Jun 24, 2014
If you’re standing by a Jurassic Park dinosaur and notice a group of Stormtroopers walking by, chances are you’re at Advanstar Communications’ Licensing Expo. The 2014 even took over Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas June 17–19 and saw a strong uptick in retailers and international attendance. “We’ve spent a lot of time focusing on targeting retailers and retail attendance is up by 20 percent,” said Chris DeMoulin, president of Licensing & EVP Worldwide Customer Development at Advanstar Communications. “It’s a global show,… more
Jun 23, 2014
HITEC 2014, a hospitality technology show, officially has kicked off, running June 23–26 at the Los Angeles Convention Center, and the show already is off to a great start. “We have grown again from last year, both in number of exhibitors and show square footage, at nearly a 12 percent increase from 2013,” said Steven Stout, CAE, director of Meetings and Special Events, Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals, which runs the show. He added,  “The exhibitor demand was so great for this year we added ‘Supporter Benefits’ packages for those… more
Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre Hosts 76 Events in May alt
Jun 23, 2014
TheHong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre was the venue for 76 events in May, ranging from major international conferences, exhibitions and concerts to corporate annual dinners, wedding banquets and seminars, which together drew a total of 428,000 visitors from all over the world.  Even though Hong Kong’s provisional statistics of Hong Kong’s retail sales for April were reported to have dropped about 10 percent, compared with the previous year, no related trends could be discerned from the international conferences and exhibitions held at the HKCEC. Monica… more
Jun 23, 2014
If the standing-room only crowd in the “Healthcare Industry Trends Changing the Events Experience” session during the Healthcare Convention & Exhibitors Association’s 2014 Annual Meeting was any indication, it was obvious that top of mind for a lot of suppliers, health care corporate exhibitors and medical associations was the topsy-turvy times in their industry. Chris Metzger, Freeman’s vice president of corporate accounts, led the session on the first full day of the meeting at the Cleveland Convention Center. “Medical and healthcare events have had a… more
PMMI Director of Expositions A.J. Janosko Passes Away Suddenly alt
Jun 23, 2014
PMMI Director of Expositions A.J. Janosko, who was 45, passed away suddenly as the result of an accident over the weekend. “It is with deep sadness that I announce the sudden passing of A.J. Janosko, director of expositions for PMMI, who passed away yesterday as a result of an accident over the weekend,” said Chuck Yuska, president and CEO, PMMI. Yuska added that Janosko joined PMMI in August 2012 to fill a newly created position, handling much of the day-to-day show management. Janosko worked on a portfolio of shows that included PACK EXPO Las Vegas, which drew more than 23,000… more
HIMSS’ Karen Malone Named TSNN Awards Industry Icon Award Honoree alt
Jun 22, 2014
Trade Show News Network will celebrate Karen Malone, vice president of meeting services for the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society, as the TSNN Industry Icon Award honoree at the 5th annual TSNN Awards Nov. 14-16 in Cleveland, Ohio. Malone has more than 30 years of meetings industry experience and has been with HIMSS since 1997. She oversees a staff of 18 in logistics, exhibits and sales activities, including oversight for the planning of HIMSS Annual Conference & Exhibition, a $34 million event that is No. 34 on the 2013 TSNN Top 250 trade show list.  … more
Healthcare Convention & Exhibitors Association Unveils Top 50 U.S. Medical Meetings  alt
Jun 22, 2014
The Healthcare Convention & Exhibitors Association released its list of the top 50 largest U.S. medical meetings held in 2013 The FIME Show, a medical tradeshow based out of Miami, took the top spot with a total reported attendance of 57,000. In the previous four years, the top spot has been held by either Greater New York Dental Meeting or the Radiological Society of North America, who respectively ranked two (54,629) and three (54,008). HIMSS: Healthcare Information & Management Systems Society and American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) round out the top five medical meetings… more
Jun 22, 2014
It’s one thing to build an amazing booth and have the most personable, experienced salespeople possible standing in it, hoping that attendees stop by to check out everything your company has to offer; but it’s a whole other thing to actually do something truly experiential that not only creates a buzz, but also real engagement with possible buyers. There were several companies at the Healthcare Convention & Exhibitors Association’s recent annual meeting and exhibition, held this week at the Cleveland Convention Center that thought out-of-the-box and made an impression on… more
Jun 18, 2014
Earlier this week, more than 100 trade show professionals, including suppliers, organizers and associations representing the industry, went to Capitol Hill to meet with members of Congress for the inaugural “Exhibitions Day”. Topics at hand during the 100-plus meetings were the value of the overall trade show industry, as well as asking for support of the JOLT Act - Jobs Originated through Travel Act; allowing government employees to attend events; the impact of the Visa Waiver Program; the importance of the International Buyers Program; and support of the Travel Promotion Act.… more
Former Louisville CVB Leader, Jim Wood, Tapped to Head Meet AC in Atlantic City alt
Jun 17, 2014
After stepping down from the top post at the Louisville Convention & Visitors Bureau earlier this year, Jim Wood has been tapped to run newly formed Meet AC, a private non-profit sales organization with a sole focus on building the convention, meeting and group market for Atlantic City. Wood will begin his new role June 30. “The entire board was very impressed with Jim’s highly successful track record of accomplishments,” said Jeff Albrecht, Meet AC board chairperson and general manager, Sheraton, Atlantic City. He added, “Everyone we spoke to about Jim reiterated… 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.