Jan 09, 2017
Reed Exhibitions Greater China continues its contribution to the future of the nation’s exhibition industry with the ninth annual edition of The Reed Exhibitions Greater China Scholarship Program. The Reed Exhibitions Greater China Scholarship Program award ceremony recently was held Dec. 13 at Beijing International Studies University (BISU). The Reed Exhibitions Greater China Scholarship Program was created to attract and motivate outstanding young talents who endeavor to serve China’s MICE trade through the exhibition industry.  It is … more
Jan 09, 2017
Instead of ending on a quiet note, last year finished up with a flurry of new hires and promotions at venues, convention bureaus and other companies. John Gonzalez, the long-time director of event and guest services at the George R. Brown Convention Center, has been promoted to the new vice president position at Houston First Corporation’s downtown convention complex. In his new role, Gonzalez will assist HFC COO Luther Villagomez in the administration of the George R. Brown and its central role in shaping the new Avenida Houston convention and entertainment district. Gonzalez will interface… more
Jan 06, 2017
PCMA Convening Leaders is set to kick off Jan. 8-11 at the Austin Convention Center in Austin, Texas, and that means it’s time to start planning your itinerary as you gear up to join several thousand of your peers in the Live Music Capitol of the World. If you’ve attended the conference in the past, you know what to expect: three jam-packed days of mind-expanding education, a host of inspiring general sessions, plentiful networking opportunities, and fun events in and around the host venue and city. To make the most of your Convening Leaders experience this year, here are a few things you won… more
Jan 05, 2017
LIGHTFAIR® International (LFI) has announced it will hold its 2018 trade show and conference at McCormick Place in Chicago. Set for May 6-10, the event will mark LIGHTFAIR’s first staging in the Windy City since 1995. According to Jeffrey L. Portman, Sr., vice chairman, president and COO of LFI managing partner AmericasMart Atlanta, which produces and manages the show, the move is designed to accommodate the show’s continuing growth. Taking the event to Chicago will not only provide the global lighting design community with the accessibility, convenience and service benefits available in the… more
Jan 04, 2017
E.J. Krause & Associates ended 2016 on a high note by launching two more trade shows in Mexico: Acquatech Mexico and Intertraffic Mexico. Organized in partnership with RAI Amsterdam, both inaugural events were met with an overwhelmingly positive reception, according to show officials. As the newest addition to the Aquatech portfolio of global events for the drinking and waste water technology sector, the first-annual Aquatech Mexico took place Oct. 26-28 at the WTC Pepsi Center in Mexico City. Held alongside The GREEN Expo, the country’s largest trade show for the environmental, energy,… more
Jan 03, 2017
Before 2016 wrapped up, a few suppliers signed new contracts and renewed others to provide services to shows and venues. The American Telemedicine Association selected Convention Data Services (CDS) as its new registration partner. The contract runs through 2018 and calls for CDS to provide full registration and lead retrieval services, along with housing and membership integrations for two events: the ATA International Conference & Tradeshow and the ATA Fall Forum. ATA, the largest telehealth-focused organization, produces these two events to help educate industry professionals and… more
Jan 01, 2017
The American Society of Association Executives recently hosted a successful pilot for their newest event, Xperience Design Project (XDP). Held Dec. 16, the exclusive, one-day, sneak peek of XDP was at the Gaylord National® Resort & Convention Center, and it brought together more than 80 association meeting, marketing, programming, and technology professionals, as well as industry partners to test and fine-tune the new format. The inaugural event, May 23-24, will attract upwards of 1,800 total guests, according to ASA officials. “XDP is an innovative, business-focused experience… more
Jan 01, 2017
Most people make and break resolutions at the beginning of every year.  Join us for the next #Expochat – Jan. 4 at 1 p.m. E.T. using a Twitter chat tool - with moderator Michelle Bruno to discuss what technology you’re resolved to implement—personally, professionally, and for your shows and clients—and eliminate in 2017.  Here are some questions to think about: Which personal apps, devices, or platforms are you resolved to implement in 2017? What technology are you planning to implement in your business or show in 2017? What technology will you remove from your personal life in 2017… more
Jan 01, 2017
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events has opened the Call for Nominations for its 2017 IAEE International Excellence and IAEE Woman of Achievement awards. The deadline for submitting nominations for these awards Feb. 19. “These awards honor outstanding individuals who elevate the exhibitions and events industry by going above and beyond the call of duty on a very special level,” said IAEE President and CEO David DuBois, CMP, CAE, FASAE, CTA. He added, “Our global presence is growing by leaps and bounds, and the International Excellence Award recognizes the contributions… more
Dec 28, 2016
It’s not often that a business idea is sparked by a trip to the dentist, but that’s what happened to Julian Sandler. The dentist asked if he knew of anyplace where he could rent a computer. Sandler, a nuclear physicist turned serial entrepreneur, thought there had to be other businesses and organizations needing short-term computer rentals, which led him to found Rent-a-PC in 1984 with two employees. The company was based (and still is) in Hauppauge, New York, so early clients were primarily corporate accounts on the East Coast, renting brand-name PCs and peripherals. From the late… 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.