New Business Contracts: SMG, Convention Data Services and Hargrove All Boast New Deals

April 15, 2014
New Business Contracts: SMG, Convention Data Services and Hargrove All Boast New Deals alt

SMG snagged yet another venue management contract, Convention Data Services expanded into Mexico and caught the eye of a major new trade show launching next year and Hargrove continued to win new business this year.

Venue Management Company SMG scored another contract for its ever-expanding portfolio with the Branson (Mo.) Convention Center.

SMG was selected over two other firms in a recent request for proposals by the City of Branson.  SMG also named Marc Mulherin as the center’s new general manager.

“We are pleased to welcome the Branson Convention Center to our family of SMG-managed properties and are confident the facility will thrive under Marc’s leadership, combined with SMG’s booking network, client base and other resources and generate a greater economic impact for the city of Branson,” said Gregg Caren, SMG executive vice president for convention and exhibition centers.

SMG assumed managerial responsibility for the facility from Hilton Worldwide Corporation on April 1 and retained the majority of the existing venue staff.

The Branson Convention Center, located in the Branson Landing development in a lakeside setting, offers 113,725 square feet of event space, including a 47,172 sq. ft. exhibit hall attached to a 22,703 sq. ft. ballroom on the first floor and a dozen meeting room ranging from 1,000 to 5,000 sq. ft. on the second floor.

SMG provides management services to more than 230 public assembly facilities including convention and exhibition centers, arenas, stadiums, theatres, performing arts centers, equestrian facilities, science centers and a variety of other venues.

Registration and lead management company Convention Data Services has formed a strategic partnership with Mexico-based Infoexpo.

Together, the two companies will provide show managers who produce events in Latin America with the same registration and lead retrieval products they use for their domestic events.

The first event the partners will work together on is FABTECH Mexico in Mexico City 2014. Show management for FABTECH Mexico is a current CDS client and is very supportive of this new partnership.

“Our strategy at CDS is to expand into international markets. This new partnership with Infoexpo will give us the opportunity to service our clients more efficiently and effectively by leveraging Infoexpo’s vast experience and relationships in the growing Latin American market,” said John Kimball, president and CEO, Convention Data Services.

Humberto Villarino Arenas, president, Infoexpo, added, “The collaboration between Infoexpo and CDS will expand the services that CDS' clients have access to and will provide additional marketing toolsanywhere in Mexico and Latin America.The expertise of both CDS and Infoexpo positions them as the best partners for organizations looking for new opportunities in The Americas.”

CDS also scored he registration services contract for the 2015 launch of PACK EXPO East. CDS will provide registration and lead retrieval for this new event in the PACK EXPO family of tradeshows that expects to draw attendees from a range of critical market segments.

“We chose CDS because of their proactive approach and look forward to working with them. Our new event is already exceeding our expectations, and we believe CDS will provide the technology and personalized customer service that is critical for our exhibitors and attendees,” said Jim Pittas, vice president of Tradeshows, PMMI.

General services contractor Hargrove has had a great start to 2014, winning several new pieces of business.

The company was hired to produce the Rivel exhibit at the 2014 National Investor Relations Institute (NIRI) Annual Conference and Exhibitor Showcase at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas, Nev, the Harris Waste Management Group exhibits to be used at the 2014 Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) Convention and Exposition at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas and the Waste Expo 2014 at the Georgia World Conference Center in Atlanta.

In addition, Esri, a supplier of Geographic Information System software, has awarded Hargrove the opportunity to provide exhibit management services for its booth at the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) National Conference in Boston.

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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.