April Show Recap: NRA, DSE and NAB Shows Set Records
May 17, 2019
From Los Angeles to Germany, trade shows around the world saw higher attendance and larger exhibit floors than previous years last month. Take a look:
DSE 2019
Digital Signage Expo—the world’s largest trade show and conference for digital displays and interactive technology—saw the second-largest attendance in its 16-year show history at its Las Vegas show this year, logging a 3 percent increase in end-user attendees over the previous year and a 6 percent increase in total verified attendance (4,260), which includes end-users along with system integrators and advertising executives. This was partially due to an uptick in international attendees from 63 countries, which accounted for nearly 18 percent of overall attendance—an increase of 7 percent from 2018. In addition to the stellar numbers, which show officials attributed to “relentless marketing,” other highlights of DES 2019 included a high-profile keynote on innovation from author Tom Goodwin, action-oriented (rather than track-driven) sessions and peer networking discussion groups during lunches.
Beauty Düsseldorf 2019
This year marked the best-attended event in the history of Beauty Düsseldorf, drawing around 58,000 guests and 1,500 exhibitors and brands across three days to Düsseldorf Exhibition Center in Düsseldorf, Germany. As the leading industry meeting for professionals in the cosmetics, nail, foot, wellness and spa industries, it serves as an international forum for service cosmetics, giving attendees an overview of new products, care concepts, scientific findings and themes. Digitalization was a big focus of the conference for a second time, with workshops addressing topics related to online marketing and social media. “Suppliers in the professional cosmetics segment confirm Germany as a leading international location,” said attendee Alexander Drusio, deputy chairman of Verband Cosmetic Professional eV. “This is also reflected at Beauty as the most relevant event of the year with high-profile trade visitor attendance and high-quality contacts.”
Aging into the Future
Los Angeles Convention Center was home to the third annual Aging Into the Future Conference + Expo, which gives seniors the opportunity to explore new technologies. The one-day conference is organized by the non-profit organization St. Barnabas Senior Services. This year, the show featured its first-ever Tech Expo, with 50 interactive product demonstrations geared toward making life easier for seniors and caregivers. There was also a Tech Help Lounge that served as a learning hub to teach attendees about Facebook, YouTube, computers, email and smartphones. Among the biggest hits on the show floor were a virtual reality experience and a self-driving taxi, giving a new perspective on what “aging into the future” really means. This year’s show had 753 attendees and 50 exhibitors, occupying approximately 16,000 square feet.
NRA
The 148th annual meeting of the National Rifle Association of America brought in more than 81,000 members to Indianapolis, April 25-28. This year featured the show’s largest-ever exhibit hall, covering 15 acres and encompassing 800 exhibitors. Over four days, attendees took in a nonstop lineup of events and performances, including appearances by President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence at the NRA-ILA Leadership Forum. Another highlight of the event was the National NRA Foundation Barbecue and Auction, which sold out with 1,500 tickets and included a concert from country music artist Alan Jackson at Lucas Oil Stadium. In 2020, the NRA Annual Meeting will be held in Nashville, Tennessee.
NAB Show
More than 91,000 professionals in the media, entertainment and technology industry convened in Las Vegas April 6-11 for the NAB Show, the world’s largest convention for this audience. A large part of the attendance was international guests, with 24,000 from countries outside the U.S. This year’s show boasted 224 first-time exhibitors, a major milestone, who joined exhibiting veterans across nearly 1 million net sq. ft. of space. Also new this year were several technology-focused areas on the showfloor, focused on things like esports and 5G technology; as well as the NAB Show Product of the Year Awards, which recognized the most promising new products and technologies on display at the show.
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.
Add new comment