Feb 14, 2020
Much like social media, podcasts are increasingly becoming a great medium for sharing news, information, tips and best practices in the trade show and events industry. And their popularity is growing. According to Edison Research and Nielsen, there are more than 700,000 active podcasts and more than 29 million podcast episodes in existence, including content in more than 100 languages. As of 2019, 51 percent (approximately 165 million people) of the U.S. population had listened to a podcast.  With the help of some of our podcast-loving #Expochat moderators, including Michelle Bruno of Event… more
Feb 12, 2020
Lisa Sommer Devlin, owner of Phoenix-based Devlin Law Firm which specializes in hospitality law, has received about a dozen phone calls from hotels in the past week. They’re reaching out to her as a result of groups wanting to cancel events without penalties, due to the coronavirus.  While the virus outbreak has been a hot news topic for the past few weeks — and is having an impact on events around the world, especially in Asian markets — there are some misperceptions in the industry regarding the legal perspective around cancellations.  Devlin spells out what you need to know:  First,… more
MAGIC
Feb 12, 2020
The biannual MAGIC fashion trade show that took place at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center Feb. 5-7 had more to deal with than fashion trends. It had to negotiate a move to a new facility and adjust to the rapidly changing global health situation all at once. Usually occupying most of Las Vegas Convention Center, the event made plans to move to Mandalay Bay Convention Center for just one show. “We had to do it to get us back on the normal February and August schedule at the LVCC,” said Tom Nastos, chief commercial officer for the Fashion Group of Informa Exhibitions, which owns the show.… more
Feb 11, 2020
UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, today released the latest edition of its Global Barometer research, which measures the state of the global exhibition industry. Among the highlights: strong industry performance overall for 2019, but also high uncertainty looking ahead for this year in regions such as Asia-Pacific and Latin America. (Note: This research was conducted before the coronavirus outbreak, which may be impacting outlook.) “Exhibitions grew again in 2019, but a slowdown is expected for the beginning of 2020,” says Kai Hattendorf, managing director and CEO of… more
Feb 04, 2020
Emerald Expositions Events today launched a new brand identity, vision, corporate website and formal name change to Emerald Holding, Inc. According to Emerald officials, these changes reflect the company’s evolution and core commitment to building dynamic market platforms that integrate live events, community-relevant content and data-focused solutions into uniquely rich experiences.   “As our portfolio of events and services has advanced, we have now evolved the Emerald brand to better reflect who we are – a company fully immersed in the industries we serve and committed to supporting the… more
Feb 03, 2020
Two leading event producers are expanding their reach in the consumer show marketplace with a popular show acquisition and a launch. Marketplace Events Scoops Up Cincinnati Holiday Market  Cleveland-based Marketplace Events, known as the largest producer of B2C shows in the U.S. and Canada, has acquired the Cincinnati Holiday Market from Hart Productions of Cincinnati, Ohio. As the first of the new year for Marketplace Events, the acquisition marks the 13th since the company was purchased by Sentinel Capital Partners in early 2016.   Held annually at the Duke Energy Convention Center, the… more
Feb 03, 2020
Tarsus Group, a U.K.-based global exhibition company, has formed a joint venture with Las Vegas-based UNFILTERED EXPERIENCE and will partner on a series of shows in the United States focused on the fast-growing independent beauty market. Unfiltered Experience, which began as an event last July in Las Vegas, is led by CEO Daniela Ciocan, who oversaw marketing for the Cosmoprof trade show for 12 years, as well as spent several years prior to that in the beauty industry. ““I am thrilled to partner with Tarsus Group to give us the ability to scale up faster and provide access to an… more
Jan 31, 2020
Coronavirus is all over the news: Airlines are reducing flights to China or grounding flights coming from Wuhan (where the virus originated); Asia trade shows are being postponed; and on Jan. 30, the World Health Organization officially declared the virus outbreak a global health emergency. It’s nearly impossible for event professionals to avoid travel during this time, making it important to take extra precautions to stay well as world health experts work to contain the virus. Here’s what you need to know. How Coronavirus Is Transmitted For the most part, the virus was transmitted… more
Jan 31, 2020
After five years at the helm of Reed Exhibitions, Chet Burchett will be retiring from the global company, and Hugh Jones will be stepping in Feb. 1. “I’m looking forward to bringing more increasingly sophisticated data-led analytics and technology to more customers around the world,” Jones said. “Exhibitions is an exciting, entrepreneurial industry, and the fundamentals of the business are excellent.” He added, “Combining the best of face-to-face connections with technology and rich data analytics will provide new value to our more than 7 million exhibitors and visitors. This ensures that… more
Jan 30, 2020
More than 7,700 people have been sickened and 170 people have died from the coronavirus in mainland China, while at least 68 cases have been reported in other places around the world, according to the World Health Organization. As WHO meets today to decide whether to declare the coronavirus epidemic an international public health emergency, the outbreak is beginning to impact the Chinese trade show industry.  “With Chinese and international authorities very focused on containment, there is a growing consensus amongst the international organizers we are speaking to that this situation will… 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.