Aug 09, 2016
The Destination Marketing Association International Annual Convention saw their attendee numbers rise, with 1,500 taking part in its recent event held Aug. 1-3 in Minneapolis. Attendees spent the time engaging in general sessions, discipline-focused roundtables and networking. Throughout the program, DMAI’s association and foundation leadership recognized and celebrated those whom have demonstrated commitment and promise towards the continued success of destination marketing worldwide.  This year, 42 industry representatives received their CDME certification; 18 DMOs were honored for… more
Aug 09, 2016
As the long summer days begin their slow turn into fall leaves and back-to-school times, companies in the trade show industry have continued to grow their businesses with new and returning business contracts. Middle East event organizer F&E, a Tarsus Group company, has appointed GES as official supplier in an agreement until the end of 2019. The agreement includes delivering services for F&E’s aerospace portfolio – the MEBAA Show and the Dubai Airshow, taking place at DWC, Airshow Site; collocated shows Aircraft Interiors Middle East (AIME) and MRO Middle East - plus education… more
Aug 08, 2016
ASD Market Week’s recent show saw buyer attendance up 10 percent, compared with last year’s August event, with a compound annual growth of 12 percent, compared with the last two years. “ASD Market Week is the comprehensive consumer goods trade show in United States,” explained Karalynn Sprouse, executive vice president of Merchandise, International Sourcing and Manufacturing Groups for Emerald Expositions. She added, “We are a one-stop shop for retail store owners, buyers as well as distributors and importers to source, discover and purchase the largest assortment of merchandise from around… more
Aug 07, 2016
Global Experience Specialists’ parent company Viad continued to perform better than expectations, with its second-quarter earnings results showing a $7.7 million revenue increase to $324.7 million, compared with the same quarter last year. Management previously had guided for a revenue decline of $4 million to $17 million, primarily due to show rotation and exchange rate variances. GES’ 2Q revenues were down slightly to $285.4 million, compared with $286.6 million during the same quarter the year before. “GES exceeded guidance for the second quarter with stronger than expected growth from… more
Aug 05, 2016
Light Reading, a content-driven media business focusing on the telecom industry, has been sold to Informa, a global business intelligence, academic publishing, knowledge and events business. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Light Reading will join Informa’s Knowledge & Networking Division, which currently consists of a portfolio of specialist content, data products and high quality confexes in several key verticals, including TMT. This acquisition is part of an expansion of Informa’s TMT capabilities. One of Light Reading’s larger events is the Cable-Tec Expo, on tap Sept. 26-29… more
Aug 02, 2016
TSNN’s annual report on the Top 250 Trade Shows is an industry standard that is used by trade show producers to benchmark show performance and as a resource to industry suppliers. Bear Analytics and TSNN have now taken the rich Trade Show performance dataset and created a series of Top 250 performance dashboards that allow users to interact with the data, draw comparisons, and explore the trends driving the industry’s top Trade Shows. “The TSNN Top 250 Trade Show list ranks the top shows by net square footage,” said TSNN President Rachel Wimberly. “Bear Analytics was able to take this… more
Aug 02, 2016
Emerald Expositions has acquired The International Gift Exposition in the Smokies (IGES) from M&M Gift Shows. Started in 2000 by Susan Mills and Jerry Mayer, IGES now is one of the largest gatherings of wholesale souvenir, resort and gift buyers in the United States. The show encompasses two events – IGES and The Souvenir Super Show (SSS), the latter focusing on custom souvenirs. Both take place concurrently in November each year at two locations in eastern Tennessee - Pigeon Forge and Sevierville - which are only seven miles apart. “For the longest time we’ve had great respect for the… more
Aug 01, 2016
NY NOW, the Market for Home, Lifestyle + Gift, will see a significant uptick of international presence on its showfloor when it opens in a few weeks at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center of New York. The show, owned by Emerald Expositions, will see a whopping a 73 percent increase in the number of international companies represented on the exhibit floor, as well as a 10 percent increase in the total number of countries represented. Of those international companies, almost 50 percent will be presenting at NY NOW for the first time. “NY NOW has always had an extensive international presence… more
Aug 01, 2016
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events™ (IAEE) is accepting nominations for its 20 Under 30 program, which affords young professional exhibitions and events organizers, who may not be supported by their companies, the opportunity to attend Expo! Expo! IAEE’s Annual Meeting & Exhibition held 6-8 December in Anaheim, Calif. The 20 Under 30 program provides education for professional growth in the exhibitions and events industry and helps program participants become better, more productive employees. It is sponsored by the Austin Convention and… more
Aug 01, 2016
This year, the International Association of Venue Managers leadership made three distinct decisions that have changed the associations’ course and has its members excited.  The first decision was the hiring of a new president and CEO - the long-standing, forward-thinking industry leader Brad Mayne, CFE. The other two, critical decisions are the interwoven “Re-Brand” and “Conference Strategy” initiatives, both of which have been a year in the making. “It was essential that the new IAVM brand have many fingerprints on it—and it does.” said Lauren Wanski, design manager with Gensler’s brand… 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.