Jan 24, 2019
The year started off with a flurry of new hires, making for a busy and exciting January. Here are all the industry professionals who have been making some big career moves recently.
Ed Nichols is now vice president of events for Hannover Fairs USA, the U.S. subsidiary of Hannover, Germany’s Deutsche Messe – one of the world’s largest and most active organizers of capital goods trade fairs. He will manage the commercial vehicle show portfolio, which currently includes the North American Commercial Vehicle Show. Previously, Nichols was vice president of events for Endeavour Business Media.… more
Jan 14, 2019
Karen Kotowski, who has led the Events Industry Council (EIC) for the past 10 years, has tendered her resignation as CEO.
With this change in leadership, EIC has initiated a search to identify a new CEO.
During her tenure, Karen Kotowski oversaw the growth of EIC’s Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) program and the completion of three studies on the Economic Significance of Meetings in the U.S.
In addition, she led the first-ever Global Economic Significance Study -- research that has provided indisputable proof of the economic impact of our industry and a platform for articulating the… more
Dec 03, 2018
U.K.-based Tarsus Group has promoted Tarsus Media President Rachel Wimberly to EVP of Business Development, Tarsus US.
As part of her new role, Wimberly will oversee mergers and acquisitions in the Tarsus U.S. trade show division.
“Tarsus has expanded rapidly in the Americas in the last few years with the addition of connect, EJ Krause Mexico, Expo Restaurante and ETourism,” said Tarsus Group Managing Director Douglas Emslie.
He added, “We have plans to continue to add to Tarsus’s largest geographic division and have appointed Rachel Wimberly to lead the charge. As well as continuing as… more
Nov 07, 2018
On the heels of its recent merger with AmericasMart in Atlanta, International Market Centers has announced a new executive leadership team and a preview of its long-range plans for its furnishings, home décor, gift and apparel Markets and continued capital investment.
Boasting more than 150 years of collective experience in the gift, home furnishings and apparel industries, IMC’s new executive team includes:
Greg Avitabile, Executive Vice President, Operations
Dorothy Belshaw, Executive Vice President, Chief Marketing and Digital Officer
Scott Eckman, Executive Vice President, President… more
Sep 06, 2018
Following the combination of Informa and UBM, Informa Exhibitions has appointed Mark Temple-Smith as managing director for the Group’s Fashion Exhibitions business, which includes leading brands such as WWDMAGIC, COTERIE, PROJECT and PROJECT WOMENS, which all run twice a year in Las Vegas during MAGIC.
“We are pleased to have Mark take on this essential role as we focus on rolling out such an initiative so important to the fashion marketplace and dedicating the right resources – management, technology and branding – to supporting our customers’ success,” Informa Exhibitions CEO Charlie… more
Aug 29, 2018
The Meetings Mean Business Coalition has chosen Trina Camacho-London, vice president of Global Group Sales at Hyatt Hotels, as its next co-chair.
Camacho-London will join Julie Coker Graham, president and CEO of the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau, in leading MMBC, which comprises more than 60 organizations from across the meetings and travel industry that work to advocate the value that business meetings, conferences, conventions, trade shows, exhibitions and incentive travel bring to people, businesses and communities.
“Trina is a long-time member of MMBC who exemplifies… more
Aug 25, 2018
Hiring didn’t slow down in the typically mellow month of August with several cities adding to their convention and visitors bureau ranks, as well as some service providers and show organizing companies.
Rachel Thomas has joined the Specialty Graphic Imaging Association (SGIA) as the new Director of Exhibit Services, overseeing the SGIA Expo and upcoming PRINTING United trade show floors and managing exhibitors’ experiences.
Thomas will handle communication and coordination related to the 2018 SGIA Expo — both prior to and during events — to make the show more engaging for both exhibitors… more
Aug 14, 2018
The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority Board of Directors selected Steve Hill as the next Chief Executive Officer, effective Sept. 1.
Hill will be the ninth leader of the LVCVA, succeeding the retiring CEO, Rossi Ralenkotter.
“I am honored the Board of Directors selected me as CEO of the LVCVA,” Hill said. “The Authority is an integral part of the Southern Nevada economy.”
He added, “I look forward to working with our tremendous team and our mission partners to innovate, improve access to and around the destination and drive growth to keep Las Vegas the number one choice for… more
Aug 02, 2018
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events selected Don Pazour as its 2018 Legend of the Industry.
He will be honored during this year’s Krakoff Leadership Institute (KLI) Aug. 5-6 at the Savannah International Trade & Convention Center in Savannah, Ga.
The KLI Legend of the Industry is selected from IAEE members whose contributions, innovation and leadership have been truly unique and remarkable.
An informal setting then allows each KLI participant face-to-face interaction with this industry leader.
Don Pazour thrives on celebrating and supporting others’ success. He… more
Jul 25, 2018
In the past, companies typically slowed down with their hiring and other employee changes throughout the summer months, but not anymore.
Now, it’s full steam ahead all-year long with a plethora of new hires and promotions occurring throughout the past few months.
Ellen Schwartz has been promoted to General Manager of the Los Angeles Convention by AEG Facilities, operators of the downtown Los Angeles facility.
Additionally, Brad Gessner, who has held the position of general manager of the Convention Center since AEG Facilities was awarded the management contract in October of 2013, has… 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.