#Expochat: New Year’s (Event Technology) Resolutions

Most people make and break resolutions at the beginning of every year.  Join us for the next #Expochat – Jan. 4 at 1 p.m. E.T. using a Twitter chat tool - with moderator Michelle Bruno to discuss what technology you’re resolved to implement—personally, professionally, and for your shows and clients—and eliminate in 2017. 

Here are some questions to think about:

Which personal apps, devices, or platforms are you resolved to implement in 2017?

What technology are you planning to implement in your business or show in 2017?

Tarsus Buys 65% Stake in China-based Hometex – Home Textiles Show for $23.8 Million

Tarsus Group has made another acquisition this month and its second recent acquisition in China, with a 65-percent stake of Foshan Huaxia Home Textile Development Co., Ltd. ("Foshan Huaxia") from the Guangdong Home Textile Association and Association Member shareholders.

Foshan Huaxia owns the Home Furnishing Expo (Hometex), the leading biannual home textiles exhibition in China.

The acquisition of 65 percent of Foshun Huaxia was made for an estimated cash consideration of RMB174m (approximately £19.3m and $23.8 million).

Detroit’s Cobo Center Completes $2 Million Wireless Upgrade

Detroit’s Cobo Center recently completed a $2 million technology upgrade, which included an upgraded Nortel core switch that distributes the WiFi signal and along with several new Nortel edge switches located throughout the center.

“For the visitors that use our WiFi network, these upgrades will be like moving from a one lane highway to a three lane super-speedway,” said Claude Molinari, general manager of SMG/Cobo Center.

System improvements also include upgrading WiFi access points to 802.11ac Aruba APs and increasing the number of APs to 400 throughout the facility.

Tarsus Group Buys 80-percent Stake in Connect Meetings

U.K.-based Tarsus Group made its second recent major acquisition by scooping up 80 percent of the issued share capital of Connect Meetings, a market-leading U.S. business travel and meetings event organizer headquartered in Atlanta.

Connect Meetings is a provider of trade shows that serve the business travel and meetings sector through a combination of national, regional and vertically focused events that are supplemented by an integrated media offering and additional marketing solutions.

Informa and Zhanye Form a Joint Venture to Launch WOC Asia

Informa Beijing and Shanghai Zhanye Exhibition Co., Ltd have formed a joint venture, Shanghai Yingye Exhibition Co., Ltd, to launch the World of Concrete Asia, which will showcase a full range of products from the World of Concrete, China Floor Expo (CFE) and China Mortar Expo (CME) brands.

The new partnership will begin from the next edition of CFE/CME fairs on, which will be held Dec. 4-6, 2017, in the Shanghai New International Expo Center.

New TSNN Research Report Released - The Exhibit & Sponsorship Sales Best Practices Study

TSNN and Access Intelligence Research have released the second report in its TSNN Research series: The Exhibit & Sponsorship Sales Best Practices Study: How Leading Convention & Exhibition Producers are Selling More Exhibit Space and Sponsorship Opportunities.

TSNN and Access Intelligence Research have developed this exclusive industry study to help convention and exhibition producers analyze and benchmark their exhibit space and sponsorship sales and marketing strategies.

Tarsus Group Buys Stake in Shanghai-based Show Portfolio

In its latest trading update, U.K.-based Tarsus Group not only said its remaining events for the year are in line with its expectations and forward bookings for 2017 are strong, but also the company bought PNO Exhibition Investment (Dubai) Ltd.

Company officials added that if exchange rates remain at current levels, particularly the weakness of the pound against the dollar, this will benefit its 2017 results.

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.