Sep 15, 2014
The National Retail Federation’s annual show for the industry – Retail’s BIG Show – definitely takes after its moniker; The show IS big, in fact this year’s, which was held in January at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City, broke all-time attendance records with 30,000 people, an uptick from 27,500 last year. There also were 555 exhibiting companies, up from 494 last year, and 205,000 net square feet, up from 168,000 net sq. ft. last year. But, even the though show is growing, Susan Newman, NRF’s senior vice president of conferences, and Mark Bogdansky, NRF’s vice president… more
Sep 12, 2014
More than 110 C-level trade show organizers and suppliers gathered Sept. 11 in Chicago at the Center for Exhibition Industry Research Predict Conference to not only hear about how the overall U.S. economy is faring right now and into the future, but also about the health of the trade show industry and the sectors it serves. Senior Analyst for CNBC and Financial Industry Expert Ron Insana hosted the event and first sat down with Access Intelligence CEO Don Pazour, who encouraged the audience to support CEIR and the research the organization does for the trade show industry. First up to present… more
Sep 11, 2014
The trade show industry grew by 1 percent in the second quarter of 2014, marking the sixteenth quarter of consecutive growth, according to the CEIR Index Report released today in a room filled with C-level executives at the CEIR Predict Conference in Chicago. All four metrics tracked by the index posted year-on-year gains, with the strongest performance in Real Revenues, which rose 1.4 percent. The growth of the exhibition industry lagged behind GDP during the second quarter of 2014, a reversal of the previous two quarters.  "Overall, the second-quarter results show a meager gain of 1.0… more
Sep 10, 2014
Connectivity was supercharged at the CTIA Super Mobility Week, a trade show and conference for all things wireless that took place Sept. 9-11 at the Sands Expo & Convention Center. The inaugural Week brought together CTIA’s consumer and enterprise-focused events that used to run in the spring and fall, as well as 4G World,  IFA consumer electronics show in Berlin (via online portal) and Competitive Carriers' Association annual conference, which ran at the Cosmopolitan hotel and shared badges with CTIA. “We are a very dynamic industry. We have to start from scratch every year,” said… more
Sep 09, 2014
Despite the news of several casinos closing in Atlantic City, N.J., recently, the meetings and convention business keeps moving forward. From beauty queens to mail carriers to candy store owners, this week will be a busy one at the Atlantic City Convention Center. The facility will welcome more than 9,900 attendees during the course of five events beginning Sept. 8. Included among this week’s events is the Philadelphia National Candy Gourmet & Gift Show, America’s largest trade show for the retail confectioner, which will take place Sept. 7-9 and will host more than 5,000 attendees.… more
Sep 08, 2014
Reed Exhibitions, which currently hosts more than 20 fashion events annually - including Capsule and Agenda shows – will add another show into the lineup with the launch of AXIS. AXIS will take place biannually during New York Women’s Market Week in February and September. The show debuts winter Feb. 22-24 and will be collocated with sister show Capsule Women’s in Pier 94. “AXIS is the first trade show of its kind built for a new generation of women,” said AXIS Show Director Vanessa Chiu, an industry veteran who has spent the last two years cultivating AGENDA WMNS. She added, “Guided by the… more
Sep 07, 2014
This month on Interview With A Trade Show Exec we’ll be getting to know a bit more about another one of our industry’s rock stars – 32-year veteran Robbi Lycett, senior vice president, Conventions & Conferences, Biotechnology Industry Organization, which owns and runs the BIO International Convention. While it may not have the Gothic setting of an Anne Rice novel, I think these main characters are just as complicated and deep as Lestat de Lioncourt and Louis de Pointe du Lac, but without all that brooding undead thing going on. Where did you grow up? What was your adolescent experience… more
Sep 05, 2014
The inaugural International Mining Conference & Expo (IMEX2014) has just surpassed the 250 exhibitor mark, just weeks before the show runs Sept. 23-25 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. IMEX2014 is designed to provide operators with a forum to evaluate suppliers with an objective of improving productivity and operational efficiencies. Interest for this new event has been very strong and the pace of new exhibitor signups has been increasing. Event organizers, SEMCO PRODUCTIONS, a Mining Media International Company, expects well more than 250 exhibitors, in addition to 1,000 qualified… more
Sep 04, 2014
U.K.-based UBM has consolidated its events-led marketing services businesses in North and South America into a single organization with a streamlined management structure.  UBM Americas will be headquartered in New York and led by Sally Shankland, who previously was CEO of UBM Connect, UBM’s non-technology-related business in the U.S. and Mexico.   The integration of UBM Tech and UBM Connect is effective immediately, with UBM Brazil following in January 2015. “The formation of UBM Americas will help the events-led marketing services business in the U.S. grow to its potential,… more
Sep 04, 2014
The Premiere Orlando International Beauty Show signed on for a five-year renewal that will keep the show at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando through 2019.  The home-grown show, spearheaded by Howard Britt, Premier's founder and president, has a major economic impact on Orlando, to the tune of $91 million dollars annually. “We have been at the Orange County Convention Center since 1995 and our partnership between the OCCC and Visit Orlando truly has been an integral part of our incredible success,” Britt said. He added, “We are excited to stay in Orlando for the next 5 years… 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.