News

Jul 25, 2018
In the past, companies typically slowed down with their hiring and other employee changes throughout the summer months, but not anymore. Now, it’s full steam ahead all-year long with a plethora of new hires and promotions occurring throughout the past few months. Ellen Schwartz has been promoted to General Manager of the Los Angeles Convention by AEG Facilities, operators of the downtown Los Angeles facility. Additionally, Brad Gessner, who has held the position of general manager of the Convention Center since AEG Facilities was awarded the management contract in October of 2013, has… more
Jul 24, 2018
Last month, UBM Asia concluded the 31st edition of the June Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair (June Fair). The event attracted a total of 28,131 visitors from 91 countries and regions. This represents an increase of 9.7 percent from last year’s figure. Overseas visitors increased 14 percent year-on-year, reaching 18,589 visitors. The top five visiting countries and regions outside of Hong Kong were China (12,144), India (967), the Philippines (903), Taiwan (784) and Japan (452). According to the organiser, visitors from the Philippines, China and India recorded the most significant… more
Jul 24, 2018
Following a record year of activity by Brisbane Convention Bureau, the city is expected to generate more than A$96 million (US$71 million) of revenues directly attributable to convention activities. Last year, the Brisbane Convention Bureau secured 78 conferences including 34 international events. More than 46,000 convention delegates visited Brisbane for more than 164,000 “event days.” According to the Brisbane Convention Bureau, the majority of conference bid wins were achieved in partnership with the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC). The Brisbane bureau operates in… more
Jul 24, 2018
The 7th All in CARAVANING (AIC) was held for the first time at Beijing Etrong International Exhibition & Convention Center, occupying a total exhibition area of 35,000 m2. Running from 22nd to 24th June, AIC 2018 featured 700 exhibitors including 450 show vehicles onsite. The exhibition attracted over 22,000 visitors from 20 countries. AIC 2018 also introduced its newly launched “Caravaners’ Camping Zone,” showcasing in excess of 200 caravans. Axel Bartkus, General Manager of Messe Düsseldorf (Shanghai), commented, “We have been fully confident in moving to the new exhibition venue. The… more
Jul 24, 2018
London-based ITE Group plc published its trading update covering the period April 1-July 10.  For the quarter ended June 30, revenues were approximately £58 million (US$77 million), representing a 13% increase on a like-for-like basis. Revenues for the nine months ended 30th June were roughly £134 million (US$177 million), a rise of 11% on a like-for-like basis. Net debt was about £53 million (US$70 million) as of 30th June. During the quarter, ITE also announced the acquisition of the Ascential Events. That deal is scheduled to complete on 17th July 2018. And in April, ITE sold its… more
Jul 24, 2018
The organisers of Texcare Asia and the China Laundry Expo signed a deal on 18th July 2018 agreeing to merge the two fairs into a single show covering the textile care and laundry chain industries in Asia. The event will be co-organised by Messe Frankfurt (Shanghai) Company, Unifair Exhibition Service Company, the China Laundry Association, and the China Light Machinery Association. The first edition of the merged fair will be held in September 2019 at Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC). It is expected to occupy 30,000 m2 of floor space featuring some 300 exhibitors and 25,000… more
Jul 24, 2018
Alipay, the world’s leading mobile and online payment and lifestyle platform operated by Ant Financial Services Group, together with the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), have launched a series of joint marketing initiatives aimed at raising destination awareness of Singapore and driving tourist spending among Chinese visitors. Alipay and STB signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in September 2017 to enhance Chinese tourists’ overall experience in Singapore. Under the MOU, both parties agreed, among other things, to explore co-investing in joint-marketing initiatives to encourage Chinese… more
Jul 24, 2018
A total of 526 exhibitors and 655 brands presented the summer sports trends of the coming season at ISPO Shanghai from July 5-7. More than 14,500 trade visitors, four percent more than at the previous event, learned about new products in the segments of Running, Health & Fitness, Outdoor and Water Sports at the Shanghai New International Expo Center (SNIEC). The sports market in China is growing in all categories. Half of the Chinese population – approximately 700 million people – buys sports products.  “China is on its way to becoming the largest market for sports articles in the… more
Jul 24, 2018
International Market Centers (IMC) and AmericasMart Atlanta have completed an agreement to create world’s largest owner and operator of top-tier permanent showroom space for the furniture, gift, home décor, rug and apparel B2B industries. Operating under the name “International Market Centers,” the combined corporate entity now owns and operates nearly 20 million square feet of permanent showroom space in Las Vegas, High Point, N.C. and Atlanta, as well as more than 20 annual events. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The individual Markets and their respective venues… more
Jul 23, 2018
The North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) will move out of the crowded car show fall/winter timeframe and into summer starting in 2020 in Detroit. In addition, the show will transform into one that was traditionally held just inside the Cobo Center, to taking on more of a ‘festival’ environment and holding events in venues around the city, including outdoors. “Our show is undergoing its most significant transformation in the last three decades,” said Rod Alberts, Executive Director, NAIAS. He added, “Detroit will continue to be a global stage for some of the world’s most… 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.