News

Apr 06, 2017
CORT Event Furnishings has become the first rental company to offer a free 3D space planning design tool to its clients. The meetings, exhibit and events industry furnishings provider recently partnered with Social Tables, an event management software company, to integrate a proprietary custom version of Social Tables’ online Space Planner on CORT’s website. Clients have the ability to design their event in 2D, view and share in 3D and automatically request quotes for CORT products based on their design. The platform’s advanced functionality also allows clients to select… more
Apr 05, 2017
In an effort to demonstrate its ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship and attract more sustainably minded events, Detroit’s Cobo Center has achieved APEX/ASTM Venue Standard recertification. Developed by ASTM International and the Convention Industry Council’s Accepted Practices Exchange (APEX), the Venue Standard is one of nine APEX/ASTM Standards for Sustainable Meetings and Events that were created by the meetings, conventions, exhibitions and events industry to provide planners and suppliers with specific guidelines and performance measurements for producing more environmentally… more
Apr 04, 2017
Northstar Travel Group acquired not only the TEAMS Conference + Expo and Meetings Quest conferences from Schneider Publishing, but also magazine titles SportsTravel and Association News.   Timothy Schneider, president and CEO of Schneider Publishing, joins Northstar Travel Group as founder and chairman of the company's new Sports Division. The division will be a part of Northstar's Meetings Group, which includes Meetings & Conventions, Successful Meetings, Meeting News, and Incentive, and the Group's integrated data, digital, and in-person event… more
Apr 04, 2017
More and more trade shows are making corporate social responsibility in their host communities an annual tradition, and EXHIBITORLIVE is no exception. For the third year in a row, the annual trade show and conference for trade show marketers held a book drive in partnership with Spread the Word Nevada, a Henderson, Nev.-based non-profit dedicated to advancing childhood literacy within low-income communities by providing books for at-risk elementary school students. Held March 12-16 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, EXHIBITORLIVE attracted 5,000 attendees and 250 exhibitors… more
Mar 31, 2017
Just two months after Emerald Expositions was rumoured to be going on the sales block for an estimated $2 billion, the company switched gears and has filed with the SEC to raise an estimated $250 million in an initial public offering, according to a regulatory filing today.   The San Juan Capistrano (Calif.)-based company generated $323.7 million of revenue, $22.2 million of net income, $63.6 million of adjusted net income and $89.6 million of free cash flow in 2016. Emerald President and CEO David Loechner declined to comment at this time. According to news reports, Emerald said all of… more
Mar 31, 2017
A record 300-plus C-level executives, sponsors and guests spent a few sun-drenched days at The Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, Fla., for the 2017 Society of Independent Show Organizers’ CEO Summit. “The SISO CEO Summit is the largest and more important event of the year for the for-profit side of the global exhibition/event industry and the most valuable part of the event are the participants, they make the event the success it is,” said SISO Executive Director David Audrain. He added, “The majority of the program is an open dialogue and contribution from our members/participants, and it is… more
Mar 31, 2017
Visit Anaheim has harnessed the power of virtual reality by launching its first VR video showcasing authentic Anaheim experiences for the meetings and events industry. The immersive video is the newest addition to the destination marketing association’s set of marketing tools it is leveraging to educate show organizers and meeting planners about the southern California destination, as well as give them a sense of what it’s like to be an event attendee in Anaheim. The video’s storyline begins at the Anaheim Convention Center and moves throughout four other diverse locations… more
Mar 31, 2017
By Elizabeth Johnson Leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies chose INTERPHEX 2017 to launch their newest products, with 20 companies debuting new technology at the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry trade show held March 21-23 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City.  In its 38th year, INTERPHEX offered attendees a mix of content including more than 104 conference education sessions, INTERPHEX Live discussions, hundreds of exhibits and product launches. The show experienced attendee growth, compared with 2016, and attributes much of that to its robust… more
Mar 30, 2017
Nursing mothers now have a couple of private sanctuaries to retreat to when attending conventions and meetings at the Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland. The SMG-managed facility has installed two portable lactation suites for female attendees and exhibitors wishing to breast feed their infants or use breast pumps in privacy. “We are offering the new lactation suites during conventions, meetings, and trade shows to offer comfort and convenience for our guests,” said Mark J. Leahy, general manager of the HCCC. He continued, “Young mothers have had to utilize public restroom spaces or… more
Mar 29, 2017
By Elizabeth Johnson Aisles of pipe and drape; panels, roundtables, keynotes; networking mixers and the standard preshow marketing of emails, postcards and social media updates – safe to say, there is a tradeshow model. However, this model can make it hard for an attendee to differentiate one show from another. What can tradeshows do to stand out, change the attendee experience and see different results in terms of attendance numbers and exhibitor sales and leads? Personalize it. “Event attendees look for an experience that is tailored to helping them achieve their goals: making the right… 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.