Aug 11, 2015
Walking the packed showfloor for the American Society of Association Executives’ Annual Meeting, held this week at Detroit’s Cobo Center, it was abundantly clear that the busiest booths, by far, were ones that created a really fun, engaging attendee experience. Some booths went for the straight up business approach with salespeople standing at the ready to talk with customers about the company’s latest offerings, other booths had the traditional promotional items – stuffed animals, pens, water bottles, etc. – and others stepped it up a notch. At the Visit Milwaukee booth, they decided to show… more
Aug 11, 2015
The eighth edition of Secutech Vietnam will open its doors Aug. 18-20 at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Organized by Messe Frankfurt New Era Business Media Ltd, the annual show is widely-renowned as the country’s leading trade fair for the security, fire and safety industry. The three-day event will kick off with the participation of 110 exhibitors from 11 countries and regions, occupying 4,500 square meters of exhibition space. Registered brands include Avigilon, Bao Toan, DH, Flir, Optex, Dahua, Hikvision, HiMaxTruongxua, HIP, Le Phat, Lilin,… more
Aug 11, 2015
The largest Yarn Expo Autumn is to be held Oct. 13-15 this year, with both the gross area and exhibitor number jumping to an all-time high. “We relocated this year’s autumn fair to the new National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) as this venue allows us to occupy a broader space to accommodate more long-awaited yarn and fibre suppliers from around the world,” said Wendy Wen, senior general manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd.   This year’s autumn fair will take up 8,500 square meters gross area to house more than 250 exhibitors, with both figures seeing an increase of… more
Aug 10, 2015
Continuing the tradition of recognizing individual show managers across the industry, nominations are actively being sought for the 2015 edition of The Expo Group Show Manager of the Year Awards. Since 2000, the crystal SMOTY obelisk has been presented to those people creating amazing experiences within their exhibition and convention. “These awards began in order to honor show managers who make our industry great, who exemplify a can-do spirit,” says Ray Pekowski, president and CEO of The Expo Group. He added, “I cannot stress enough that these awards are about the person, not the growth… more
Aug 10, 2015
Emerald Expositions’ASD Marketweek not only scored 14-percent growth in buyer attendance, compared with last year, but also VIP attendance surged 23 percent throughout the four-day show. The increase was attributed to a number of different strategic marketing and internal restructuring initiatives, according to show organizers. “We substantially enhanced our marketing budget this year to invest in a rebranding campaign, increase outreach campaigns including print and digital media buys, expanded engagement across all social media platforms, expanded our VIP buyer program, and launched a… more
Aug 07, 2015
A study jointly released by ASAE: The Center for Association Leadership, Center for Exhibition Industry Research, Destination & Travel Foundation, Meeting Professionals International and Professional Convention Management Association Education Foundation, revealed that on average, one in three group room nights in the United States are booked outside of the event contracted room blocks. “Despite general agreement that many attendees book outside the room block, the meetings industry traditionally relies on the historical room block pick-up as one of the most important metrics to value an… more
Aug 05, 2015
International Carwash Association (ICA) and Automotive Oil Change Association (AOCA) will collocate AOCA’s annual convention and trade show with The Car Wash Show, beginning next year. The Car Wash Show, the world’s largest car wash convention and trade show, attracted nearly 7,000 car wash and related business professionals this year – a 22 percent increase in attendance, compared with last year. AOCA’s iFLEX, the international fast lube exhibition, regularly attracts more than 700 attendees. “Adding the leading event in the fast lube industry to The Car Wash Show is just another example of… more
Aug 05, 2015
Townsquare Media, a diversified media, entertainment and digital marketing services company that owns and operates radio, digital and live event properties, bought the Phoenix-based Bridal Fashion Debut shows for an undisclosed sum. The shows, held each January and June, have more than 1,000 exhibit booths with 900 exhibiting companies and attract 20,000-plus attendees each year. “Will Hegarty and his team created the Bridal Fashion Debut events many years ago and built up the business into the two largest Bridal Expos in the United States,” said Nick Curci, president of Corporate… more
Aug 05, 2015
Naylor Association Solutions, which provides integrated communications, event management, online learning, career services, association management software (AMS) and advertising, exhibit and sponsorship sales for the North American association marketplace, has acquired Schaumberg, Ill.-based WJ Weiser and Associates, a provider of association management solutions.  WJ Weiser services include everything from full outsourced management of associations to specific services such as accounting and financial management, branch and chapter management, and information and technology services. “… more
Aug 04, 2015
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society partnered with Interbike, an annual bicycle show, to present Bike MS: Las Vegas. The fundraising cycling event will return to the Las Vegas community Sept. 19 and bring together hundreds of cyclists, volunteers, and people who want to change the course of MS, an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system. “MS has touched so many of us through friends and family, that when the MS Society approached us about supporting a ride in and around Interbike, we just knew we had to get involved,” said Pat Hus, vice president of Interbike… 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.