Jun 23, 2014
PMMI Director of Expositions A.J. Janosko, who was 45, passed away suddenly as the result of an accident over the weekend.
“It is with deep sadness that I announce the sudden passing of A.J. Janosko, director of expositions for PMMI, who passed away yesterday as a result of an accident over the weekend,” said Chuck Yuska, president and CEO, PMMI.
Yuska added that Janosko joined PMMI in August 2012 to fill a newly created position, handling much of the day-to-day show management.
Janosko worked on a portfolio of shows that included PACK EXPO Las Vegas, which drew more than 23,000… more
Jun 22, 2014
Trade Show News Network will celebrate Karen Malone, vice president of meeting services for the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society, as the TSNN Industry Icon Award honoree at the 5th annual TSNN Awards Nov. 14-16 in Cleveland, Ohio.
Malone has more than 30 years of meetings industry experience and has been with HIMSS since 1997.
She oversees a staff of 18 in logistics, exhibits and sales activities, including oversight for the planning of HIMSS Annual Conference & Exhibition, a $34 million event that is No. 34 on the 2013 TSNN Top 250 trade show list. … more
Jun 17, 2014
After stepping down from the top post at the Louisville Convention & Visitors Bureau earlier this year, Jim Wood has been tapped to run newly formed Meet AC, a private non-profit sales organization with a sole focus on building the convention, meeting and group market for Atlantic City.
Wood will begin his new role June 30.
“The entire board was very impressed with Jim’s highly successful track record of accomplishments,” said Jeff Albrecht, Meet AC board chairperson and general manager, Sheraton, Atlantic City.
He added, “Everyone we spoke to about Jim reiterated… more
Jun 11, 2014
For the past 10 years, George Jage, founder and director of World Tea Expo, has been busy building up the show, as well as launching Healthy Beverage Expo and growing them both into successful events.
World Tea Expo was such a success, that for several years it was named by now-defunct Tradeshow Week magazine one of the fastest-growing shows in the U.S.
But now, Jage has decided to switch tea for another natural product by taking the lead at CannaBusiness Media, a division of Anne Holland Ventures, Inc., headquartered in Pawtucket, R.I., is a publishing and event company serving the medical… more
Jun 10, 2014
With the colder winter days firmly in the rearview mirror and the summer months ahead, companies have kept up a brisk hiring pace into the sunnier, longer days of the season.
Atlanta-based Nth Degree has named Brad Langley as president of its Events division. In this key senior leadership role, Langley will be charged with providing overall strategic direction to and overseeing growth and client service for the company’s Events business.
Langley, a seasoned professional in the global meetings and events industry, has more than 20 years in executive-level leadership roles at Creative… more
May 12, 2014
With 23 years of hospitality and tourism experience under his belt, Ronnie Burt has been tapped as the new president and CEO of the Kansas City (Mo.) Convention & Visitors Association.
Burt’s most recent position was vice president of sales and marketing for Destination DC, the bureau for the Washington, D.C., market.
"The search committee was pleased that an extensive search for a new president and CEO yielded numerous qualified candidates,” said Brenda Tinnen, KCCVA Chair and general manager and senior vice president of AEG/Sprint Center.
She added, “Ronnie’… more
May 11, 2014
Winter is finally in the rearview mirror for most of the United States, and promoting and hiring has continued into April and May for companies in the trade show industry.
David Causton, general manager of Chicago’s McCormick Place, bas been upped by venue management company SMG to regional vice president of the company’s Convention Center Division. Causton, who has been with the center since 2004, will maintain his role as general manager of the facility.
“The successes we have had at McCormick Place are attributable to David’s leadership. He has… more
May 07, 2014
After more than 42 years in the hospitality industry and 14-plus years at the Greater Houston Convention & Visitors Bureau, its president and CEO Greg Ortale submitted his resignation May 1.
Ortale said it seemed like the right time, especially since Houston First Corp., which oversees the city's convention center and other venues and is the majority funder of the GHCVB, is in discussions to possibly absorb it.
“This was totally my decision,” he added. “The No. 1 reason I decided to step down was it seemed like the right time. The changes that are going to go on here… more
Apr 03, 2014
The Louisville Convention & Visitors Bureau naming a president and CEO , UBM signing on a new COO in Brazil, Nimlok hiring a digital marketing manager and Urban Expositions restructuring and making several employee shifts are just a few of the recent people news items in the trade show industry.
The Commission of the Louisville Convention and Visitors Bureau appointed veteran hospitality industry executive Karen Williams as the head of the city’s tourism agency.
She assumes the title of president and CEO, after serving as interim following the departure of Jim Wood in… more
Mar 16, 2014
Transitioning from his role as interim president and CEO of NYC & Company, Fred Dixon has been named the city convention and visitors bureau’s new president and CEO.
Dixon will replace George Fertitta, who stepped down Jan. 1 after joining the bureau in 2006.
“Fred’s been such a star since he joined New York City & Company,” said New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio. “And I don’t know about you; the Southern charm definitely works … As I’ve spent time with him, I became as convinced as everyone on the board that this was the right man… 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.