Nov 08, 2016
The largest educational trade show and second-largest education convention in the nation returned to the SMG-managed Greater Columbus Convention Center, as more than 9,000 attendees attended the 61st annual Ohio School Boards Association Capital Conference and Trade Show Nov. 13-16.
“This is the time that we get to shine for our members,” said Jeff Chambers, OSBA director of Communication Services.
Among the highlights were the18th annual Student Achievement Fair, featuring five performing groups representing each of the OSBA regions, an artwork exhibition and 100 student groups sharing… more
Nov 08, 2016
Planning an event is more than just the number of hotel rooms and square footage of event space available. These days, your attendee is interested in the destination itself and how activities can be planned to incorporate exploration of the city. A city that is not yet over exposed, and has a great deal to offer is Providence, R.I.
“We are a perfect destination, with the charm and history of New England, the bustle of a metropolitan city, and the intellectual capital of a university town, with both Brown University and Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) nearby. And this is all… more
Nov 08, 2016
The largest educational trade show and second-largest education convention in the nation returned to the SMG-managed Greater Columbus Convention Center, as more than 9,000 attendees attended the 61st annual Ohio School Boards Association Capital Conference and Trade Show Nov. 13-16.
“This is the time that we get to shine for our members,” said Jeff Chambers, OSBA director of Communication Services.
Among the highlights were the18th annual Student Achievement Fair, featuring five performing groups representing each of the OSBA regions, an artwork exhibition and 100 student groups sharing… more
Nov 07, 2016
The fall continues to be a busy time with brisk hiring at a variety of companies ranging from show management companies to convention and visitors bureaus to general service contractors.
The Expo Group continues to grow and has added Dan DiPietro to the team as national sales director.
DiPietro has a rich industry experience that includes a technology background and strong sales acumen.
“With The Expo Group’s growth, it is important to have the right people in the right places to serve our clients and share how we can impact their trade shows and events,” said Randy Pekowski, president and… more
Nov 07, 2016
In the spirit of our happily ending election season we are sure some sat in the voting booth, pulled the curtain, and asked, what makes a good leader? Led by Experient’s Terence Donnelly, we are going to discuss this on our weekly #ExpoChat at 1pm ET Nov. 9 and hope to also answer these questions:
Why is it so important to have strong consistent leadership skills?
Are there specific leadership traits across all industries that are essential?
Are there specific leadership skills that someone in the event and exhibition industry should have?
What is the biggest challenge facing… more
Nov 06, 2016
David Audrain is CEO and partner of Exposition Development Company (ExpoDevCo), a privately held business producing trade shows and conferences in North America, which also manages the Society of Independent Show Organizers.
During his 23-year career in the trade show industry, Audrain has held a myriad of positions, most recently before ExpoDevCo as president and CEO of Clarion Events North America, as well as Messe Frankfurt North America before that, where for more than six years he led a team of 40 staff spread across the USA, Mexico and Canada.
In addition, Audrain was COO of private… more
Nov 05, 2016
The third quarter of this year was a huge one for Global Experience Specialists, scoring $287 million in revenues, compared with $189.9 million during the same quarter the year before, a whopping 52-percent increase.
“GES delivered strong third quarter revenue growth and the team did an excellent job driving the additional revenue to the bottom line,” said Steve Moster, who leads GES and its’ parent company Viad.
He added, “In addition, we completed an important strategic acquisition in mid-August that gives us a more meaningful presence in the large U.S. audio-visual services market. The… more
Nov 03, 2016
ABC Kids Expo, organized by All Baby & Child Corporation, welcomed more than 12,000 attendees and 900-plus exhibitors to its 1 million square foot showfloor Oct. 18-21 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Virtually every significant manufacturer and distributor of products for infants and small children, as well as many startups by parents, showed off their products, ranging from furniture and strollers to smudge-free chalk, timers for milk bottles and a sandwich cutter that turns pb&j into minions.
“We had to expand the new product showcase to accommodate the record number of entries… more
Nov 03, 2016
By Elizabeth Johnson
Recent research from Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) uncovered that just seven percent of exhibition organizers and 12 percent of exhibitors rate their digital offerings as effective in enhancing the attendee experience. Given the shared confidence level is so low, the October International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) webinar, “Using Digital to Rock Your Attendees’ Trade Show Experience” is certainly timely.
During the hour-long webinar, Nancy Drapeau, PRC, director of research, CEIR, moderated a panel of experts; David Saef, CTSM,… more
Nov 02, 2016
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events has selected this year’s honorees of its 20 Under 30 recognition program, which affords young professional exhibition organizer members who may not be supported by their companies the opportunity to attend Expo! Expo! IAEE’s Annual Meeting & Exhibition to be held Dec. 6-8 in Anaheim, Calif.
This program provides industry and leadership education for professional growth in the exhibitions and events industry, and helps program honorees become better, more productive professionals. It is sponsored by the Austin… 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.