Nov 30, 2017
The Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) has released an updated version of its popular report, How the Exhibit Dollar is Spent. Originally published in 2014, the 2017 report relays how exhibiting expenditures break down and identifies where spending has remained constant – versus increasing – compared to 2016 levels. “CEIR is pleased to update these metrics,” said Cathy Breden, CEO of CIER. “Exhibitors, organizers and suppliers alike will benefit from understanding where exhibitors spend their marketing dollars on trade shows.” She continued, “It is a resource that helps… more
Nov 30, 2017
Emerald Expositions Events acquired Connecting Point Marketing Group from lower-middle market private equity firm Corridor Capital, mezzanine investor Aldine Capital Partners and management. Founded by Nancy Splaine and Kim Haulk in 2004 in Rye, N.H., CPMG organizes and hosts nine senior executive level business-intensive trade events focused on innovation for the hospitality, restaurant, healthcare, grocery and retail industries. These four-day events are curated, invitation-only forums that bring together leaders in each vertical market. Events include RestaurantPoint East and West,… more
Nov 28, 2017
In response to industry demand, Converters Expo will be launching a sister trade show in Charlotte, NC. Set to debut Feb. 6 at the Charlotte Convention Center, Converters Expo South will bring together converters and packagers of paper, film and nonwovens with companies looking for the latest in efficiency, techniques, advances, products and equipment. The inaugural event is expected to attract approximately 300 attendees and 59 exhibiting companies spanning just under 20,000 square feet of expo space, according to show officials. “The Carolina-Georgia area is the second largest ‘… more
Nov 22, 2017
For the sixth consecutive year, Human Rights Campaign (HRC) has rated MGM Resorts International as among the nation’s leading companies for workplace equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) employees. Based on the company’s policies and practices relating to LGBTQ employees, MGM Resorts earned a perfect score on the 2018 Corporate Equality Index (CEI), an annual HRC survey that evaluates major companies for their non-discrimination and benefits policies and practices with respect to LGBTQ employees. “Diversity and inclusion are bedrocks of our company culture and… more
Nov 21, 2017
The inaugural Outdoor Retailer + Snow Show, Outdoor Retailer’s first combined trade show with SIA Snow Show in Denver, now is the largest annual U.S. trade show and conference for the outdoor and snowsports industries, boasting a sold-out exhibit floor. Set for Jan. 25-28 at the Colorado Convention Center, the massive event will feature a revamped show format with approximately 1,000 brands spanning three floors, new show features and for the first time, consumer access to select marquee events. “The positive response to the combined show has exceeded all expectations,” said Marisa… more
Nov 20, 2017
Are you attending IAEE Expo! Expo! this year?  Have you started planning for your visit?  Don’t stress! Below are five beneficial things you can do today to prepare for a productive trip to San Antonio. And then you’ll be able to kick back and enjoy Thanksgiving without worrying about preparing for the Show. Visit the Expo! Expo! 2017 Website On the website you will find a full schedule of activities, who is exhibiting, what sessions are available, programs for young professionals, programs for first time attendees, tools for networking, San Antonio information and so much more! This should… more
Nov 20, 2017
International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) will hold its annual Expo! Expo! in San Antonio, TX November 28-30. The organization will bring in experts from both inside and outside of event industry to examine data, sales strategies, new technology and much more. In “pit stops”, “tech huddles”, workshops and more, trade show and event organizers will have more than 50 learning opportunities during the three-day event. “As with every year at Expo! Expo! I hope that attendees walk away with meaningful connections, ideas for the new year and actionable insights to incorporate… more
Nov 16, 2017
The 9th Annual 2018 TSNN Awards: Celebrating Trade Show Excellence will head Aug. 10-12 to Louisville, Ky., to celebrate the top U.S. fastest-growing trade shows in net square footage and attendance just days after the massive transformation of the Kentucky International Convention Center in downtown Louisville is unveiled. The completely renovated center is just one piece of an extensive development project that includes several new hotels and renovations to existing ones, such as the Marriott Louisville Downtown, the host hotel for award attendees, as well as a bevy of new distilleries and… more
Nov 15, 2017
After a relatively quiet period, the global exhibitions market has heated up in the mergers and acquisitions sector, with Hospitality Management Group, UBM and Messe Frankfurt all recently making buys. HX: The Hotel Experience, a trade event for the hospitality industry (formerly IHMRS), announced at the opening of its 2017 show, held Nov. 12-13 in New York City, that it has transitioned to full ownership under Hospitality Management Group (HMG), a division of ST Media Group. HX previously was co-owned by the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), the Hotel Association of New… more
Nov 15, 2017
The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority Board of Directors has approved a recommendation to retain tvsdesign/Design Las Vegas to provide design services for the Las Vegas Convention Center District Phase Two $860 million expansion project. “The selection of tvsdesign/Design Las Vegas for the expansion project signals an exciting new era for conventions and convention business in Southern Nevada,” said Rossi Ralenkotter, LVCVA president and CEO. He continued, “Our destination thrives on evolution and reinvention, and this design team will allow us to continue providing the world… 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.