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
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 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 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 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 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
Apr 08, 2016
The first quarter of 2016 saw a busy hiring period, with companies ranging from audio-visual to for-profit show management to convention and visitors bureaus. Surf Expo, the largest and longest-running boardsports and beach/resort lifestyle trade show in the world, has named Rod Tomlinson as sales manager for the Surf Category of the show. He is replacing Ryan Nettleton. Tomlinson was most recently a sales executive for Interbike, the largest bicycle trade event in North America, also owned and operated by Emerald Expositions. “Surf Expo is excited to bring Rod Tomlinson to our sales team… more
Apr 07, 2016
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events™ proudly congratulates Jacqueline Russo, vice president of Kuehne + Nagel, Inc., as this year’s recipient of the IAEE Woman of Achievement Award. This award recognizes a woman who has led the way in the advancement of women in the exhibitions and events industry, exhibited outstanding leadership, and made significant contributions to the industry and her community. With more than 20 years of experience in the exhibitions and events industry, Russo has been a dynamic leader within IAEE. Her dedication marked her as the first supplier… more
Apr 05, 2016
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events has added another new chapter in Asia, the IAEE India Chapter. The IAEE Board of Directors approved the creation of this new chapter during its meeting, held March 31 at the HITEX Exhibition Center in Hyderabad, India. “This is another important step forward in the internationalization of IAEE,” said IAEE President and CEO David DuBois, CMP, CAE, FASAE, CTA. He added, “We have been met this week with great enthusiasm about our member benefits and CEM Learning Program, and it is very rewarding to see the expansion of our global impact."… more
Apr 04, 2016
Destination Marketing Association International Chairman Bob Lander and President and CEO Don Welsh announced a strategic realignment of the organization in preparation for what they called “a renewed commitment to focus on member and partner needs.” DMAI has vacated nine positions for further evaluation as it moves forward with the realignment. Welsh stepped into the leadership post in March, after holding the top spot at Choose Chicago. Charles Jeffers, COO and interim CEO since September 2015, will remain with the organization through the end of May 2016 to assist with a seamless… 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.