Nov 14, 2013
The third annual EVENTtech attracted more than 800 attendees, nearly doubling the conference from last year. And, with more than one-third of attendees as first timers, being able to experience the technology first hand was a huge attraction.  “This year’s EVENTtech was about pushing the technology experience,” said Dan Hanover, editor at Event Marketer Magazine (the host of the event). He added, “You learn about the technology in an educational session, and then go over to the exhibitor and actually test drive it. This year, we had $2 million worth of… more
Nov 13, 2013
The largest horticulture show in the United States, Short Course Convention & Marketplace, decied to stay close to home in 2017 and 2018 when it chose Columbus, Ohio, for the site of its 2017 and 2018 events. Columbus is home to some of the offices for a newly formed association that runs the show.   In September, two national associations representing the horticulture industry – OFA and the American Landscape Nursery Association – voted to join forces as AmericanHort, effective Jan. 1. Next year’s Short Course show will be managed by AmericanHort and held in… more
Nov 12, 2013
It was a long time coming, but the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center of New York recently celebrated the completion of its 110,000 square foot expansion, as well as renovations to the center located in the heart of New York City. Renovations included the installation of a new 240,000 sq. ft. glass curtain wall and the construction of the largest green roof in the Northeast. Billed as “the busiest convention center in the United States”, the Javits Center generated $1.4 billion of economic activity in FY 2012 for New York City and New York State. “The Javits Center fuels… more
Nov 11, 2013
"Zombie Apocalypse" and "Jesus is Lord" custom vehicles next to each other. That pretty much captures the spirit of the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show that took over the Las Vegas Convention Center Nov. 5-8.   From a 2,000-horsepower '68 Charger to a SpongeBob Square Pants Highlander, with a whole aquarium in the back, the most outrageous rides challenged the limits of imagination and drove the business of customization at what looked like a swirling mass of people, cars and parts. The anchor of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week,… more
Nov 10, 2013
Dallas-based Hanley Wood Exhibitions already has spread its wings and launched its World of Concrete show into India, with the show recently running in October in Hyderabad, and now it’s taking the brand to Europe. Hanley Wood signed a memorandum of understanding with S.E. INTERMAT, owner of the INTERMAT series of shows, to debut World of Concrete Europe, alongside the next INTERMAT show in 2015 in Paris. “We are very excited by this partnership, which is another major step in the worldwide development of World of Concrete subsequent to the launch of World of Concrete India,… more
Nov 06, 2013
Bring up the words “virtual trade show” around many in our industry and eyes start to roll. You’re even likely to get the cold shoulder here and there. At least one person will emphatically state, “virtual shows will never replace face-to-face events.” But two organizations have embraced virtual trade shows, while taking two very different approaches. The International Wireless Communications Expo (IWCE) uses their virtual trade show as a marketing tool for their real world event. The virtual show, held almost four months prior to their real world show,… more
Nov 06, 2013
This year, WESTEC had more than 10,000 attendees for a show that was normally held in March.  Show organizers decided to move the show up to October, in the hopes it would increase the attendance.  “The decision seemed to be a good one, as WESTEC saw 10,000 more square feet of exhibitor space and 1 million more pounds of machinery on the show floor compared to last year,” said Christine Longroy, events manager for Society of Manufacturing Engineers/WESTEC. This year’s show, held Oct. 15-17 at the Los Angeles Convention Center, showcased the future of… more
Nov 05, 2013
Food Services of America and the Oregon Convention Center reached a new high mark in their efforts to recycle, reuse or donate. FSA's Trends Show that took place Oct. 22 at the OCC achieved an 86-percent diversion rate, which included 2,080 pounds of pre-consumer food donated to the Oregon Food Bank, enough to provide 1,600 meals to the needy.  “We have about five food events a year, and while we don’t do this level of tracking for other shows, we can say it is rare to have that kind of commitment,” said OCC Sustainability Coordinator Erin Rowland. “This is… more
Nov 03, 2013
The overall fastest-growing show in net square footage was awarded to Hart Energy’s DUG Eagle Ford, and the overall fastest-growing show in attendance was awarded to George Little Management’s Surf Expo at the 4th Annual TSNN Awards, held Nov. 1-3 in Reno, Nev. Barry Haest, vice president of events for Hart Energy, took the stage in front of a room filled with show organizers, their guests, sponsors and VIPS at the Peppermill Reno to accept the award. “This is totally unexpected,” Haest said. “It’s really a team effort.” Other fastest-growing show… more
Nov 03, 2013
AMT - The Association For Manufacturing Technology has signed on UPS as a major sponsor for the organization and its massive trade show – International Manufacturing Technology Show.   UPS will now be recognized as an official “Global Logistics Provider to IMTS and AMT.” “In AMT’s 110-year history, this is our first sponsorship with a global logistics provider,” said Peter Eelman, AMT vice president - exhibitions and communications. He added, “We are confident UPS will bring great value to AMT members and IMTS stakeholders. UPS is known for… 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.