News
May 29, 2017
Kicking off in New Zealand June 7 and circling the globe to end in Hawaii, the exhibition industry will be celebrating the 2nd annual Global Exhibition Day (#GED17).
Global Exhibition Day, founded last year by UFI, the Global Association for the Exhibition Industry, was formed to shine a bright spotlight on the importance of the industry worldwide.
“UFI is calling on everyone working in exhibitions and trade shows to take part in Global Exhibitions Day on June 7 and share their initiatives loud and proud!” said Dr. Andreas Gruchow, president of UFI.
He added, “In 2016, the inaugural GED… more
May 25, 2017
Sharon Enright has joined NXT Events Media Group as its president and COO.
After serving in top operations management positions at Conference Management Corporation and Reed Exhibitions, Enright moved to Business Journals Inc. in 1997 as its director of operations, where she rose to the ranks of EVP of the company’s Trade Show Division.
As the second person in BJI’s 90-year history to earn this prestigious title, Enright helped build the company’s event portfolio from three to 27 annual shows, managing virtually all facets of the portfolio for more than 18 years.
Her special areas of… more
May 25, 2017
American Quarter Horse Association Improves Event Communications with AlertMedia Notification System
Once upon a time, the American Quarter Horse Association relied on the antiquated method of using email to communicate with attendees and event staff during their world shows and events throughout the year.
As a result, the largest equine breed registry and membership organization struggled to provide real-time updates and other important notifications that were crucial to the success of their events.
Enter emergency notification system provider AlertMedia, which helped bring AQHA’s mass communications methods into the modern age via a user-friendly, two-way notification software… more
May 24, 2017
Trade show marketing firm mdg has expanded its foorptint by opening a new office in Chicago to service several clients based in the area.
The downtown office will be led by Leana Salamah, account strategist and executive director, who has experience on both sides of the client/agency relationship.
Salamah was proactively recruited by ownership to serve as a strategic lead for existing Chicago clients and to be a resource for other association and for-profit event clients looking for audience acquisition solutions.
“Chicago, with its reputation as a world-class event destination and… more
May 24, 2017
With Outdoor Retailer looking for a new home after a public land dispute resulted in the decision to leave Utah, Denver in the hunt as one of the cities trying to capture it and the January timeframe getting crunched with different crossover shows, it makes perfect sense that Emerald Expositions would buy SnowSports Industries America’s SIA Snow Show.
Now, two of the strongest shows geared toward segments of the outdoor sports industry will both be combined under one roof – the Colorado Convention Center – in Denver starting January 2018.
“By merging these two January shows, we will bring the… more
May 23, 2017
By Elizabeth Johnson
Out with the old? Not so fast … While digital and data may be getting all the buzz these days, a few, let’s call them “experienced” tactics, are quietly getting the job done for many event marketers.
So before throwing out your old marketing plan, consider keeping some old-school workhorses that these event planners swear by.
Handwritten Notes
Although her company incorporates the latest technology and trends into its events, from virtual reality to artificial intelligence and interactive engagements, there are some traditional touches for reaching attendees that still… more
May 23, 2017
By their very nature, face-to-face events tend to draw and bring out the best in people with extrovert personalities. However, as Susan Cain mentions in this now very popular TED Talk “The Power of Introverts,” introverts bring extraordinary talents and abilities to this world, and we need to pay attention to what they think and do.
Much of the focus in the industry lately has been on the younger generations. But introverts can belong to any generation, and if they are coming to your event for the first time, then you may need to figure out how to identify and draw out the… more
May 22, 2017
As a trade show organizer, you know the kind of attendee you want at your event: an influencer with buying power who actively participates and advocates for your show, an industry expert who comes every year and brings their friends, and an enthusiastic participant who possesses a robust digital presence and plays a key role in contributing positively to your show’s content and evolution.
Just by their presence, such an attendee has the power to not only attract more exhibitors but also increase the brand value of your show, which in turn can result in drawing more attendees to your… more
May 22, 2017
Corcoran Expositions and SmithBucklin both have signed on new medical associations to manage.
The American Association of Sleep Technologists (AAST) has selected SmithBucklin, the association management and services company more organizations turn to than any other, to provide full-service association management.
Abigail Lynn will serve as AAST’s chief executive, and its headquarters will move July 1 to SmithBucklin’s Chicago office.
Established in 1978, the American Association of Sleep Technologists is a health membership association for professionals dedicated to improving the quality of… more
May 22, 2017
UBM is set to launch a newly branded show in its medical design show series - Advanced Design & Manufacturing (ADM) Expo Toronto, taking place May 16-18 at the Toronto Congress Centre.
This event originally launched in 2011 as five separate advanced design and manufacturing industry trade shows running alongside one another.
This year, under the new ADM Expo Toronto banner, UBM presents a cohesive brand experience throughout the customer journey. ADM Expo Toronto will bring together the region's five most popular industry trade shows – ATX Canada, Design &… 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.