Jul 18, 2014
Advanstar Communications reportedly is looking into a possible sale, and the company could go for more than $900 million, according to a news report from Reuters.Citing people familiar with the matter, who did not want to be named because the possibility of a sale is not public, the news report said “Advanstar is working with investment banks Goldman Sachs Group and Moelis & Co to assist with efforts to find a buyer.”Contacted by TSNN, Advanstar declined to comment on the Reuters article.The company serves the fashion, licensing, life sciences and powersports industries with its portfolio… more
Jul 17, 2014
As part of an ongoing series, TSNN Reporter Traci Browne will be profiling trade show executives and asking them probing questions like if time travel were possible, where would you go and why? Twenty-nine year trade show industry veteran Chris Brown, executive vice president of Conventions & Business Operations for the National Association of Broadcasters, which oversees the NAB Show, is the first interview in what promises to be a fun series.1. Where did you grow up? What was your adolescent experience like?I was an Army brat. Spent my very, very young years in Germany and Bangkok. I… more
Jul 15, 2014
Educational meetings are becoming a major piece of business for Atlanta, with 8 percent of their total bookings currently in this sector and that number is expected to rise in the future. The latest educational meeting to come to town was the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), which had a record-breaking number of attendee registrants for their annual Conference and Expo, held June 28-July 1 at the Georgia World Congress Center. ISTE 2014 drew 16,039 registered attendees, representing an increase of 2,500 registrants, compared with their previous record. ISTE will… more
Jul 15, 2014
The American Society of Association Executives is set to honor six associations with the 2014 Summit Award, which is the highest recognition under the organization’s The Power of A Awards. The six organizations will accept their awards Oct. 1 during the 15th Annual Summit Awards Dinner at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C. The winners were selected by the Power of A Awards Judging Committee, which received more than 90 applications this year. The awards are part of The Power of A campaign, which ASAE launched in 2009 to increase awareness about issues that impact… more
Jul 15, 2014
Dr. Robert Gates, former secretary of defense and director of the Central Intelligence Agency, has been tapped as a closing general session speaker at the NACS (National Association of Convenience Stores )Show, which takes place Oct. 7-10 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Gates served as the 22nd secretary of defense from 2006 to 2011 under both President George W. Bush and President Barack Obama. “Dr. Gates will deliver a compelling behind-the-scenes view of world events over the past quarter century, as well as the context for how current affairs could affect and reshape our… more
Jul 14, 2014
After being hit hard by increased competition with legalized gambling proliferating throughout the East Coast, Atlantic City, N.J., which used to be one of the very few places to play the slots or tables in the U.S., is going through a major reinvention. The past few weeks have been filled with tough news for the city, with the storied Showboat Casino slated for closure, as well as the just-announced Trump Hotel and Casino and the possibility of the two-year-old, $2.4 billion Revel casino property as well, if it doesn’t find a buyer. “The fact is that Atlantic City is a destination in… more
Jul 14, 2014
Nominations now are being accepted online for the longstanding awards program honoring show managers who exemplify excellence in their field. Since 2000, The Expo Group Show Manager of the Year (SMOTY) Awards have been presented to “individuals who are creating amazing experiences with their exhibition and in their marketplace community,” according to TEG officials. "Our independent panel of judges struggles annually to choose winners from among the group of smart, talented professionals," said Ray Pekowski, president and CEO of The Expo Group. "We need your help to make it just as hard… more
Jul 09, 2014
June was a very good month for the city of Boston, with the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority signing 38 contracts for events, breaking the previous best-month record of 30 events booked in December 2005. The events signed in June are expected to generate 472,787 future hotel room nights in the city, which also tops the December 2007 previous high month of 435,484 room nights by 8.5 percent. “As we celebrate the 10 year anniversary of the BCEC this summer, it’s nice to also celebrate yet another record-breaker,” said James E. Rooney, executive director of the MCCA.… more
Jul 09, 2014
Trade Show News Network (TSNN) has unveiled the 2013 TSNN Top 50 Canadian Trade Show list of rankings.   Culled from show management and data supplied to TSNN, the list represents the top 50 trade shows held last year ranked by net square footage in Canada. The full list can be found at: http://www.tsnn.com/toplists-cdn.   Snagging the No. 1 spot once again for 2013 was Regina Exhibition Association’s Canada's Farm Progress Show, with a whopping 1,232,670 net square foot showfloor at Evraz Place in Regina, Saskatchewan. The show, held last year in June, also drew 843… more
Los Angeles Convention Center Scheduled for $10 Million Upgrade alt
Jul 08, 2014
Starting next month and expected to take a year to complete, the Los Angeles Convention Center will receive a $10 million upgrade designed to “enhance the customer experience and to help attract new shows,” according to Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board officials. Work will occur around shows and events scheduled in the center. “The planned changes inside the Convention Center complement the changes taking place outside the Center, including new hotels, restaurants, shopping and cultural offerings throughout Downtown L.A.,” said Ernest Wooden Jr., president… 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.