News

Oct 21, 2016
The Center for Exhibition Industry Research released the final two reports of its series, 2016 Changing Environment of Exhibitions. This study consists of 10 fact sheets articulating the power of exhibitions from the perspective of exhibitors, including its most recent: Use of Exhibitions and Exhibitor Sales Channel and Exhibitor Profile – Overall Compared to Power Users. Use of Exhibitions and Exhibitor Sales Channel reflects positive linkage between sales channels and participation in business-to-business exhibitions. Exhibiting companies aiming to increase use of a… more
Oct 21, 2016
Las Vegas unveiled its trade show booth, Vegas Interactive, at IMEX America, which ran Oct. 18-20 at the Sands Expo & Convention Center in Las Vegas. The trade show booth featured an interactive video wall that allows users to access detailed information about hotel, convention and event spaces through the power of touch-screen technology. "Our new trade show booth creates a unique and memorable brand connection to Vegas," said Cathy Tull, senior vice president of marketing, LVCVA. She added, "The technology allows travel professionals who plan or sell leisure… more
Oct 20, 2016
Greenbuild International Expo and Conference was held Oct. 5-7 at the Los Angeles Convention Center and brought in more than 18,000 attendees and 530-plus exhibitors for its 15th year to a showfloor of approximately 139,000 square feet of exhibit space.   Both attendees and exhibitors alike were focused on all things green at the show. “There was such a need for a show like this when it was formed, and grew in 2007 to one of the largest 200 trade shows in the US,” said Lindsay Roberts, group director at Informa Exhibitions, which runs the show. “The show appeals to a deeper cause, and to… more
Oct 18, 2016
Moving into the last quarter of 2016, bringing on new employees and promoting from within, especially in the executive ranks, still is occurring at a swift pace in companies from several trade show sectors. U.K.-based Tarsus Group has appointed Mark Temple-Smith as CEO Asia. Temple-Smith has more than 20 years’ experience in the global exhibitions industry and has led and developed successful businesses in Europe, Africa and Asia.  He will be joining Tarsus from ITE Group plc, where he is regional director for Asia. During the past four and a half years, Temple-Smith has grown ITE’s… more
Oct 18, 2016
Just one week after buying the Digital Dealer Conference & Expo, Emerald Expositions has scooped up another show - the National Pavement Expo - from AC Business Media, a business-to-business media company with a portfolio of brands in heavy construction, asphalt, concrete, paving, rental, sustainability, manufacturing, logistics and supply chain markets. “NPE has a long and storied history in its over 30 years, and we are glad that it will be in the capable hands of one of the top trade show operators in the world, providing many benefits to our loyal attendees and exhibitors,” said Carl… more
Oct 17, 2016
Tyson Foods and the National Association of Convenience Stores partnered to donate a truckload of protein to Atlanta Community Food Bank to help eliminate hunger in the greater Atlanta area. “We are thankful for the generosity of Tyson Foods and the NACS for their donation of more than 33,000 pounds of food,” said Kyle Waide, CEO of the Atlanta Community Food Bank. “One in seven people in metro Atlanta and north Georgia need help putting food on the table. This partnership allows us to provide high quality protein for thousands of them.” Atlanta Community Food Bank, which serves 29… more
Oct 16, 2016
Larry Arnaudet has spent more than 45 years in the meetings and convention industry, starting in 1970 with Manncraft Exhibitors Services in New Orleans.  When Manncraft was purchased by Greyhound Exposition Services (GES) in 1972, Arnaudet remained with the company and was promoted through a series of positions in warehouse operations, drafting and design, show site operations, sales and executive management.  In 1979, he was named regional vice president, Southwest Region of GES, based in New Orleans. In 1981, Freeman Decorating Company purchased the eastern half of GES and… more
Oct 16, 2016
The High Point Market Authority (HPMA) has made several enhancements and updates to the MyMarket app for Fall Market, on tap Oct. 22-26 in High Point, N.C. Originally released in April 2016 in advance of Spring Market, the app features innovative indoor and outdoor mapping technology. Utilizing GPS technology, the app offers building to building blue dot navigation, allowing users to easily select an exhibitor and quickly map a route from their current location to the showroom’s address. Additionally, the app features indoor mapping technology within specific buildings, allowing… more
Oct 15, 2016
The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) debuted in June 1967 as a response to the growing demand for consumer electronics products. The Americana and New York Hilton hotels hosted 117 exhibitors showing off such state-of-the-art technology as transistor radios and small black-and-white TVs to 17,500 attendees. In 1963, after noticing a shift in consumer culture, Jack Wayman founded the Electronic Industries Association – what is now the Consumer Technology Association (CTA, which owns and produces CES). Within a few years, the next step was to launch an event to drive the industry forward… more
Oct 13, 2016
Drake Star Partners, an international investment bank focusing on the technology, media and communications sectors has brought on industry veteran Galen Poss as Senior Advisor.  Poss will focus specifically on the not-for-profit association-owned trades how market and will work closely with Kathleen Thomas, managing partner at Drake Star Partners. “The association sector comprises more than 60 percent of the U.S trade show market, and an ever increasing number of association executives are exploring options relative to selling or partnering with for-profit organizers,” Thomas said. She… 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.