Nov 08, 2024
In October, event organizers, associations, and suppliers welcomed new talent and promoted seasoned professionals as the trade show industry continues a bustling fall and turns its attention toward a strong finish to a busy year. In addition to the news that Julie Coker has been tapped to lead NYC Tourism + Conventions, here’s our recap of trade show moves in the last month.
TSNN’s take on the biggest move in October: Clarion Events has appointed Chris Brown, principal at Level Up Event Strategies, to lead The Clarion Events Collaborative: Elevating Association Events along with Liz Irving… more
Oct 24, 2024
In less than two months, Julie Coker, president and CEO of the San Diego Tourism Authority (SDTA), will leave San Diego to lead New York City Tourism + Conventions as its new president and CEO. Coker will remain in her current role until December 6.
As the first Black woman to serve as leader of NYC Tourism + Conventions, Coker will be filling the role of former President and CEO Fred Dixon, who served as the organization’s leader for 10 years, from 2014 until his departure in June 2024, when he was tapped to lead Brand USA. Since Dixon left the organization on July 15, Nancy Mammana, CMO… more
Oct 11, 2024
September was another busy month for the trade show industry, especially among industry suppliers, with organizations across the U.S. welcoming new leadership, promoting hard-working staff, and naming seasoned professionals to executive teams.
TSNN’s take on the biggest move in September: Jennifer LeMaster assumed the helm of the Seattle Convention Center (SCC) as its new president and CEO on September 16. As the first female CEO in the venue’s 36-year history, she replaced Jeff Blosser, who retired earlier this year.
The big picture: LeMaster joins the SCC from the Georgia World… more
Oct 02, 2024
UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, is welcoming a new CEO on Jan. 1: Chris Skeith, OBE, who is the current CEO of the Association of Event Organisers (AEO), an association for organizers of trade and consumer events in the UK, which he has led for 10 years. He will assume the UFI helm from Kai Hattendorf, who has served as the organization’s CEO since 2015.
With his extensive events industry leadership experience and excellent business track record, Skeith is uniquely qualified to take on UFI’s CEO role, said UFI President Geoff Dickinson.
Context: UFI directly… more
Oct 01, 2024
Ask most trade show industry professionals why they chose their line of work, and most will tell you that they “fell into” the business rather than intentionally chose it as a profession. Jenn Heinold is no exception to this story. After graduating with a journalism degree with the intention of becoming a newspaper reporter, Heinold’s first job out of college was at a local non-profit handling media relations for her hometown of Cape May, NJ, where she still lives to this day. A National Historic Landmark city, Cape May hosts numerous events for visitors and locals such as Food & Wine… more
Sep 06, 2024
In August, global trade show and event companies, suppliers, and industry organizations announced a slew of seasoned industry talent acquisitions and executive promotions. Plus, an industry association appoints new leadership.
eMerge Americas
TSNN’s take on the biggest move in August: Global technology conference and expo company eMerge Americas has appointed Greg Topalian, chairman of Clarion Events North America and founder of On Deck Ventures LLC, as a partner and strategic advisor. Held annually in Miami, eMerge Americas connects startups, investors, global tech organizations, and… more
Aug 01, 2024
This summer, trade show and event organizers, media companies, and suppliers were blazing hot with team acquisitions and promotions, attracting experienced industry professionals and young talent alike as they gear up for a full-steam-ahead fall season.
TSNN’s take on the biggest move in July: Joining Questex as vice president and market leader of its Wellness portfolio, Jess Tyler is responsible for overseeing eight trade shows, conferences and hosted buyer events, content and community development for the beauty, spa, and fitness industries.
The big picture: Bringing an entrepreneurial… more
Jul 26, 2024
Ask Visit California President & CEO Caroline Beteta about her path into the destination marketing industry, and she will share that she has always been interested in the power of connection in bringing people together, particularly those who may otherwise have different goals and business objectives.
A California girl through and through, Beteta grew up and went to school in the southern part of the Golden State, graduating from UCLA with an undergraduate degree in political science, earning her masters in public administration, and completing the Stanford University Graduate School of… more
Jun 28, 2024
What do you do when you hit an advancement wall at your job, finding yourself having to fight for your next opportunity or promotion, with nowhere to progress or develop yourself further as an events professional? You start your own company like Meena Chander, founder and CEO of Events Together, a Milton Keynes, U.K.-based event design and management company that organizes corporate events, exhibitions, incentives, awards galas, and more.
“[After working] for an organization for 10 years…I was made redundant and decided to set up Events Together––the name deriving from the fact that events… more
Jun 27, 2024
After leading New York City’s Javits Center for 12 years, Alan Steel will step down as president and CEO at the end of March 2025. A search for his replacement is already underway, according to the New York Convention Center Operating Corp. (NYCCOC), which operates and manages the facility,
Backstory: Leaving behind an indelible legacy of innovation, resilience, and sustainable growth, Steel’s journey with the Javits Center spans 38 years, including 12 years at the helm and 26 years as a customer. He was already a 30-year veteran of the trade show industry when he was appointed its leader… 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.