Mar 16, 2022
U.K.-based Raccoon Events has made its first acquisition, as it continues to expand its U.S. footprint by forging a long-term partnership with Snowsports Industries America in conjunction with the B2C event Snowbound Expo. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.  The partnership is a win for consumers and exhibitors alike and combines Raccoon’s success as a consumer show organizer with SIA’s know-how and reach as the leader of the winter outdoor industry. “This is an exciting development for our U.S, business and is a sign of our continued ambition to deliver exciting and engaging B2C events… more
Mar 15, 2022
Since Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, a number of leading trade show and event industry associations have been taking a stand against Russia’s military aggression, condemning the conflict, announcing the suspension of business activities in Russia, providing information about humanitarian support efforts to help the Ukrainian people and updating members about new measures they’re taking in response to the ongoing situation. UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, convened its executive committee last week in a special session to discuss the association’s continuing… more
Mar 14, 2022
The recovery of the trade show industry continues to pick up momentum as event-related organizations across the U.S. and abroad make acquisitions and form new strategic partnerships to further their long-term business goals.  ASM Global Tapped to Run Olympia London Leading venue and event management company ASM Global has been appointed to manage Olympia London, a premier UK exhibition center located in central London and one of Europe’s most historic venues. The iconic, 135-year-old facility joins ASM Global’s extensive portfolio of more than 300 venues throughout the world, including… more
Mar 11, 2022
Freeman, a leading event management company, has partnered with Hubilo, a leading virtual and hybrid event platform, to provide its customers around the world with a seamless digital component for events.   The alliance is designed to allow Freeman’s customers the ability to tap into the company’s strategic expertise and event planning know-how combined with Hubilo’s best-in-class platform as a one-stop approach to planning and managing all aspects of virtual, hybrid and in-person events. Capabilities through Hubilo include custom branding, mobile ready, personalized networking, break-out… more
Mar 11, 2022
The 2022 Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade Show(SHOT Show), owned and operated by the National Sports Shooting Foundation (NSSF) made a strong return to Las Vegas, drawing more than 2,400 exhibitors and more than 43,000 attendees from 100 countries and featuring its largest floor plan in history. Held Jan. 18-21 at Caesars Forum and The Venetian Expo, the 44th SHOT Show brought the firearm industry together in-person again after holding it’s 2021 edition virtually. As the fifth-largest trade show in Las Vegas, the SHOT Show provides an estimated $88 million in non-gaming revenue to the… more
Mar 03, 2022
6Connex, a provider of in-person, virtual and hybrid event solutions, and BizBash, a trade media platform, recently conducted a survey of event professionals that sought to gauge how events will take place in 2022 and beyond, with virtual and hybrid formats holding steady as go-to options. The survey, which took place in Q4 2021 before the full impact of the Delta and Omicron variants of COVID-19 were known, indicated that more than 75% of respondents will host at least a portion of their events virtually in 2022, while 51% expect most of their 2022 events to be produced in a hybrid format… more
Mar 02, 2022
A growing number of events industry organizations are condemning the acts of aggression on Ukraine, with some suspending business activities with Russia.  IMEX Group, Messe Frankfurt, Messe Düsseldorf, Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) and Events Industry Council (EIC) are among the entities that have issued statements on the conflict showing support for the people of Ukraine and denouncing the Russian invasion. IMEX Group IMEX Group suspended Russian businesses from attending its IMEX Frankfurt show, which is scheduled for May 31-June 2.   “Sadly, we have taken the… more
Mar 01, 2022
Attention global exhibition industry professionals! Are you passionate about the industry and want to be part of its evolution? Do you want to take your career development to the next level? Put your best talent forward by applying for the UFI Next Generation Leadership Grant (NGL Grant) program, now accepting applications through March 28, 2022. Developed by UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, this prestigious talent accelerator program is currently looking for five outstanding, high-potential industry professionals to participate in an eight-month-long project… more
Feb 25, 2022
The Toy Association unveiled plans to change its long-running Toy Fair New York from a late winter to early fall time frame starting next year and set dates for a one-time marketplace in Dallas this year to meet demand. The announcement comes after COVID-19 concerns prompted the cancellation in January of the 2022 in-person edition of Toy Fair New York, which was set for Feb. 19-22 at the Javits Center. It was only the second time the fair was cancelled in its 117-year run. The 2021 edition was also cancelled due to COVID-19. Announced during the Toy Association’s Annual General Meeting,… more
Feb 24, 2022
The recovery of the exhibition industry is accelerating, with global show revenues expected to reach 71% of 2019 levels this year, according to the 28th edition of the Global Barometer report, released on Feb. 24 by UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry.  Designed to assess the impact of global economic conditions on the exhibition industry, UFI’s latest research report provides updates on the impact of COVID-19 and perspectives for the industry in the year ahead.  Conducted in collaboration with 21 UFI member associations and concluded in January 2022, the biannual Global… 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.