Apr 08, 2016
The first quarter of 2016 saw a busy hiring period, with companies ranging from audio-visual to for-profit show management to convention and visitors bureaus.
Surf Expo, the largest and longest-running boardsports and beach/resort lifestyle trade show in the world, has named Rod Tomlinson as sales manager for the Surf Category of the show. He is replacing Ryan Nettleton.
Tomlinson was most recently a sales executive for Interbike, the largest bicycle trade event in North America, also owned and operated by Emerald Expositions.
“Surf Expo is excited to bring Rod Tomlinson to our sales team… more
Mar 17, 2016
Suppliers ranging from convention and visitors bureaus to electrical services to display companies either promoted from within or added onto their ranks to mark the beginning of a busy spring season.
Claude Molinari has been named by SMG the general manager of Cobo Center, effective immediately.
Since SMG assumed operations management of Cobo Center in 2010, Molinari has been the assistant general manager of Cobo under Thom Connors.
Connors will continue his corporate role with SMG, including oversight of the Cobo Center account. “This is a natural transition,” Westley said, SMG’s president… more
Mar 08, 2016
The Appointment Group (TAG), an independent travel management company, has appointed Brandon Chan as the general manager of its Singapore office.
Chan joins TAG Singapore after a long career in the hospitality, travel and events industry under a number of leadership positions, including director of sales and marketing at Design hotels for the Asia Pacific region and a stint at Rosenbluth International, a privately owned independent travel company.
In his new role, spearheading the Singapore operation, Chan will be supported by Jodie Hobday, who takes on the position of operations manager of… more
Mar 07, 2016
The Expo Group has named Randy Pekowski president of the company, of which he already serves as COO.
Founder and former President Ray Pekowski will remain CEO and chairman of the business.
The promotion is part of the strategic succession plan the company has put in place for the next generation of leadership.
“It has become clear Randy is the right person to lead The Expo Group into the next 25 years,” said Ray Pekowski.
He added, “In his role as COO, he has been leading our day-to-day operations, gaining extensive experience and showing his great passion for this business. I am looking… more
Feb 29, 2016
National Trade Productions, the San Diego Convention Center Corporation and MC2 all have named new leaders in their companies.
National Trade Productions has promoted Christopher Harar to president of NTP Events. In this role, he will oversee the Events Division, including all show management, personnel and administration.
Harar will provide leadership working strategically with the Event Services teams to ensure outstanding customer service through the management of NTP's Client Care Program.
"Chris is an exceptional executive and his insights, ideas and leadership have been a… more
Feb 23, 2016
The past month has marked a busy time, with several companies not only bringing on new employees, but also naming people into top positions.
SnowSports Industries America, the snow sports industry’s member-owned trade association, has named Nick Sargent as SIA president.
Sargent, who joined the organization in August 2015 as SIA’s incoming president, has spent the last five months working alongside exiting President David Ingemie.
“Nick holds a background in all aspects of the snow sports industry, which has proved to be extraordinarily beneficial in helping to strategize future growth,” said… more
Jan 21, 2016
The New Year signaled an even bigger uptick of hiring in January not only in companies based here in the U.S., but also some well-known ones overseas.
The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority’s (MCCA) newly minted Executive Director David Gibbons made two key senior executive decisions by naming Fred Peterson as the new deputy director and Dennis Callahan as the general counsel for the organization.
Peterson served as the interim executive director from July 1, 2015, until Dec. 31, 2015, while also fulfilling the duties of director of facilities operations.
Callahan, similarly,… more
Jan 07, 2016
Julie Coker Graham officially stepped into her new role Jan. 1 as the president and CEO of the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB).
She assumed the role following the retirement Dec. 31 of former President and CEO Jack Ferguson.
In June 2014, Coker Graham was promoted to executive vice president of the PHLCVB as part of a strategic succession plan that allowed her to continue leading the organization’s convention sales efforts, while expanding her responsibilities to include overseeing all of the PHLCVB’s departments and operational duties.
A 21-year Hyatt Hotel Corporation… more
Dec 09, 2015
Whoever said December was a slow month, might have been wrong when it comes to end of this year’s new hires and promotions, with several companies bringing people on before kicking off a fresh start in 2016.
Global Experience Specialists recently named Wendy Gibson as executive vice president of global marketing.
Gibson is an accomplished B-to-B marketing leader with a high-tech background and brings 25 years of managing all aspects of marketing, including branding, lead generation, product marketing, corporate marketing, digital, social and business development.
As executive vice president… more
Oct 24, 2015
William T. Glasgow Sr., a 65-year veteran of the trade show industry, passed away peacefully in his home Oct. 23.
“BG”, as he was known, started his career in the industry at Conrad Hilton Hotel in Chicago, while attending Loyola University.
In 1967, he became director of sales for Hilton Catering at McCormick Place, and later returned to McCormick Place as director of sales and marketing for Greyhound Food Management.
In 1975, he was hired as show manager by the Electronic Industries Association to manage its winter and summer Consumer Electronics Shows (held in Chicago and Las Vegas). He… 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.