News

Jul 08, 2020
There will be a new digital feature at this year’s SOURCING at MAGIC, Informa Markets Fashion’s annual sourcing and supply chain event serving the fashion apparel, footwear and accessory markets. Set for Sept. 30-Oct. 2 at Las Vegas Convention Center alongside MAGIC Marketplace, SOURCING will debut its new virtual trade event designed to connect global buyers and suppliers who are unable to attend the physical show in person due to international travel restrictions. Created to complement what will be a smaller, made-in-the-USA-focused physical event this year, SOURCING’s digital marketplace… more
Jul 08, 2020
With social distancing as part of the new reality the events industry must face for the foreseeable future, planners are having to consider not only how to execute safe and CDC guideline-compliant events, but also ensure that attendees follow those rules. But when involved in conversation and conducting business, it can be easy for people to forget about staying safely apart. While asking event attendees to maintain a 6-foot distance may seem simple enough, how can event organizers ensure consistent compliance? Enter radio controlled wearables provider CrowdLED, which will launch its new… more
Jul 07, 2020
Construction on Las Vegas Convention Center’s new underground transportation system, the Convention Center Loop, hit a milestone last month when Elon Musk’s The Boring Company completed excavation on the second of two 4,500-foot vehicular tunnels.  In May 2019, The Boring Company was selected by the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority board of directors to design, construct and operate the unique “people mover.” The $52.5 million project is the company’s first commercial endeavor and also includes three stations, one of which will be underground and is currently being excavated.… more
Jul 06, 2020
Three association professionals will be honored for their exceptional leadership qualities and commitment to advancing the associations community. ASAE will posthumously bestow its 2020 Key Award to past president and CEO, John H. Graham IV, who passed away in January of this year. In addition, Vetted Solutions President James J. Zaniello and Rhea M. Steele, chief of staff of School Nutrition Association, will be presented with the Academy of Leaders Award and the Professional Performance Award, respectively. The awards will be presented during the 2020 ASAE Virtual Annual Meeting &… more
Jul 06, 2020
In what could be a harbinger of things to come, the Geneva International Motor Show not only was forced to cancel its March 2020 show due to COVID-19, but also the association responsible for organizing the event decided to sell the show to Palexpo SA. Palexpo SA is a convention center located next to the Geneva Cointrin International Airport in which GIMS is held. GIMS originally had sought a loan from the local government – the Canton of Geneva - which was granted, although there were conditions attached. The show’s association was obligated to make a repayment of 1 million Swiss… more
Jul 02, 2020
Finally, some news we all want to hear: trade shows are happening once again! From June 23-26, Dallas Market Center hosted a successful Apparel & Accessories Market and KidsWorld Market, drawing more than 85 percent attendance over the previous year. The concurrent events, which were the first held since retail began to reopen in the region, offered buyers new brands and best-selling styles for business recovery and growth while debuting comprehensive health and safety measures. Results exceeded all expectations, and show officials report consistent order writing throughout the socially… more
Jul 01, 2020
When it comes to combating event waste, ICC Sydney appears to have one of the event industry’s leading environmental issues under control. In recognition of its comprehensive waste management program, the Australia venue recently won the 2020 UFI Sustainable Development Award, designed to recognize companies that have implemented successful exhibition waste management protocols. According to UFI officials, the award’s jury panel selected ICC Sydney as the winning entry because of its clear, comprehensive and practical approach to managing and reducing waste, with impressive results. “Waste… more
Jul 01, 2020
The Society of Independent Show Organizers has not only joined advocacy efforts with the Go LIVE Together Coalition during these challenging times, but also it has supported its membership of for-profit trade show organizers with several new programs. “SISO has been laser focused on getting our industry reopened as safely and quickly as possible. We have moved quickly with our leadership of the Go LIVE Together coalition, the All Secure program and advocating to have our industry removed from the WHO mass gathering bucket,” said SISO Chair and Tarsus Group CEO Douglas Emslie. He added, “If… more
Jun 30, 2020
Event managers handling events for academia, science, medicine and other professional fields now have a new online platform option for planning virtual conferences and events. Underline, a live-streaming conference platform and digital repository, has been custom-built to handle scientific, technical and academic events, helping planners and organizers to execute virtual events as well as aggregate content from those events in a digital library. Alex Lazinica, founder and CEO of Underline and a former robotics and artificial intelligence scientist, was inspired to start the company after… more
Jun 29, 2020
With many people working from home and attending more videoconferences and virtual events than ever before, boosting attendee morale and engagement while combating digital fatigue has become a big area of focus for event organizers. That’s where teambuilding activities such as virtual escape rooms come in. These digitized versions of the popular in-person puzzle-solving games make for fun and engaging additions to any virtual event. Along with spurring collaboration and creative thinking, the interactive mind-benders also promote learning, networking and a spirit of play. “It’s more… 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.