Apr 17, 2018
Dallas-based Freeman bought Sydney, Australia-based Info Salon Group led by CEO Jo-Anne Kelleway, an event technology solutions company that focuses on online and onsite registration, as well as data tracking and capture.
“We’re always looking for ways to simplify the event and show planning processes for our clients; and investing in leading digital technologies enables us to provide the robust capabilities show organizers need to thrive in the ever-evolving events industry. This was the case with our recent Blueprint floor plan management solution launch, and it is the driving factor… more
Apr 17, 2018
After a shareholder vote today in which 99 percent voted in favor of approval, Informa’s $5.5 billion valued deal to buy UBM was given the greenlight, creating the largest trade show company in the world.
“We are encouraged by the strong support from shareholders of both companies for this combination, which will create a leading, international B2B Information Services Group,” said Stephen A. Carter, Informa’s CEO.
Under the terms of the offer, UBM shareholders will receive 1.083 Informa shares for each UBM share and $2.33 in cash.
Carter in an earlier statement said that shareholders… more
Apr 16, 2018
Trade shows in the fashion retail sector have gone through another shift, with Liberty Fairs buying Reed Exhibitions’ Capsule shows.
"Bringing the Capsule show under the Liberty Fairs Fashion Group umbrella creates an even stronger platform for all of our shows,” said Sam Ben-Avraham, founder of Liberty Fairs Fashion Group.
He added, “We are always thinking about the future, about what's coming, how we create the right thing to satisfy our core audience, and also attract new eyes to what we are doing. Together, we will have more opportunities to serve the fashion space and also build our… more
Apr 12, 2018
The Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) has released its 2018 CEIR Index Report, which analyzes the 2017 exhibition industry and provides an economic and exhibition industry outlook for the next three years.
The growth of the B2B exhibition industry accelerated along with the macro economy in 2017.
The CEIR Total Index, a measure of overall exhibition industry performance, increased by a moderate 2 percent, 1 percentage point higher than in 2016.
All four metrics rose in 2017, with real revenues leading at 2.9 percent above 2016. Attendees and net square footage rose 2.1… more
Apr 12, 2018
If the recently unveiled design drawings of its expansion project are any indication, the nearly 60-year-old Las Vegas Convention Center has a vibrant new look in its future.
Presented on April 10 by architects from tvsdesign to the Board of Directors of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, the drawings depict an innovatively designed, modern-looking convention center as iconic as the city itself, according to Rossi Ralenkotter, CEO of the LVCVA.
“This is one of the most important days in the history of the LVCVA,” Ralenkotter said. “Southern Nevada’s economy is driven by… more
Apr 11, 2018
I hear it all the time: “How do I effectively market my events?” This is one of the greatest challenges meeting planners face. They want to improve app adoption, engage attendees with content and on social media, and increase visibility for their sponsors and exhibitors.
The thing is, many planners who are using event management and attendee engagement software already have the tools they need. Let’s take a look…
What is marketing?
First, let’s clarify what marketing is. According to the American Marketing Association:
“Marketing is the activity, set of institutions, and processes for… more
Apr 10, 2018
In its 26thyear, UBM Tech’s Game Developers Conference just keeps getting bigger and better than ever, with a record-breaking 28,000 attendees checking out the packed showfloor March 19-23 at San Francisco’s Moscone Center.
The event, billed as “the world’s largest and longest-running event serving professionals dedicated to the art and science of making games,” also had approximately 500 exhibitors and plenty of new bells and whistles to excite and engage attendees this year.
“GDC really is about the business of making games,” said GDC’s Katie Stern, who oversees the show. “The typical… more
Apr 06, 2018
Loyalty. It’s coveted in many industries and events are no exception. Loyal attendees are one of a trade show’s most important assets. Show organizers can use their enthusiasm to improve their events in numerous ways, increasing overall attendance among them.
David Saef, executive vice president of strategy for GES, explained the importance of loyal attendees.
“They come every year, they know the event in their own way and they may know it better than the organizer,” Saef explained. “They’re willing to do anything for the organizer to help make the show successful.”
Leana Salamah,… more
Apr 04, 2018
Clarion Events has acquired PennWell, a 108-year-old privately-held events and business-to-business media and marketing services company based in Tulsa, Okla.
Clarion is owned by funds managed by Blackstone, a private equity firm with more than $400 billion in assets under management.
"This deal delivers significant benefits for both companies," said Clarion's Executive Chairman Simon Kimble.
He added, "PennWell's roster of market-leading events strongly enhances Clarion's portfolio. Our global network and depth of resources will further strengthen PennWell's offerings, enhancing… more
Apr 03, 2018
The Reno-Sparks Convention & Visitors Authority (RSCVA) Board of Directors has appointed global entertainment and convention venue management company, SMG, to oversee operations at Reno-Sparks’ major convention and entertainment facilities.
The four-year operating agreement includes the RSCVA-owned Reno-Sparks Convention Center (RSCC), the state-owned Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center (RSLEC), as well as the Reno Events Center (REC) and the National Bowling Stadium (NBS), which are both owned by the City of Reno.
“This is a great opportunity for the entire Reno Tahoe region and an… more
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.