Nov 09, 2020
Claude Molinari, general manager of TCF Center, has been chosen as the new president and CEO of the Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau, effective Jan. 1, 2021. He will succeed current president and CEO Larry Alexander, who is retiring at the end of 2020 after leading the DMCVB for 22 years. In this role, Molinari will be responsible for developing the DMCVB’s strategic direction and overseeing its operations, providing the necessary leadership and direction to enable the organization to attract meetings and conventions, leisure and business visitors to metropolitan Detroit and… more
Nov 07, 2020
Eight months after Caesars Forum was scheduled to have its grand opening and start welcoming a packed schedule of groups before it was stopped in its tracks by COVID-19, the new venue hosted its first event – the 2020 ConferenceDirect Annual Partner Meeting. “We have always admired the work that Brian Stevens and the team at ConferenceDirect do,” said Michael Massari, chief sales officer for Caesars Entertainment. He added, “We enjoy a long-standing partnership and are pleased that we hosted this important event.” During the closing general session, Massari was recognized by Jerry… more
Nov 06, 2020
SIAARTI, the Italian Society of Anaesthesia, Analgesia, Intensive Care and Resuscitation, together with AIM Group International, a company with 60 years of experience in congresses, events and communication, broke the mold and re-invented the concept of a congress. Through its Traveling with ICARE tour, which took place Sept. 21-Oct. 4, anesthesiologists and resuscitators were greeted around Italy with a traveling knowledge exchange event. “We understood that the scientific society members needed to feel closeness to their colleagues engaged in the ongoing health emergency, and it was… more
Nov 04, 2020
Implementing comprehensive safety measures, High Point Market forged ahead with its fall show, wrapping up the nine-day expanded home furnishings event on Oct. 21. Held Oct. 13-21 at High Point Market in High Point, N.C., the Fall Market experienced lower and more sporadic visitor traffic than in previous years. However, exhibitors reported strong order-writing thanks to serious buyers who showed up ready to do business.  “We kicked off Market with an energetic and exciting day full of appointments and walk-ins on Tuesday,” said Amanda Kinney, co-owner of Antique & Design Center of High… more
Oct 29, 2020
Informa Markets has consolidated its North America-headquartered brands under a single leadership team led by Nancy Walsh, who has been promoted to the role of President of the expanded North America portfolio. “Since joining us, Nancy has immersed herself in understanding what value we can offer to our customers through our brands and developed solutions that keep our communities connected, 365 days a year,” said Charlie McCurdy, CEO Informa Markets. He added, “She and her team have demonstrated innovation and entrepreneurship – two fundamental attributes to our culture at Informa Markets… more
Oct 28, 2020
Clarion Events has announced it has acquired California-based Quartz Events, the fastest growing producer of invitation-only, executive summits in North America. Clarion Events has a diversified business model that has evolved through high-growth market acquisitions, diversification across industry sectors and a strong focus on digital and virtual products. With the live event space under tremendous pressure today, Clarion has been able to find new ways to quickly and successfully deliver customer value and attract new customers in uncertain times. Quartz Events will be key in stimulating… more
Oct 27, 2020
Industry leaders from across the U.S. came together at Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas on Oct. 22, for Expo Recovery, a face-to-face meeting to discuss recovery solutions and also test-drive a safe, socially distant event. From next-level technology to room setup to breakfast on individual side tables, it offered a glimpse of what could be in store for our industry over the next year.  “Our event grew from an off-the-record weekly call with industry stakeholders,” said Martin Glynn of MAD Event Management, which organized the event. “We realized that even though these people don’t typically… more
Oct 22, 2020
For exhibiting companies unable to participate in overseas trade shows due to travel restrictions, help is on the way. Launched in early October, the International Exhibitor Representation Program enables exhibitors to continue selling and/or break into targeted markets at trade shows all over the world, even if they can’t be there in person.  Depending on the show, IERP functions as a remote booth or pavilion, using its network of in-country exhibition professionals filling in for exhibitor teams that are unable to travel to show sites, said Diane Bjorklund, founder of Chicago-based… more
Oct 22, 2020
From Dec. 3-6, general service contractor Alliance Nationwide Exposition will launch Orlando Winterfest 2020 at Orange County Convention Center. Held in partnership with International Drive Business Improvement District and iHeartMedia, Orlando Winterfest will be the first holiday gift show of the year, after previously scheduled events have either been canceled or postponed into 2021 due to COVID-19. According to event officials, this event will provide the time and space for companies that haven’t had a way to network with their customers face-to-face to make the sales they desperately need… more
Oct 20, 2020
Raccoon Events will be expanding its award-winning U.K.-based National Running Show series to the United States. The first in a series of Run Show USA events will take place Jan. 29-30, 2022, in Boston at the Hynes Convention Center. The two-day event, planned to be 75,000 square feet, will play host to some of the most inspirational faces from the world of running, including Carl Lewis, Dean Karnazes, Susie Chan, Kelly Roberts, Camille Herron and Lazarus Lake, who will lead a packed schedule of inspirational and educational talks on the Inspiration Stage. There also will be practical… 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.