News

Feb 06, 2017
We can talk all day about what the trade show industry and our employers are or are not doing to promote, protect, and compensate women (and we will), but are women doing enough to get the promotions, protections, and compensation that they deserve? Some women will say that we shouldn’t have to do anything, that equality is equality. Others might say that if anything is worth having, it’s worth working toward methodically. There may also be a group of women that is simply happy with where they are and where they’re going. What about you? In this week’s discussion, Michelle Bruno will solicit… more
Feb 03, 2017
Earlier this week, Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Howard Zemsky announced the selection of the design-build team for the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center’s $1.5 billion expansion project. Following a rigorous evaluation process with the help of five groups of technical experts, a blue-ribbon selection panel chose LendLease Turner to coordinate and construct the massive project. The panel’s recommendation was approved by the board of directors of the New York Convention Center Development Corporation, a subsidiary of Empire State Development that owns the convention… more
Feb 02, 2017
ibtm events has selected Poken, the 360º event platform, as the technology provider to power its Hosted Buyer compliance program at ibtm arabia in Abu Dhabi and at ibtm america in South Florida following the successful implementation of its proven smart event technologies at ibtm america in 2015 and 2016. “In past years, using Poken’s tools has boosted meeting attendance, while providing great functionality to participants who can review their event journey online, during and after the show,” said Kate Shepherd, head of Marketing Operations, ibtm events at Reed… more
Feb 02, 2017
By Elizabeth Johnson Meetings and events are not immune to crises. Everything from severe weather/natural disasters to protests to a tragic accident can affect an event and require immediate and confident communication with attendees, the media and other stakeholders. And, while many events and the venues in which they reside have operational crisis plans in place, far fewer have communication strategies prepare ahead of time.  “I found that about half of my clients who hosted larger events (500+ attendees) did not have an adequate crisis communication plan prepared for their events,”… more
Feb 01, 2017
With the stroke of a pen last Friday, President Donald Trump put in place an Executive Order calling for the ban of Syrian refugees entering the U.S. for the next four months and anyone from six other countries -  Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen – would not be permitted into the United States for the next three months. The action not only created chaos at airports as people were detained, even some who were holding Green Cards, but also protests erupted in several locations. With thousands of trade shows annually held in the U.S., many of which bring in international visitors… more
Feb 01, 2017
As the largest biannual U.S. trade show for the global retail fashion industry, MAGIC is known for staying ahead of trends, while continually revamping, expanding and refining its showfloor offerings. Its upcoming event, set for Feb. 20-23 at the Las Vegas Convention Center and the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, will be no exception as it unveils a new African Pavilion and a refreshed women’s fashion showcase. Owned and produced by UBM Fashion Group, the massive show attracts tens of thousands of attendees from more than 80 countries to Las Vegas every February and August. In 2015 alone,… more
Jan 31, 2017
Ed Several, formerly senior vice president and general manager of PGA Worldwide Golf Exhibitions, has been tapped for a new role as senior vice president, integration and commercial optimization–Reed Exhibitions Americas. In his new role and during the transition, Several will continue to assist with relationships and long-term strategy on events from his previous portfolio and will be reporting directly to Hervé Sedky, President of Reed Exhibitions Americas. “Ed Several’s sustained success over the past 12 years in elevating the value of the PGA Shows portfolio, plus multiple additional… more
Jan 30, 2017
These days, incentivizing attendees to attend your trade show isn’t always a simple or easy feat. That’s why creative, customized attendee marketing efforts can be key in not only drawing your audience to the show but in also bringing them back year after year. But, with all the “noise” multiple shows are making as they vie for attention, getting your voice heard among the fray can be a challenge. So, what are professional event marketers doing to separate themselves from the pack when it comes to attracting new and returning attendees to the shows they represent?   To answer that… more
Jan 26, 2017
One of the largest trade show companies in the U.S., Emerald Expositions, is exploring a possible sale that would value the company at $2 billion, according to a Jan. 25 news report from Reuters citing unnamed sources. Private equity firm Onex, which owns Emerald, has brought on Bank of America to manage the sale process of Emerald, the sources said. David Loechner, president and CEO of Emerald Expositions, declined to comment. Onex bought Nielsen Expositions, which was renamed Emerald Expositions, in June 2013 for $950 million. Since then, Emerald rapidly expanded its portfolio with… more
Jan 25, 2017
As the trade show industry keeps on growing, shows and suppliers continue to find new ways of working together. CNTV (Convention News Television) recently signed a trio of contracts, two of which expand on existing business and the third picking up a new client. As an expansion of a three­year deal to produce on­site, same­day video updates at the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX), CNTV will now produce AAPEX TV year­round. “Our customers love it,” said Mark Bogdansky, senior director of Meetings and Events for the Auto Care Association. “When we decided to enhance the AAPEX TV… 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.