Sep 03, 2014
Lew Shomer, the executive director for the Society of Independent Show Organizers, will be stepping down from the organization that represents for-profit show organizers when the current management agreement with his management company, Shomex Productions, expires Sept. 30, 2015. Shomer told the SISO Board of Directors at the last meeting in Atlantic City that "it's time to change leadership and continue the growth of SISO." SISO Chairman Rick McConnell said, "With the help of Lew, SISO is in the best possible shape and is a great organization, with lots of upside still to come." He added… more
Sep 02, 2014
Global trade show company Reed Exhibitions has appointed Chet Burchett CEO of the company, and Mike Rusbridge, who previously held that title, will remain in his other role as executive chairman. “Reed Exhibitions has an exciting future ahead with strong growth expected and a clear plan of what will be required to realize our goals over the coming years,” Rusbridge said. He added, “I believe, as both chairman and CEO, now is the right time to separate these two roles to ensure we remain focused on our strategic direction, while executing well on the objectives we set ourselves each year.”… more
Sep 02, 2014
Home to the latest technology ideas and innovations, the Eureka Park Marketplace at the 2015 International CES will expand by more than 50 percent, compared with the 2014 event and feature exhibits from 300 startups.   The 2015 CES, owned and produced by the Consumer Electronics Association, is scheduled to run Jan. 6-9 in Las Vegas.   Returning for its fourth year, the Eureka Park Marketplace will highlight entrepreneurs and their home-grown innovations across the consumer technology spectrum. The Eureka Park Marketplace is expected to span 35,000 net square feet of… more
Aug 29, 2014
Sparkling water infused with dragonfruit, citrus and flowers were a hit at the launch of the wellness-focused Stay Well Meeting rooms Aug. 18 at MGM Grand Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. The program was created in collaboration with Delos, dubbed a pioneer in wellness real estate, and Dr. Deepak Chopra, an alternative medicine guru. “With the creation of the Stay Well Meetings program, we have made a breakthrough in the design and approach of business meetings,” said Delos Founder Paul Scialla. “These features not only provide health benefits to attendees, but also lead to increased… more
Aug 27, 2014
Reed Exhibitions North America has continued to grow its business into the U.S. and Mexico and leading that charge has been Nancy Walsh, executive vice president for North American Tradeshows Effective immediately, Walsh, who has been with Reed for 29 years, was promoted to president, Reed Exhibitions North America.   “Nancy is uniquely prepared and qualified to lead the North American business,” said Chet Burchett, President, Americas, for Reed Exhibitions.  “Her commitment has been unwavering and her contributions to our customers and our business have… more
Aug 27, 2014
OFFPRICE, a trade show for retail buyers and off-price specialists, celebrated its 40th show and 20 years in business Aug.16-19 at the Sands Expo & Convention Center in Las Vegas.  Approximately 26 of the shows have been held at the Sands. What started in 1995 in a few rooms stripped of furniture at the former Debbie Reynolds Hotel has grown into a thriving show and an integral part of the Fashion Week that takes over Las Vegas twice a year. “That first year, we had 24 exhibitors and we still have 15 of them today,” said Todd Fabos, marketing manager at OFFPRICE. Owned by U.K.-based… more
Aug 26, 2014
MAGIC Market Week brought the passion for fashion Aug. 19-21 to the Las Vegas Convention Center and Mandalay Bay Convention Center. Advanstar Global’s biannual trade show is comprised of 10shows that cover everything from apparel to swimwear and footwear. This summer’s event spanned a little more than 1 million net square feet, showcased about 5,000 exhibitors and attracted about 70,000 attendees. “We’re up from February across the board in attendance and square footage,” said Christopher Griffin, president of WWDMAGIC and Sourcing. “We’re also up in the high-single to low-double digits in… more
Aug 25, 2014
Recent labor changes at the Pennsylvania Convention Center already are paying off, with the Philadelphia-based American Association for Cancer Research selecting its hometown for its 2015, 2019 and 2024 Annual Meetings. The AACR Annual Meeting will take place April 18–22, 2015, at the SMG-managed center and will be the largest meeting held in the city next year.      “Philadelphia was a natural choice for our 2015 Annual Meeting,” said the AACR’s CEO Margaret Foti, PhD, MD (hc). “The city is not only our hometown, but it is also an epicenter for groundbreaking cancer… more
Aug 25, 2014
Developers of medical apps will have the opportunity to present their creations live at the App Competition during MEDICA 2014, World Forum for Medicine, to be held Nov. 12-15 at the fairgrounds in Düsseldorf, Germany. MEDICA is billed as the leading international trade fair for the medical sector that attracts more than 4,600 exhibitors and 132,000 visitors from around the globe every year.  A MEDICA expert team will pre-select these app submissions for use in the daily routine of a physician or in the hospital, with 10 developers participating in the competition. The final… more
Aug 25, 2014
The District of Columbia Dental Society (DCDS) selected SmithBucklin to provide full-service association management. Founded in 1866, DCDS is the professional dental association of the nation's capital, representing more than 600 dentists, oral surgeons and dental professionals. DCDS promotes the growth of the dental profession through educational programming, advocacy for its members and raising the oral health literacy of the D.C. community. The society is a chapter of the American Dental Association. Doug Fesler, who works for SmithBucklin in the Healthcare + Scientific Industry Practice,… 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.