Apr 16, 2016
Ray Pekowski, CEO and chairman of family-owned The Expo Group, has been in the trade show industry for 41 years and said the key to success is creating strong relationships.
Besides TEG, he also worked at Greyhound Exposition Services Co. and then United Exposition Service Co. Pekowski’s experience and unique vision of customer service led to the development of the Single Source Solution® for exhibitors and show managers.
TEG, with its patented customer service model, is celebrating its 25th year in business in 2016. He is very active in the industry and community charities… more
Apr 15, 2016
Fifty years ago, about 2,000 attendees and 80 exhibitors gathered under the grandstands at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles for the first Speed Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA) trade show.
The exhibits that year consisted mainly of racing equipment and products that enhanced the performance and safety of high-performance competition automobiles. The show was managed by automotive publisher Petersen Publishing and a 10’x10’ exhibit space cost $200.
The next year, the show moved to the Anaheim Convention Center, before relocating to Las Vegas in 1977. Now known as the Specialty… more
Apr 15, 2016
Las Vegas top meetings and convention experts came together April 14 to celebrate the first Global Meetings Industry Day (GMID) at the newly opened T-Mobile Arena.
The event marked the expansion of North American Meetings Industry Day, held earlier this year and was spearheaded by the Meetings Mean Business Coalition and Convention Industry Council.
It had special significance to Las Vegas, where meetings, conventions and tradeshows bring over $9.3 billion in economic impact and support more than 66,000 jobs. It’s also home to the largest 54 tradeshows in North America, as ranked by the 2015… more
Apr 14, 2016
Hannover Fairs USA, a subsidiary of Germany-Based Deutsche Messe AG, will launch the North American Commercial Vehicle Show Sept. 25-29, 2017, in Atlanta.
The 300,000 square feet of planned exhibit space will allow suppliers, commercial vehicle OEMs and the supply chain to meet with and address the needs of the North American commercial vehicle industry audience, according to show organizers.
“The new North American Commercial Vehicle Show is a perfect fit with Deutsche Messe’s commercial vehicle events portfolio,” said HFUSA President and CEO of Larry Turner.
He added, “HFUSA and Newcom are… more
Apr 13, 2016
Two months after Marketplace Events was acquired by Sentinel Capital Partners, the show organizer scooped up Calgary Homexpo from the nonprofit CHBA-UDI Calgary Region.
The company also announced the launch of six new shows in the 2016-17 show season, including shows at the new U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minn., and Music City Center in Nashville, Tenn.
"It’s a very exciting time for Marketplace Events," said Tom Baugh, Marketplace Events' CEO. "We are well positioned for growth, and under Sentinel’s ownership, we are able to be more aggressive in acquiring and… more
Apr 12, 2016
Chicago’s newest neighborhood, McCormick Square, has been unveiled by the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority.
In her remarks at a luncheon held to present the new destination, MPEA CEO Lori Healey, detailed the current developments underway at McCormick Square.
“The addition of the Event Center and the Marriott Marquis Chicago, coupled with the Hyatt Regency, McCormick Place, and the exciting tourist attractions planned nearby, McCormick Square is becoming a destination rather than just a building,” Healey said.
These enhancements continue to build upon the current offerings on campus… more
Apr 12, 2016
The Biotechnology Innovation Organization’s BIO International Convention and Living in Digital Times’ Digital Health Summer Summit plan to collocate to bring together the biotech, pharma and digital health industries under one roof.
Both conferences will be held June 6-9 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco.
“Teaming up with BIO will give Digital Health Summer Summit attendees unprecedented access to decision-makers at biotech and pharmaceutical companies who attend the BIO International Convention,” said Jill Gilbert of Living in Digital Times, producer of the DHSS.
She added, “Our… more
Apr 10, 2016
More than 260 for-profit show organizer CEOs, trade show industry suppliers, association leaders and guests gathered for the Society of Independent Show Organizers’ CEO Summit, held April 3-5 at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar in San Diego, to not only take in high-level educational sessions, but also do plenty of networking.
David Audrain, who stepped into the role of SISO executive director earlier this year, said there were two main goals that the organization had for attendees coming to the event.
“Our first goal always for the SISO CEO Summit is to provide an event where the … more
Apr 10, 2016
Successful branding differentiates a company from the competition, builds customer loyalty, and generates revenue.
Meeting and event professionals are also recognizing the importance of branding as a tool to achieve these goals.
This webinar will focus on the benefits of developing a strong event brand as well as strategies and tips on how you can re-ignite your own event’s brand for improved performance and results! Association marketing executives will present case study examples of event branding strategies.
Please join us Thursday, April 14 at 1 p.m. ET – Complimentary registration HERE.… more
Apr 09, 2016
Tom Corcoran is CEO of Corcoran Expositions, Inc., one of the largest independent trade show organizers in America, having produced more than 700 expositions in 100 cities over their 25+ years in business.
Corcoran organizes events that range from beer to brain surgery. In 2015, an impressive 7,000 companies purchased more than 1.1 million square feet of exhibit space, of which 3,000 were new exhibiting companies.
Before this, Corcoran managed the National Restaurant Association annual trade show for 11 years and grew the National Restaurant Hotel-Motel Show from 900 exhibiting companies to… 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.