News

May 05, 2013
In its 8th year, InfoComm China 2013 continues to grow, drawing 19,431 attendees, a 20-percent increase compared with the 2012 show, to the China National Convention Center in Beijing. The three-day annual pro audiovisual show, held in early April, has grown so much since its inception that next year it will fill the entire CNCC, according to show organizers. "We are really thrilled by this year's success, as it once again proved companies in China are recognizing the importance of pro AV in providing a competitive edge to their businesses,” said Richard Tan, the show’s… more
May 05, 2013
Toronto-based private equity firm Onex emerged as the buyer of Nielsen Expositions from Nielsen Holdings N.V. for $950 million in cash consideration. “This is an exciting development in the history of the Nielsen Expositions business,” said David Loechner, president of Nielsen Expositions. He added, “Onex’ experience and successful track record in executing similar corporate carve-outs and building those divisions into industry-leading businesses position it as a strong partner. We look forward to working with Onex to execute our strategic plan and to continue to… more
May 05, 2013
Imagine going to a trade show and instead of lugging around an often bulky exhibitor’s guide all day, you could walk up to a kiosk with a touchscreen, search for exhibitor’s digital brochures you are interested in and have them instantly emailed to your inbox. That’s exactly what U.K.-based ecoXpress has started offering at events, which also has had a substantial impact on the amount of paper saved onsite. The system – used at exhibitions by leading brands such as GSK, GE and Honeywell  - not only saves money (and trees) through the reduction of printing and… more
May 05, 2013
Imagine going to a trade show and instead of lugging around an often bulky exhibitor’s guide all day, you could walk up to a kiosk with a touchscreen, search for exhibitor’s digital brochures you are interested in and have them instantly emailed to your inbox. That’s exactly what U.K.-based ecoXpress has started offering at events, which also has had a substantial impact on the amount of paper saved onsite. The system – used at exhibitions by leading brands such as GSK, GE and Honeywell  - not only saves money (and trees) through the reduction of printing and… more
May 01, 2013
April continued the trend as a busy hiring month with some companies, such as Hanley Wood Exhibitions, announcing several key promotions and The Expo Group upping a few executives and hiring two others. Two long-time Hanley Wood team members – Tom Cindric, who ran the World of Concrete portfolio and Dana Teague, who formally ran SURFACES | StonExpo/Marmomacc Americas – both were promoted to vice president positions. Both still will have P&L responsibilities over their events. Cindric joined Hanley Wood Exhibitions in April 2001. Working on World of Concrete the entire time,… more
May 01, 2013
Released last month, the Digital Event Benchmark Report, conducted by Virtual Edge Institute (VEI) and commissioned by Freeman, gives insight into how some organizations are using online events to reach their audiences. The study included a cross-section of the event industry with representation from associations, corporate event planners, trade show organizers, conference producers and agencies, with more than 200 survey participants. Just under 80 percent of survey participants produce physical events, with 70 percent of those respondents also producing online events. More than half of… more
May 01, 2013
Released last month, the Digital Event Benchmark Report, conducted by Virtual Edge Institute (VEI) and commissioned by Freeman, gives insight into how some organizations are using online events to reach their audiences. The study included a cross-section of the event industry with representation from associations, corporate event planners, trade show organizers, conference producers and agencies, with more than 200 survey participants. Just under 80 percent of survey participants produce physical events, with 70 percent of those respondents also producing online events. More than half of… more
Apr 30, 2013
In early April, 13,000 attendees from the United States and 70 other countries attended the Wedding and Portrait Photographers International (WPPI) 2013 Conference and Expo in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand hotel and conference center. The conference and expo, which is run by Nielsen Expositions and was held April 7-14, reports it is the largest show in the world for wedding and portrait photographers. "WPPI 2013 had something for everyone! With so many options and opportunities for learning, choosing which Platform, Master and Plus classes to take was challenging and exciting for our… more
Apr 29, 2013
Cleveland-based I-X Center’s decision to buy the Cleveland AUTO-RAMA show and combine it with its existing I-X Piston Power Show for the first time this year paid off, with 35,000 attendees getting the opportunity to check out more than 1,000 piston-powered vehicles during the three-day event. The newly named show - Summit Racing Equipment I-X Piston Powered Auto-Rama – was held March 15-17 and covered 1 million square feet at the I-X Center. “Tens of thousands of enthusiasts came to the show, including many fathers and sons, mothers and daughters and grandchildren,… more
Apr 29, 2013
The American Society of Association Executives recently introduced the first Diversity + Inclusion (D+I) tool for associations called the Association Inclusion Index. It is an online, diagnostic tool that evaluates D+I policies, philosophies and practices against community standards. The tool offers strategies and solutions for expanding an organization’s reach, relevance and reputation through practicing inclusive excellence. “It’s critical for organizations to understand how diversity and inclusion plays a practical role in staffing, recruiting, retaining, and engaging… 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.