Oct 28, 2020
On Oct. 21, Miami Beach Convention Center hosted The Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau Annual Meeting, the first event to take place at the venue since it reopened in October after closing due to the pandemic in April.  The facility’s 60,000-square-foot Grand Ballroom was well-equipped to accommodate social distancing for 200 in-person guests. MBCC worked with Smart City Networks and Everlast Productions to also create a seamless livestream for an additional 478 virtual participants. All participants attending in-person were subject to a temperature screening, and facial coverings… more
Oct 14, 2020
In a rather bold move amidst a tumultuous year for the tourism industry, Visit Spokane has unveiled a restructuring of its business model that will lead to a short-term reduction in revenue but ultimately open up other avenues of funding and allow the organization to live more fully into its mission of marketing the whole region.  “We found our old model to be antiquated and restrictive,” says Meg Winchester, president and CEO of Visit Spokane. “The hope is that by restructuring the way we do business we will create better partnerships with Spokane’s hospitality community, which will make… more
Resch Expo
Oct 13, 2020
The home of the Packers will also be home to an expansive new event venue by January 2021. Resch Expo, a 125,000-square-foot, column-free exposition center, is located in Green Bay, Wisconsin, adjacent Lambeau Field in the city’s entertainment district. Together with the existing Resch Center — which opened in 2002 and hosts events from concerts to trade shows — it will make up the new Resch Complex. More than 700 hotel rooms and a dozen restaurants are within easy walking distance of the complex, complementing the city’s more than 4,500 total hotel rooms. Design of the non-union Resch Expo… more
Oct 09, 2020
A new commercial and architectural lighting trade show and conference will launch at Dallas Market Center in fall 2021. Designed for lighting designers and specifiers, interior designers and architects, the inaugural ArchLIGHT Summit will take place Sept. 21-22 at Dallas Trade Mart. This on-campus venue is already home to the permanent marketplace for the semi-annual Lightovation, the largest residential lighting show in North America, scheduled to run Jan. 7-10, 2021.  “Listening to thought leaders for design and the built environment, we recognized that there is an opportunity to fill a… more
Oct 07, 2020
NürnbergMesse Group, one of the world’s 15 largest trade fair companies based in Nürnberg, Germany, launched a new class last month as part of its ongoing annual training program for aspiring young exhibition industry professionals. Ten trainees and five students began training programs or dual-track study curricula in September at NürnbergMesse and the Ravensburg University of Cooperative Education in Ravensburg, respectively.  This year’s class includes eight event management assistant trainees, one marketing communications trainee and one digitalization management trainee, who are joined… more
Sep 29, 2020
Dallas Market Center has signed a multi-year development and management agreement with Dubai Global Connect, the new 10-million-square-foot wholesale marketplace in Dubai opening in 2023. The deal was signed with the Dubai Global Connect ownership team, comprising the Investment Corporation of Dubai in partnership with Dubai South, an emerging master-planned district.  Currently under construction, Dubai Global Connect will be the first permanent B2B marketplace for consumer goods in the Middle East, open year round to qualified retail buyers and designers, manufacturers and industry… more
Sep 24, 2020
Meetings in Seattle are about to be back in business. Washington State Governor Jay Inslee has modified the state’s Phase 2 and Phase 3 restrictions around business meetings, professional development training and testing, and similar activities, effective Sept. 21. According to the new guidance, the Governor’s Safe Start reopening plan will permit meetings and business events to be held at an indoor capacity of 30 percent or 200 guests, whichever is less (excluding venue staff). Adherence to strict COVID-19 protocols must be followed, including implementation of social distancing… more
Jul 31, 2020
Printing and signage company Innovative Displays, a partner of Greater Columbus Convention Center in Ohio, is establishing a Personal Protective Equipment Resource Center within the venue featuring an online ordering portal and curbside order delivery. ID expanded its offerings to assist clients and the community during the coronavirus pandemic.  “Innovative Displays is not just our company name, it’s also the way we do business,” said said ID President Mike Foley. “Our unique ability allowed us to quickly pivot during the pandemic utilizing our existing design, engineering and manufacturing… more
Jul 14, 2020
Orange County Convention Center in Orlando is getting back to business safely by welcoming a trade show and conference designed to help the live events industry do the same.  Set for July 24, the Together Again Expo will offer attendees and suppliers the opportunity to learn about new industry best practices, strategies and tools for safely and responsibly reopening live events, conventions and trade shows.  A collaboration between the OCCC and Alliance Nationwide Exposition, a nationwide general services contractor, the face-to-face event is open to all event professionals and suppliers… more
Jul 08, 2020
The Anaheim Convention Center became the first convention center on the West Coast to receive the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC) STAR accreditation. “This is an important step in the eventual, safe and responsible reopening of the Anaheim Convention Center,” said Tom Morton, executive director of Convention, Sports & Entertainment for the city of Anaheim. He added, “Event organizers and attendees can have confidence that our facility meets the highest standards of cleaning, disinfection and prevention. This accreditation is one part of a larger, comprehensive plan that will… 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.