Mar 03, 2020
While trade shows throughout the globe are continuing to cancel due to fears of COVID-19, some major events in the U.S. and Germany are forging ahead. They’re leveraging strong and transparent communication plans to reassure concerned attendees and exhibitors that their health and safety remain a top priority.  CONEXPO-CON/AGG & IFPE CONEXPO-CON/AGG & IFPE will be taking place as planned at Las Vegas Convention Center, March 10-14. According to a statement on its website, the show is not only closely monitoring the latest updates from the Centers for Disease Control and the World… more
Mar 02, 2020
The COVID-19 coronavirus has now caused more than 3,000 deaths worldwide from a confirmed 89,253 cases. As this outbreak continues to lead to cancellations and postponements of business events, use these resources to stay informed on the latest news. IAEE Access the organization’s official statement as well as evolving resources on understanding novel coronavirus’ impact on the industry. SISO The Society of Independent Show Organizers is collecting resources and statements here addressing shows that are canceling or rescheduling, as well as news updates directly impacting events. UFI… more
Feb 28, 2020
Reed Exhibitions has acquired two signature events from Intelligent Transportation Society of America (ITS America) — the North American-based ITS World Congress and Annual Meetings — bringing together two respected names in the events and mobility industry. ITS American will continue to lead, manage and deliver content for both events, while Reed plans to bring its global reach and resources to ITS America members and stakeholders through personalized matchmaking, marketing and lead-gen opportunities for exhibitors. “I am delighted to announce this landmark acquisition and look forward to… more
Feb 27, 2020
The first quarter of 2020 has been a bustling time for the trade show industry, with event producers and solutions providers signing a bevy of new clients and renewing deals. Here are some of the latest: Corcoran Expositions Lands Five New Shows Independent trade show organizer Corcoran Expositions recently signed trade show management agreements with five events. They include three American Society of Microbiology shows: Clinical Virology Symposium, ASM Microbe 2020 and the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students (ABRCMS 2020), as well as American Geophysical Union’s… more
Feb 26, 2020
When I first learned about Chicago Planner Master Class, I was intrigued. Put on by Ateema Media & Marketing, this series of events designed specifically for professional event planners and event marketers isn’t a typical talking-head education session or a loose networking opportunity. Instead, events (which take place several times a year) are structured as a brief introduction from a partner sponsor followed by 10 roundtable discussions on topics pre-selected by attendees. I attended my first one last week and not only did I learn a lot, I was also impressed with the layout and flow… more
Feb 21, 2020
The ever-expanding tourism market is getting two new shows this year, one geared toward consumers with a job fair component, and one for business events professionals. Take a look.  Exceptional Experiences in Barcelona Reed Travel Exhibitions will launch Exceptional Experiences, a two-day conference and ideas showcased on experiential marketing and live events, in Barcelona later this year. Set for Dec. 2-3 at Fira Barcelona Gran Via conference center in Spain, the show will take place alongside the business events trade show IBTM World and bring together the creative live events community… more
Feb 19, 2020
In the wake of the expanding coronavirus outbreak mainly within China, but spreading to other countries by the day, the massive Mobile World Congress in Barcelona decided to cancel its show after a slew of major tech firms pulled out citing safety concerns.  While this event is just one of many global trade shows grappling with coronavirus concerns, fears of the COVID-19 virus are not stopping major U.S. trade shows from going forward as planned — but with some extra precautions.  TSNN reached out to several shows on the U.S. trade show calendar in the next few months to find out how they… more
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
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.