News
May 15, 2018
More than 230,000 buyers from 176 countries and regions attended the seven fairs organised by the HKTDC in April, a yearly increase of nearly 3%. 130,000 of these buyers were from mainland Chinese and overseas, an increase of more than 4%, while there were more than 9,000 exhibitors. Business sentiment at the fairs was unaffected by the escalating Sino-US trade dispute of recent weeks. On-site surveys conducted during the fairs found 70% of respondents expected no negative impact on Hong Kong's export performance, while 80% were neutral or optimistic that the 2 nations would resolve their… more
May 15, 2018
The Consumer Technology Association unveiled news that leaders from Alibaba A.I. Labs and BYTON will deliver keynote addresses at the upcoming CES Asia 2018.
Miffy Chen, general manager, Alibaba A.I. Labs and BYTON Co-Founders, Dr. Carsten Breitfeld and Dr. Daniel Kirchert, will take the CES Asia keynote stage to make major company announcements and share their visions for the future of innovation through artificial intelligence and vehicle technology.
"Alibaba A.I. Labs and BYTON are global brands that embody the innovative andentrepreneurial spirit of our industry," said Karen Chupka,… more
May 15, 2018
The Exhibitions Mean Business campaign will hold its fifth annual Exhibitions Day on Capitol Hill June 5-6 to champion the impact that the exhibitions industry has upon the U.S. economy.
According to new information obtained by the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR), events contributed $91 billion to the U.S. GDP in 2017, approximately a $10 billion increase from what was previously reported.
“Recent data shows the economic contribution of events, which includes direct spending of organizers, exhibitors, attendees and venues, totaled $91 billion in 2017,” said Allen Shaw, Ph.D… more
May 15, 2018
Fiscal year 2018 has been a successful one for Cobo Center’s technology services, which experienced a 58 percent jump in revenue compared to 2017.
According to Claude Molinari, general manager of SMG/Cobo Center, this positive uptick comes alongside the fact that the facility’s WiFi remains free to visitors and events as a sales incentive.
“Facility-wide free WiFi in Cobo Center differentiates us in the market and has been free of charge since the installation of the original network in 1997,” Molinari explained. “The current 4G WiFi network and can handle 30,000 simultaneous users,… more
May 15, 2018
As part of its contribution to the campaign to fight the global crime of human trafficking, MGM Resorts International recently awarded $250,000 to the McCain Institute for International Leadership at Arizona State University.
Founded in 2012 and inspired by the public service of Senator John McCain and his family, the nonpartisan think tank will use the gift to fund several initiatives designed to aid the vulnerable population of homeless youth and provide prevention measures.
“We are so grateful for the support of MGM Resorts International,” said Cindy H. McCain, who serves on McCain… more
May 13, 2018
According to the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), there were a record number of 12,558 rotating international association events in 2017.
That is 346 more than the figure recorded in 2016.
The top three ranked countries in 2017 were the same as last year: the U.S. (941 meetings), Germany (682 meetings) and the U.K. (592 meetings). In Asia, Japan hosted 414 meetings in 2017 and ranked the first in the region.
The other country in Asia to rank in the global top 10 is China, which hosted 376 meeting last year and ranked 8th worldwide. The only other Asian markets to… more
May 11, 2018
SmartSource Computer & Audio Visual Rentals, providers of computer, audio-visual (AV) and technology solutions for businesses and events, has added two new products to its event technology line-up for associations, trade shows, exhibit builders, conference planners and marketers.
Combining a full-HD image quality, LED-backlit LCD and a stylish, thin profile, the Sharp PN-LE601 Commercial Display LED Monitor has a built-in digital tuner and leading-edge picture technology that helps deliver amazing detail and consistent color (i.e., display colors of 1.07 billion).
The 60” monitor… more
May 10, 2018
GES recently reported its first-quarter 2018 earnings results in which revenues dropped 15.8 percent from $318 million in 2017 to $268 million during the same period this year.
Steve Moster, GES’ parent company – Viad - president and CEO, said, “GES delivered solid results, with continued same-show growth that partially offset significant negative show rotation. We remain focused on driving in-sourcing benefits and pursuing additional cross-sell opportunities from our ON Services audio-visual production business and capturing additional share in the corporate event space.”
He added, “I… more
May 10, 2018
Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo to Collocate with Healthy Food Expo West and Coffee Fest L.A.
The Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo, Healthy Food Expo West and Coffee Fest Los Angeles are gearing up to take place alongside each other Aug. 19-21 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.
According to Clarion UX officials, one registration will give industry professionals access to all three trade shows and conferences for the restaurant, foodservice and hospitality industries.
“We are thrilled to be bringing three leading events together for the first time so buyers looking for new products and services for their foodservice establishments can find everything under one roof,”… more
May 09, 2018
The American Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (ASBMT) selected SmithBucklin, the association management and services company more organizations turn to than any other, to provide full-service association management.
ASBMT will continue to be headquartered in the Chicago area, but will move to the SmithBucklin office effective April 2.
ASBMT is a professional society dedicated to advancing the science and clinical care for patients who require blood and marrow transplants or other cellular therapies for blood cancers and other deadly diseases.
Since its establishment in 1993,… 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.