May 21, 2012
Market Center Management’s Nashville Medical Trade Center has signed up several new exhibitors for the new venue to be built in the downtown area of the city.
“We began this project in the midst of uncertainty about the economy and questions about the viability of a global marketplace for healthcare. But companies have had the time to recognize the cost benefits and business opportunities of a center of innovation attracting visitors from around the world,” said Bill Winsor, president and CEO of Market Center Management Company.
He added, “As the economy continues to… more

May 21, 2012
Guangzhou Guangya Messe Frankfurt Co Ltd, along with China Council for the Promotion of International Trade – Shanghai Pudong Sub-Branch and Shanghai Hongshan Exhibition Service Co Ltd, will launch the Shanghai Intelligent Building Technology fair Sept. 20-22 at Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Center.
According to organizers, the event will meet the growing demand from China’s intelligent building market.
Focused on the theme “Intelligent Building“, the fair will occupy approximately 6,000 square meters of exhibition space.
Exhibitors will be offering… more
May 21, 2012
Global Sources ended 2011 with positive revenue results, but the beginning of 2012 wasn’t as upbeat, with first-quarter exhibition revenue dropping to $2.2 million, compared with $4.4 million the first quarter in 2011.
Global Sources’ management stated the decrease in Q1 exhibition revenues resulted from the rescheduling of one trade show from January 2012 to December 2011.
Print revenue also declined to $4.3 million in the first quarter of 2012, compared with $4.7 million in the same quarter last year.
Online revenue was a bright note, however, with $30.9 million in the first… more

May 16, 2012
Longtime trade show industry veteran Paul Mackler has launched Eagle Eye Expositions and already has started growing his portfolio with the purchase of the Border Security Expo from E.J. Krause & Associates.
Mackler is CEO and president of the new company that was formed by former trade show and media entrepreneur investors.
“There were certain dynamics and growth characteristics that really attracted me to Border Security Expo,” Mackler said of the acquisition.
He added, “This is a large, growing, global and sustainable multi-billion dollar marketplace. I look… more

May 15, 2012
The Center for Exhibition Industry Research will hold its 2nd Annual Predict Conference Sept. 13 in New York City at the Time Warner Center.
The event will be limited to C-level executives and will focus on the results of the CEIR Index, which provides an objective measure of the annual performance of the exhibition industry, measuring year-over-year changes and predictions through 2014.
Attendees will interact with presenters and colleagues throughout the day to share best practices, ideas and future strategies including projected event growth, merger and acquisition strategies and… more
May 15, 2012
The Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute is giving attendees to PACK EXPO International 2012, Oct. 28-31 at Chicago’s McCormick Place, a two-for-one lecture special with James Carville and Dennis Miller taking part in a joint session.
“We’ll be barely a week away from the 2012 Presidential election,” said PMMI president & CEO Charles D. Yuska.
He added, “No matter which way you vote, this pair of pundits will offer unique perspectives on the elections and the issues in the national spotlight.”
Dennis Miller is one of America’s premiere… more

May 15, 2012
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events Public Events Council released its “Public Events Industry 2011” survey report and “Supplemental Report: How the Public Event/Consumer Show Engages with the Younger Generations/Professionals.”
In 2009, the Public Events Council distributed a survey to public event organizers across 22 public events industry sectors to examine overall industry performance.
The report identified which public event industry sectors fared well, which sectors struggled and their expectations for the future.
As a follow-up to that… more
May 13, 2012
Optimism on the showfloors from wide-ranging industries continues to abound with two more shows – the Offshore Technology Conference and Coverings – both posting substantial increases in attendance and other metrics.
The Offshore Technology Conference, held April 30-May 3 at Reliant Park in Houston drew a 30-year high attendance of 89,400, the third highest in show history and up 14 percent from last year.
Attendance surpassed the 2011 total of 78,645, and the sold-out exhibition was the largest in event history at 641,350 square feet with the addition of the outdoor pavilion,… more

May 13, 2012
It’s an extraordinary time in the world of DMOs, with three large city’s bureaus - the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, the Anaheim/Orange County Convention & Visitor Bureau and Visit Orlando - currently looking to find someone to fill their top posts.
After nine years running the bureau in Los Angeles, Mark Liberman recently announced he is going to retire to spend more time with his wife, Karen, as well as increase his work with the Alzheimer’s Association.
“The friendships, experiences and rewards have been many,” Liberman said.
He added,… more
May 12, 2012
Go to enough trade shows and you’ll notice that every event seems to have its own personality, flavor and attitude. Some shows are innovative and visually appealing, some lively and fun, while others more focused and serious.
LIGHTFAIR International, the world’s largest annual trade show and conference for the architectural and commercial lighting industry, could be described as all of the above.
Held May 7-11 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the 23rd annual LFI attracted more than a projected 20,000 attendees and more than 500 exhibitors spanning 200,000-plus net square feet… 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.