News
May 03, 2024
Throughout the U.S. and across the pond, event technology companies are unveiling new solutions, enhancing existing offerings and teaming up with other providers to deliver more compelling features for show organizers and exhibitors alike.
EventsPass and FFAIR Forge Transatlantic Partnership
Adam Jones, CEO of FFAIRTicketing registration platform EventsPass and U.K.-based event management platform FFAIR have formed a strategic partnership designed to further empower show organizers, as well as elevate the exhibitor experience.
Marking FFAIR’s debut in North America, the venture enables the… more
May 02, 2024
The Events Industry Council (EIC) has formed a strategic sustainability partnership with venue development, hospitality services and solutions provider Oak View Group (OVG) to certify its entire convention portfolio of more than 60 venues in cities like Chicago, Dallas and Miami.
OVG’s convention center portfolio will be certified in accordance with the EIC Sustainable Event Standards, a collection of eight specific standards that assess events and industry suppliers on a wide range of sustainability criteria that support environmental and social responsibility.
The partnership — the… more
May 01, 2024
What’s the state of the exhibition industry in the Middle East and Africa (MEA)? In a TSNN exclusive, we interviewed Naji El Haddad, regional director of MEA for UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, to get the scoop on the annual in-person Regional Conference, held April 15-17 at the Kigali Convention Centre in Rwanda.
Serving in his role for more than five years, El Haddad shared his insider’s view on what’s trending in the region for exhibitions.
Here are excerpts from our conversation. Watch or listen to the full interview here.
Naji El Haddad, UFIKey markets for… more
Apr 30, 2024
Let’s start with this statistic: On average in 2023, 45% of conference attendees delayed registering until four weeks or less before an event.
That’s among the eye-popping findings in a new Registrations Insights Report from experience design company Maritz, the result of a deep dive into more than 360,000 attendee registrations across 30 trade shows over the past few years.
The report looks at registration pacing, which attendees are most likely to register late and why, and how to adapt to this changing attendee behavior. Significantly, the authors also work to reframe the discussion… more
Apr 29, 2024
Who’s moving up at event-related organizations and companies throughout the global trade show industry? Take a look at our latest roundup of people news to help you stay in the know.
The Opus Group
Global experiential agency network The Opus Group has named Kim Kopetz as its new president and CEO. Bringing more than 25 years of experience to her role, Kopetz will lead all The Opus Group’s brands — Opus Agency, MAS, TENCUE and Verve. She succeeds Mitch Barns, who has been CEO since April 2021 and will remain a board member.
A long-time leader in the corporate events and experiential brand… more
Apr 26, 2024
What’s new in San Diego in 2024?
Earlier this year, the San Diego Tourism Authority hosted a media tour for event and trade show industry press that included four stops. Here’s what event organizers/exhibitors need to know about what’s new and trending in this popular destination.
San Diego International Airport
During a behind-the-scenes tour of the $3.4 billion construction project at the San Diego International Airport, Chief Development Officer Angela Shafer-Payne said the 661-acre airport currently serves 550 flights per day.
Context: The existing Terminal 1 opened in 1967 while… more
Apr 25, 2024
After a six-year hiatus due to COVID, NPE2024: The Plastics Show will return May 6-10 at the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) in Orlando. When the triennial trade show and conference was last held in 2018, NPE2018: The Plastic Show attracted more than 55,000 attendees and 2,182 exhibitors covering 1.1 million net square feet of exhibit space at OCCC.
Related: NPE WRAPS UP ITS LARGEST SHOW IN HISTORY
Owned by the Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS), the trade show supports the entire plastics supply chain, including equipment suppliers, material suppliers, processors and recyclers… more
Apr 23, 2024
From new show launches and business ventures to strategic partnerships and acquisitions, the trade show landscape has been buzzing with event companies announcing new business moves and agreements this spring.
Taffy Event Strategies to Launch High Performance Expo (HPX) Next Year
Full-service trade show and management company Taffy Event Strategies is gearing up to launch a new show for the automotive racing and performance industry, High Performance Expo (HPX). Set for June 3-5, 2025, at the Charlotte Convention Center, the inaugural business and consumer show will be the exclusive… more
Apr 22, 2024
In celebration of Earth Day 2024, we want to share highlights from our latest podcast interview with Honeycomb Strategies CEO and ASM Global Chief Sustainability Officer Lindsay Arell. These 10 takeaways highlight the multifaceted approach to sustainability in events, encompassing operational changes, partnerships, transparency and a broader industry shift towards sustainable practices.
Integration of Sustainability Practices: Natural Products Expo West is one trade show that’s leading by example. The trade show has successfully integrated sustainability practices into nearly every aspect of… more
Apr 22, 2024
While 61% of exhibitors claimed unpredictable costs have a major influence on their decision to attend an event, 93% believe the quality of expected attendees is the most impactful outcome, even when compared to external constraints, according to “Event Excellence by Design,” a new report that takes an inside look at exhibitor objectives and provides show organizers with insightful data to help them design more impactful event experiences.
Lead quality remains the No. 1 measure of success, even more than last year. When exhibitors were asked how they measure the value their organization… 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.