Jul 25, 2016
Between getting there, staying there, eating and drinking there, as well as all other activity, attendees of the two major party conventions will be responsible for spending an estimated $360 million in their host cities this year, according to a projection from the U.S. Travel Association.
That spending total splits straight down the middle for the two events - $180 million each for the Republican National Convention, which was held in Cleveland July 18-21, and the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia July 25-28.
Including indirect and induced impact, a total of $600 million in… more
Jul 24, 2016
During the recent Louisville Convention & Visitors Bureau’s annual Destination Marketing Forum not only were the results of a year-long Visitor Profile Study discussed, but also digital marketing agency Bandy Carroll Hellige unveiled a new brand platform, logo and creative for marketing the city’s tourism initiatives.
In addition, Tempest Interactive gave a preview of a new web site that will go live in August and is being developed to replace GoToLouisville.com.
“Louisville is a city in transformation. More than $1 Billion is being invested in developments ranging from the… more
Jul 21, 2016
The Anaheim Convention Center, the largest convention center on the West Coast, was awarded LEED Gold certification, a designation for sustainable-rated buildings.
The Anaheim Convention Center is the largest U.S. convention center to achieve LEED Gold certification. The honor follows the center’s earning of LEED certification in 2010.
“The Anaheim Convention Center is the West Coast’s premier gathering place with world-class facilities and neighboring attractions to match in the Anaheim Resort District,” said Tom Morton, executive director of Convention, Sports and Entertainment for the city… more
Jul 20, 2016
The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association and Family Media signed a letter of intent to co-host and co-produce a series of baby events targeted at the juvenile products industry.
“JPMA members have been requesting an exciting trade show experience that addresses the evolving business climate,” said Kelly Mariotti, executive director of JPMA.
She added, “By working with Family Media we can meet this demand and fuel the future growth of the association though developing direct consumer touch points, which are a high priority for our members.”
The Baby Show Series will kick off May 9… more
Jul 19, 2016
Even in the current tumultuous times in several countries worldwide, the overall worldwide exhibition industry expects continued growth in turnover for the coming year, according to the recently released 17th Global Exhibition Barometer.
However, a significant level of uncertainty is forecast for the first half of 2017 in Asia, Middle East and Africa. In addition, with the heightened level of random violent incidents, 60 percent of companies surveyed said they have introduced additional security measures at their events in the past months.
“As pleasing as it is to see that globally the… more
Jul 18, 2016
The tradition of recognizing individual show managers across the industry continues, as event professionals are encouraged to “Show Some Love” with a free nomination for the 2016 edition of The Expo Group Show Manager of the Year Awards.
Since 2000, the crystal obelisk has been presented to those behind-the-scenes pros creating amazing experiences within their exhibition and convention.
The awards are open to any show manager, not just clients of The Expo Group. Any individual responsible for a trade or association exhibition is eligible to win.
“These awards began in 2000 to 'show… more
Jul 18, 2016
Vincent Gerard, long-time managing director of UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has passed away.
"It is with great sadness that we heard about the passing away of Vincent Gerard, UFI's managing director between 2001 and 2010,” said Sergej Alexeev, UFI president.
He added, “Our thoughts are with his wife Catherine and the family. We have lost a great colleague, a strong promoter of our industry, and a close friend. Despite his health fading away, Vincent was following UFI and the industry all the time, and he stayed in touch with many friends… more
Jul 18, 2016
ICAST, which serves the sportfishing market, drew 15,000 attendees, making it the largest trade show produced by the recreational fishing industry’s trade association.
From exhibitors to buyers to outdoor media, representatives from the domestic and international sportfishing and boating community converged July 12-15 on Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center for the 59th International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades, better known as ICAST.
ICAST, along with the International Fly Tackle Dealer Show and the new Marine Accessories Pavilion, encompassed 650,000 gross square… more
Jul 16, 2016
Mary Pat Heftman has full responsibility for strategic development, execution and promotion of the annual New England Food Show and the National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show (NRA Show) /BAR @ NRA Show, the largest annual food and beverage tradeshow in the world. She is also involved with strategic alliance development and oversees contracting for all Association meetings.
Heftman joined the National Restaurant Association in 1990 and has held positions of progressively increasing scope and responsibility in the National Restaurant Association with her primary… more
Jul 16, 2016
The Center for Exhibition Industry Research released the first two reports in its newest series, 2016 Changing Environment of Exhibitions. This study, which is an update to research conducted in 2011, consists of 10 fact sheets articulating the power of exhibitions from the perspective of exhibitors.
Since the last study conducted in 2011, the U.S. economy has enjoyed modest growth as it has recovered from the Great Recession of 2008. CEIR Index results have documented consistent, positive growth in the exhibition industry. At the same time, digital continues to grow in use as… 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.