Jun 05, 2013
Several days after contract renewal talks broke down between Global Experience Specialists and the Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters Local 1027, the two entities have not come to a resolution over wage increase expectations. June 4 article announcing talks breaking down: Contract Talks Break Down Between Chicago Warehouse Carpenters, GES Talks broke off because of the union’s request for a 17-percent wage increase during a 4-year period and GES’ offer of a 15-percent increase during the same 4-year time period. “While achieving solid agreements with GES’s… more
Jun 04, 2013
In April, the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia issued RFPs for the management and operation of the venue, and West Conshohocken, Penn.-based SMG prevailed as the winner of the lucrative five-year contract. The venue’s board first voted 13-2 to privatize the center and 12-3 to give the contract to SMG. "To be given this vote of confidence in our own backyard is a real thrill,” said Gregg Caren, SMG’s senior vice president strategic business development. He added, “We love this city and the Pennsylvania Convention Center. So many of their clients (… more
Jun 03, 2013
General service contractor Fern Exposition & Event Services bought another GSC, NexxtShow, which will operate as an independent company. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. “Both Fern and NexxtShow are foremost focused on customer service and providing personalized approach to meeting each customer’s business objectives,” said Aaron Bludworth, Fern’s president and CEO. He added, “In an industry where business models are forced on customers in the name of productivity or efficiency, both Fern and NexxtShow will continue to deliver customized services and… more
Jun 03, 2013
The 2013 NACS (National Association of Convenience Stores) Show will feature a 392,000 net square foot exposition, which will make it the largest NACS Show expo ever. This year’s NACS Show will take place Oct. 12-15 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. A total of 1,050 companies are exhibiting at the 2013 NACS Show - 150-plus companies are first-time exhibitors. “We are extremely pleased with the strong exhibitor commitment to the NACS Show in 2013,” said NACS Vice Chairman of Convention Pat Lewis, a partner at Twin Falls, Idaho-based Oasis Stop ’N Go.… more
Jun 03, 2013
Citing a difference in wage increase expectations, Global Experience Specialists said contract renewal talks broke down last week with the Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters Local 1027, who work in the warehouse on exhibits and other projects. Negotiations had been in the works during the past month in “good faith” between the two parties for a new, 4-year contract, according to GES officials. Frank Libby, president of the Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters, said his group wasn’t willing to comment on the situation as of yet, but would be releasing a statement in… more
Jun 03, 2013
Reed Exhibitions’ Americas Incentive, Business Travel & Meetings Exhibition, on tap June 11-13 at Chicago’s McCormick Place, will feature a roundtable of meetings association leaders from around the world to debate future industry trends and challenges.   Major topics of discussion will include insights into the future of face-to-face meetings, the impact of technology in meeting planning, the current evolution and innovation for tradeshows, the increasing need to tie meeting outcomes and content to business goals and the continued importance of education and sharing… more
Jun 02, 2013
George Little Management’s International Contemporary Furniture Fair is experiencing a growth streak, with the recent show scoring 12-percent growth in attendance and 14-percent growth for the size of the showfloor, both compared to the previous year’s show. More than 29,642 attendees flocked to the 165,000 net square foot showfloor May 18-21 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center of New York. “We’re thrilled that the ICFF is experiencing this unprecedented growth spurt 25 years into its existence,” said Kevin O’Keefe, senior vice president of GLM. He… more
Jun 01, 2013
Lack of funding, provided by the San Diego-based Tourism Marketing District, almost led to the complete closure of the San Diego Tourism Authority, which would have resulted in 85 people losing their jobs and a halt to the city’s sales and marketing efforts. SDTA operations were meant to cease June 3, but on May 31, San Diego Mayor Bob Filner signed a last-minute deal to release $5.7 million to the TMD that allowed the SDTA, the city’s convention and visitors bureau, to stay open for business. The spat originated because of a 2-percent hotel tax that equals about $30 million… more
May 31, 2013
With 52 percent of the International Association of Exhibitions and Events’ membership being women and 24 percent of those in C-level positions, the organization heeded the call from its ranks and launched the IAEE Women’s Leadership Forum May 29-30 in Washington, D.C. Seventy suppliers and show organizers gathered to hear from CEOs from within the trade show industry, as well as speakers such as Betsy Myers, founding director of the center for Women and Business at Bentley University and author of “Take the Lead: Motivate, Inspire, and Bring Out the Best in Yourself and… more
May 27, 2013
The National Association of Music Merchants recently named Cindy Sample director of Trade Show Operations, overseeing the association’s events. Sample previously held the position as operations director for Nielsen Expositions, where she worked on shows such as Outdoor Retailer and ASD Las Vegas. "It is critically important to us that our members have an amazing experience at NAMM's trade events," said Joe Lamond, president and CEO of NAMM. He added, "Cindy's reputation as a creative, innovative and visionary professional, as well as her 18 years of trade show… 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.