Apr 29, 2021
The pandemic has resulted in nearly 200 hotels closing their doors permanently in New York City alone. New congressional legislation seeks to save many of the jobs lost in closures there and across the country.
U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) and U.S. Representative Charlie Crist (D-Fla.) have introduced the “Save Hotel Jobs Act” to support hotels and hospitality workers as the industry seeks to rebuild from COVID-19’s damage. The American Hotel & Lodging Association reports business travel is down 85% and is not expected to make a full recovery until 2024.
In total, 3.1 million… more
Apr 27, 2021
London-based Tarsus Group formed a strategic partnership with leading aviation vlogger, content creator and author Sam Chui.
Chui is recognized as one the world’s most famous YouTube aviation content creators with more than 2.5 million YouTube subscribers and counting.
“Sam has built a truly unique platform and has established himself as one of the most exciting and influential aviation content creators out there,” said Douglas Emslie, CEO of Tarsus Group.
He added, “We are delighted to have confirmed his partnership with our Aerospace division, which delivers key events such as the… more
Apr 27, 2021
Caesars Entertainment is going all-in on Atlantic City. The hospitality giant recently unveiled a $400 million master plan investment in its Caesars, Harrah’s Resort and Tropicana Atlantic City casino-resort properties. Already underway, the plans include:
Remodeled guest room towers;
Fresh interior design elements;
Casino gaming floor enhancements;
New dining concepts and amenities and more additions over the next three years.
According to Caesars officials, revitalizing the company’s flagship casino-hotel on the famed Atlantic City Boardwalk, Caesars Atlantic City, will be a… more
Apr 26, 2021
What is the trade show industry going to look like in a post-pandemic “new normal?” That is the burning question the Predict Annual Exhibition Industry Outlook Conference will attempt to answer when it takes place Sept. 13-14 at the MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Md. Produced by the Center for Exhibition Industry Research, the 10-year-old event brings together B2B exhibitions industry executives to learn about and discuss emerging trends likely to impact trade shows and trade fairs over the next three to five years.
“For a decade now, Predict has been a consistent resource for upper-… more
Apr 22, 2021
UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibitions Industry, has launched a new UFI-accredited designation for trade show professionals. Available to members and non-members, the UFI Certified Professional (UCP) is a self-paced, customizable certification program that includes UFI’s existing educational offerings as well as modules offered by a network of global educational partners. Additional benefits for participants include networking, specialization and career development.
So far, three educational partners have been chosen for the program: MBB-Consulting Group (UK), Virtual Events… more
Apr 20, 2021
Five score and two years ago, Frank Addis founded Ohio Displays Incorporated, which notably created early signs for Cleveland’s original Home and Flower Show — a precursor to modern trade shows.
The company, based in Elyria, Ohio, has lasted long enough to come full circle. Way back in 1919, when Addis launched the business, the country was mired in a health crisis we now know as the Spanish Flu. So in 2021, overcoming a little thing like COVID-19 is old hat.
“We’re in our second pandemic and the doors are still open,” said Bob Miller, ODI’s senior vice president and Addis’ great grandson… more
Apr 15, 2021
The Exhibitions and Conferences Alliance is turning to science as its best pitch to legislators to allow the full re-opening of business events.
Last week, ECA, through its Go LIVE Together campaign targeting local, state and federal lawmakers, announced a partnership with Epistemix, a leading analytics tool that forecasts the spread of infectious diseases. A scientific model conducted by Epistemix estimates that an event with 20,000 attendees this summer would have practically no COVID-19 transitions.
The data makes the case that current restrictions, like those in New York and what’s… more
Apr 12, 2021
Las Vegas is back with a vengeance. That was the message at the conventions and hospitality industry panel held March 8 at the brand new West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center, marking Global Meetings Industry Day.
After a devastating year, there’s pent-up demand for a return to live face-to-face meetings events, and Las Vegas is already seeing record gains in bookings through the end of the year and into 2022, according to industry executives who attended the event.
“We’re making great strides and I think things will continue to move quickly,” said Steve Hill, president and CEO of… more
Apr 12, 2021
If a booth stacked with free knickknacks to take home is Exhibit A that trade shows are bouncing back, then PMSI Promos President Marty Bear’s hotel closet is a close second. When there is a rainbow of suits ready to be trotted out over the course of three days, all will be right with the events word.
Bear, the seemingly ubiquitous jack-of-all-sales, is currently signed up for 14 face-to-face events in 2021. He hopes to increase the number to 25 due to an expected rush on meetings late this year.
“In the past 30 days, we have seen a sharp increase of over 35% in new quotes,” he said.
That… more
Apr 08, 2021
Two shows in major metropolises surpassed expectations, demonstrating that the need to reconnect is a powerful propeller for an industry looking to rebound. It is striking that both JIS Miami and the Dallas March Market welcomed participation that exceeded pre-pandemic levels. Here, we look at how the marketing, planning and execution of safe events proved persuasive to large crowds.
JIS Miami
Calling it a “liberating experience,” exhibitors and attendees welcomed the March 2021 Jewelers International Showcase at Miami Beach Convention Center. One of the first in-person trade shows of the… 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.