Jan 25, 2015
More than 125,000 housing industry professionals came to Las Vegas for the second annual Design and Construction Week that ran Jan. 18-23.   The event brought together the inaugural members - National Association of Home Builders’ International Builders’ Show (IBS), the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS), the International Window Coverings Expo - and added The International Surface Event and the Las Vegas Market. Registrants had access to all five events with one badge. The move proved to be a success. Attendance at IBS was 55,257, up eight percent compared with last year. The… more
Jan 23, 2015
For organizers looking to spruce up their sponsorship models, hosting an experts corner, offering tours or having a fitness pavilion on the showfloor are just a few of the unique ideas that were in Global Experience Specialist’s recently released Comprehensive Sponsorship Study. The study also focused on the following key areas; how organizers and exhibitors can make the most of sponsorships; how organizers can best sell sponsorships; what organizers can do to align their sponsorships with sponsor objectives; and information and insights for exhibitors to evaluate and optimize sponsorships.… more
Jan 22, 2015
It may have been cold in Chicago in the second week of January, but that didn’t stop a record amount of attendees from coming to the Windy City for the Professional Convention Management Association’s Convening Leaders annual meeting. From Jan. 11-14, there were 4,128 convention managers and suppliers who packed McCormick Place West, taking part in educational sessions, keynotes and a bevy of networking and charity events throughout the city. The 2015 event topped the 2014 record-breaking one in Boston, which drew nearly 4,000 attendees. “This year’s program was designed to challenge the most… more
Jan 20, 2015
At last week’s North American International Auto Show Charity Preview in Detroit’s Cobo Center, at which more than 14,000 attendees dressed in tuxes and evening gowns took part, an interesting thing happened on the showfloor. Several of the exhibitors, which were the largest car manufacturers from around the world, had really fun, interactive and engaging things to do that not only showed off their products, but also created buzz. With more than 800,000 attendees expected throughout last weekend and this week, it’s an opportune time for the companies to grab people’s attention. Over at the… more
Jan 20, 2015
The Professional Convention Management Association not only brought thousands of convention managers to Chicago for a few days of networking and education last week during its Convening Leaders annual event, but it also gave back to the local community through several programs. “These programs are one way of expressing our sincere thanks to this tremendous community. After our members leave, we hope these donations will leave a lasting impact on the communities, who need assistance in the Chicagoland area.” said Deborah Sexton, president and CEO, PCMA Program: Party With A Purpose… more
Jan 19, 2015
Penton has acquired iNET Interactive, an event and digital information company that focuses on the cloud, hosting and data center segments of the technology sector and includes HostingCon and Data Center World trade shows. These segments are expected to experience annual growth of 25-30 percent in the years ahead, according to industry experts.    “A core element of our strategy is creating scaled positions in advantaged sectors.  This acquisition doubles our tech sector footprint, and does so in exceptionally fast growing segments.  The acquisition of this high quality… more
Jan 19, 2015
The International Association of Exhibitions & Events had a very busy 2014 as evidenced by the list of accomplishments it had throughout the year. "2014 was an incredibly busy year for IAEE," said IAEE President and CEO David DuBois, CMP, CAE, FASAE, CTA. "I am very proud of the committees, task forces and staff who have worked tirelessly to fulfill objectives set forth in our strategic plan, including our two main pillars of focus – Education and Advocacy."  Education Highlights ·  Total Certified in Exhibition Management (CEM) recipient growth was up 23.8 percent… more
Jan 17, 2015
FABTECH, an event for metal forming, fabricating, finishing and welding, experienced its most successful Atlanta show to date, exceeding attendance, exhibitor and floor space records. More than 30,800 attendees from more than 70 countries visited Atlanta for this year’s conference, held Nov. 11-13 at the Georgia World Congress Center. FABTECH 2014 generated an increase of 40 percent in attendance, more than the 2010 expo in Atlanta, resulting in a direct economic impact of more than $38.7 million. Nearly 1,500 exhibitors covered more than 550,000 net square feet with live equipment… more
Jan 15, 2015
An uptick in holiday sales to $616.1 billion, a 4 percent year-over-year increase, was just one piece of good news for the retail industry during the record-breaking Retail’s BIG Show held this week in New York City at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. “Today’s holiday retail sales results are welcome news for our industry and for our economy,” said NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay. He added, “There is every reason to believe that we have moved well beyond the days of consumer pessimism and that the trajectory for retailers continues to point up.” The trade show, owned and… more
Jan 14, 2015
After considering other destinations, the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) decided to keep its annual trade show RECon in Las Vegas for another two years with the option for a three-year extension. ICSC's current contract runs through 2017. The new contract begins in 2018 to potentially 2022, if the extension is exercised. ICSC presented the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority board with a demo check to the Las Vegas community for $223 million, which is the estimated non-gaming impact of the show for Southern Nevada. "We are excited to keep RECon in Las Vegas, where it… 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.