, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) and the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), owner and producer of the annual Consumer Electronics Show, closed out last month’s CES with an official Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the World Trade Center Las Vegas and the World Trade Center Trieste in Trieste, Italy. Through the agreement, Las Vegas and Trieste will co-market under the World Trade Center brand, creating access to key trade information, market research and facilitate business trade opportunities… more
Feb 15, 2018
With better than expected results, GES closed out not only the fourth quarter of 2017 with a revenue jump of 6.8 percent, but also an increase of its full-year results, with top line growth up 7.4 percent. “GES finished 2017 with stronger than expected fourth quarter revenue growth of 6.8 percent, while operating income was near the bottom end of our prior guidance range due largely to higher costs in our ON Services audio-visual business,” said Steve Moster, president and CEO of Viad, GES’ parent company. He added, “For the full year, GES delivered top line growth of 7.4 percent.  We… more
Feb 15, 2018
It’s no secret that younger audiences have different approaches to learning. While Baby Boomers prefer personally focused learning and classroom environments, Gen Xers are fiercely independent, self-directed and would rather learn on their own time. Millennials prefer technology and social media and expect to have the infrastructure available to work anywhere and everywhere. Now, we also have Gen Z in the mix: the generation of instant gratification. Born into a world where everything is digitized, they expect their environment to deliver a “wow” experience – and if it doesn’t, they’ll just… more
Feb 14, 2018
The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCCA) has selected global design and consultancy firm, Arcadis, to oversee a capital improvements construction program to enhance four of MCCA’s convention and event facilities. As Owner’s Project Manager (OPM), Arcadis will act as an extension of MCCA staff and lead construction management and administration activities to plan, initiate, manage and execute capital projects at Boston’s John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center; the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center; the Boston Common Garage and the MassMutual Center in Springfield… 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.