News

Nov 15, 2022
Events are always evolving. Whether through the twists and turns of pandemics, or highs and lows of the latest event tech, events are a constant rollercoaster. No surprise that a huge goal of event marketers and planners is to make sure their event rollercoaster has the longest line of people waiting to ride their experience. One event format, however, is constantly struggling to get up those hills to provide a thrill at the summit: webinars. They’re a necessity for just about every business, yet hosts and attendees alike find them to be a bit of a slog compared to other types of events they… more
Nov 15, 2022
While the job market may be cooling off in many markets across the nation, the trade show and events industry appears to be staying steady as show organizers, tourism agencies, event tech companies and more continue attracting new talent, promoting staff and expanding their executive teams.  Events DC Events DC has chosen Angie M. Gates as its new president and CEO. Starting Nov. 14, Gates will guide the organization tasked with generating economic and community benefits for D.C. residents and businesses through impactful events. A 20-year veteran in event management, entertainment,… more
Nov 14, 2022
Understanding how to design events that are welcoming and inclusive for attendees with disabilities has become essential for today’s event planners. According to Forbes Magazine, the disability community is larger than the size of China, with 1.85 billion people, and if you add in their friends, family and caregivers, that adds up to an additional 3.4 billion people.   But creating in-person or virtual experiences that are inviting and accessible for everyone can be a challenge for many event organizers, planners and producers, who may lack the knowledge, tools and strategies to do… more
Nov 11, 2022
Trade Show News Network (TSNN) celebrated achievement, innovation and leadership in trade shows with the 12th Annual TSNN Awards and education conference, held Nov. 8-9 at host venue Caesars Forum in Las Vegas.  The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) rolled out the red carpet with a spectacular opening party at Nobu Hotel Villa that represented Las Vegas at its best.  “The 2022 TSNN Awards was an incredible celebration of the best of the best people and shows in our great industry,” said TSNN President Rachel Wimberly. “Caesars Entertainment went above and beyond to create… more
Nov 11, 2022
Bizzabo, the Event Experience Operating System (OS), unveiled Klik Experiential, featuring SmartBadge™ wearable onsite technology that empowers event professionals to deliver enhanced experiences for attendees and exhibitors while capturing insightful behavioral data. The new technology is designed to build upon Bizzabo’s wide range of in-person solutions for registration, check-in and lead retrieval, as the company has seen an increase of 724% in the number of in-person events on its platform between January and September of this year. Looking ahead, 85% of event organizers plan to host at… more
Nov 10, 2022
The latest edition of The ASSEMBLY Show celebrated its 10th anniversary by providing manufacturing professionals with everything they need to adapt to new challenges, expand into new markets and streamline their businesses for growth.  Held Oct. 25-27 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Ill., and produced by BNP Media, the annual trade show and conference provided more than 5,000 manufacturing professionals with a robust expo, cutting-edge industry education, award programs and myriad networking opportunities. “Assembly technology is changing at an incredible pace, and… more
Nov 08, 2022
Karen Chupka, chief strategy officer at the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), is departing the organization to launch her own consulting practice, and CTA will be her first client.  Chupka had a prolific tenure at CTA and is widely recognized for visualizing and producing the association’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES), the most influential technology event in the world and one of the biggest trade shows in the U.S.  “I’m thankful for the 33 years at CTA/CES,” Chupka told Trade Show News Network (TSNN). “I worked with a world-class team, I got to travel the globe and meet talented… more
Nov 07, 2022
Ask Kerry Painter about her celebrated career in the events industry and she will tell you she can’t imagine doing anything else with her life. As the director and general manager of the Raleigh Convention and Performing Arts Complex in Raleigh, N.C., Painter is responsible for overseeing three downtown venues: Raleigh Convention Center, Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts and Red Hat Amphitheater, as well as the nearby Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek.  As if that’s not enough to keep her busy, the award-winning venue professional also serves as the first vice-chair of… more
Nov 04, 2022
LightFair, North America’s largest architectural and commercial lighting trade show and conference, is transitioning to a biennial schedule beginning with the 2023 event, scheduled for May 21-25 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York. As the major player in this vibrant space, LightFair’s updated schedule aims to better serve the industry’s manufacturing cycle, product marketplace and the overall needs of lighting professionals.   Keeping the best interest of its robust community of lighting professionals in mind, LightFair is excited for its brighter biennial future,… more
Nov 04, 2022
NY NOW, the leading national gift and home wholesale trade show owned by Emerald Holding, will unveil a new dedicated toy destination, PLAY USA, to its market, beginning with the 2023 winter edition. PLAY USA at NY NOW will be the first national destination in 2023 for retailers, wholesalers and distributors to source the latest and greatest toy and trend merchandise. Taking place Feb. 5-8 at the Jacob K. Javits Center in New York, NY NOW 2023 Winter Market’s PLAY USA will showcase toys, games and trend merchandise and will capture the spirit of discovery, whimsy and joy that the products on… 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.