Nov 23, 2014
Held last week in Las Vegas, DEMA Show not only had a sold-out showfloor, but also saw attendance numbers trending 8 percent higher, compared with 2012, when it was last held in the city. Final attendance numbers are not yet available.  The show, held Nov. 19-22 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, spanned 145,790 net square feet with 644 companies, representing 5.6-percent growth, compared with the last show cycle. "DEMA is a great client, and they continue to bring fresh ideas that add value to their show each year," said Andrew Ortale, National Trade Productions' executive vice… more
Nov 19, 2014
How do attendees of the first-ever Niche EventFest get to a networking party? They have a traditional second line parade down the middle of Poydras Street in New Orleans accompanied by a brass band and a police escort. Niche EventFest, held Nov. 3-5, is the creation of Carl Landau, self-proclaimed Grand Poobah of Niche Media and believer that fun and conferences go well together. This isn’t Landau’s first rodeo though. Niche Media is the producer of Niche Media Conference, Niche Digital Conference and Niche CEO Summit. Landau said the idea for Niche EventFest came from the obvious interest in… more
Nov 18, 2014
A new show that will explore the business of space - the Space Commerce Conference and Exposition (SpaceCom) – is set to launch Nov. 17-19 at the George R. Brown Convention Center. Supported by NASA's Johnson Space Center, SpaceCom is designed to catalyze the economic development of space, the creation of new business models to support that development and the application of space technologies across important industry sectors of the global economy, according to show organizers. "The impact of space commerce is already being felt across the economy… more
Nov 18, 2014
SACEOS, the Singapore Association of Conventions, Exhibitions and Suppliers and SISO, the Society of Independent Show Organizers, have jointly signed an agreement to share knowledge and information among their respective exhibition industry members. "This agreement will offer our members an unprecedented opportunity to grow their respective brands in and around the Singapore area as we recognize Singapore as central to the entire ASEAN market base,” Rick McConnell, Chairman of SISO, said. SISO, established in 1990, has more than 160 members globally, but with its largest number of members… more
Nov 18, 2014
Irving, Texas-based Hanley Wood, a multimedia company serving the residential, commercial design and construction industries, has sold its Hanley Wood Exhibitions business to Informa PLC, a U.K.-based publishing and events company that operates in more than 40 countries.  The $375 million sale is subject to customary regulatory review and is expected to close by the end of 2014. Upon the closing of the transaction, the exhibitions business will be rebranded Informa Exhibitions US and will maintain its headquarters in Irving, Texas. Rick McConnell will continue to lead the company as… more
Nov 18, 2014
The Professional Convention Management Association has selected the 2015 class for their 20 in their twenties program, which is designed is designed to engage the best and brightest young professionals in the meetings industry by recognizing emerging leaders.  “We are privileged to once again have the opportunity to strategically partner with PCMA, the PCMA Education Foundation and their 20 in their Twenties initiative,” said Bob Lander, President and CEO of the Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau, the program’s sponsor. He added, "As an inaugural partner, we were thrilled to… more
Nov 17, 2014
The National Society of Genetic Counselors Annual Education Conference was named the overall fastest-growing show in net square footage and UBM's Medical Design & Manufacturing (MD&M) Minneapolis and MinnPack snagged the overall fastest-growing show in attendance at the 2014 TSNN Awards, held Nov. 14-16 in Cleveland. “It’s been a fantastic weekend and Cleveland is a phenomenal city,” said Laura Pabst, who oversees the NSGC show for SmithBucklin. “NSGC is very grateful for this and will be back next year!” Other big winners celebrated during the gala celebration on Saturday night at… more
Nov 12, 2014
PMMI — The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies – wrapped up its biannual PACK EXPO International last week, along with the newly collocated Pharma EXPO 2014,  and attracted a 6.5 percent increase in attendance, compared with 2012, topping 48,600 at Chicago’s McCormick Place. The four-day event was held Nov. 2-5 and covered more than 1.2 million net square feet of exhibit space, with 2,352 exhibiting companies -  an increase of more than 19 percent, compared with PACK EXPO International 2012. “PACK EXPO International 2014 was definitely a success,” said Jim Pittas,… more
Nov 12, 2014
Autumn brought a busy time with companies adding sales, marketing, operations and executive positions to their employee rosters. Shepard Exposition Services added of two new national sales managers to help support its expanding business in the Orlando and Las Vegas markets. Alex Shelton will be based in Shepard’s Las Vegas branch and Tony Diehl in their Orlando branch. Richard Maples, Shepard’s executive vice president of sales, said, “As we continue to grow our business, it’s critical that we maintain our focus on providing the best customer service, experience and success in the industry.… more
Nov 12, 2014
The Consumer Electronics Association named Denise Medved vice president of sales and business development for the International CES and International CES Asia. Medved previously ran Tiny Kitchen Inc., where she served as president and CEO since its establishment in 2005. Tiny Kitchen ran shows such as the MetroCooking DC’s Metropolitan Cooking and Entertaining Show, which recently had a majority stake acquired by E.J. Krause & Associates. Medved also held senior management positions at Reed Exhibition Companies, IDG World Expo, and National Trade Productions. “We are thrilled 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.