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
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
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.