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 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
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 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 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
Aug 01, 2015
The second quarter of 2015 was a good one for Phoenix-based Viad, the parent company of Global Experience Specialists, with revenues surging 23.7 percent to $317 million, compared with $256.4 million during the same time period the year before. GES had a particularly strong quarter, with revenues increasing to $286.6 million, a 26.5 percent increase, compared with $226.6 million during the same time period the year before. “GES delivered much stronger results in the second quarter than we had previously expected,” said Steve Moster, president and CEO. He added, “The upside came from a number… more
Jul 29, 2015
U.K.-based Tarsus Group released its interim results for the first half of 2015 (ending June 30), and the news was positive, with revenues reaching $53 million, up from $36 million last year and $41 million in comparable year 2013 (when biennials run). Taking into account not only acquisitions, but also biennial shows, organic revenue growth rose 14 percent and visitor growth increased 9 percent. "Our record trading performance in the first half was very encouraging and we also made further strategic progress with our replications in Emerging Markets,” said Douglas Emslie, Tarsus Group… more
Jul 29, 2015
International exhibition organiser, UBM plc, has detailed plans to expand its business in Shanghai in the coming years, by moving and growing existing shows, completing new acquisitions and launching shows. UBM Asia announced plans to move its annual Shanghai International Children Baby Maternity Industry Expo (CBME China) from Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC) to National Exhibition & Convention Center (NECC) in Hongqiao in 2016 in order to gain access to NECC’s larger capacity. The company also moved Sign China, LED China and LED Lighting China from Guangzhou to Shanghai… more
Jul 29, 2015
This year’s Music China, taking place Oct. 14-17 at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre in Shanghai, will be the biggest ever with 105,000 square meters of exhibition space.   “Business is always the foremost priority for our show participants and the overwhelming response from the industry supports that Music China is a strong trade platform in Asia,” said Fiona Chiew, Deputy General Manager for Messe Frankfurt (Shanghai) Co Ltd. He added, “We are projecting to have 1,800 exhibitors to showcase a wide range of musical instruments at the 2015 show and attract 73,000… 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.