Marketing Events Then and Now

By Elizabeth Johnson

In a 1996 article published in the Harvard Business Review, “The Future of Interactive Marketing”, the authors noted, “Clearly, marketing’s tool kit is experiencing unsettling amounts of innovation today. The boom in direct and database marketing, the dawning of electronic commerce, new ways to automate sales force management, and the sudden blossoming of the World Wide Web all suggest that the discipline is under pressure to reshape.”

Exhibitors Rave About SHOT Show Exhibitor Academy

“I can’t thank you enough for this opportunity,” and similar sentiments from SHOT Show exhibitors were repeatedly exchanged with National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) staff at the conclusion of the 3rd annual SHOT Show Exhibitor Academy.

This year’s Academy was held June 20-22 at the Sands Expo  Convention Center and was attended by more than 100 SHOT Show exhibitors. The Exhibitor Academy is the brainchild of ConvExx, the show management firm who won the bid to manage SHOT Show beginning in 2014.

Licensing International Expo Unveils Matchmaking, Sports-themed Attendee Engagement in Las Vegas

Wonder Woman, with its feature film coming out next year, led the parade of characters and other licensable properties at the 36th annual Licensing International Expo that took place June 21-23 at Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas.

Produced by UBM and sponsored by the International Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association (LIMA), the show boasted an extra 10,000 net square feet, with a total of about 240,000. More than 460 exhibitors represented some 5,000 brands. Attendance was expected to be on par with last year at about 16,000.

Family is Key at the AAP Experience

In July of 1929, a group of pediatricians gathered over dinner in Portland, Ore., and decided to fill a need to improve child health and welfare. At the time, infant mortality rates were extremely high, and there was a lack of programs to avoid malnutrition and preventable childhood diseases.

Dr. Clifford G. Grulee, MD, from the Chicago area was chosen to lead the initiative. In December of that year, a committee drafted an outline for the new society.

Britain Votes to Leave European Union: UFI Issues Statement on Global Exhibition Industry Impact

Despite polls indicating that the opposite result would be achieved, Britain has voted to leave the European Union, which it has been a member of since the mid-1970s.

The vote’s impact on the British pound and stock markets worldwide was swift, with the U.K. currency dropping to a 30-year low and the FTSE 100 also seeing steep declines.

As a strong backer of the ‘Remain’ campaign, British Prime Minister David Cameron also announced that he would be stepping down from his post in the next few months as a result of the ‘Leave’ campaign winning the vote.

Urban Expositions Will Launch Classic Car Show in Los Angeles

Adding to its burgeoning portfolio of 36 events, Urban Expositions will launch the Classic Car Show Jan. 27-29 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

The Classic Auto Show, for collectors, aficionados, manufacturers and experts in the classic car markets, will feature an expansive showcase of wall-to-wall classic cars and automotive merchandise, including vintage parts, tools and accessories, memorabilia and other nostalgia.

Attendees will be able to get up close and personal with their favorite celebrities, browse the expansive auto swap and access cars rarely showcased.

Urban Expositions Will Launch Classic Car Show in Los Angeles

Adding to its burgeoning portfolio of 36 events, Urban Expositions will launch the Classic Car Show Jan. 27-29 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

The Classic Auto Show, for collectors, aficionados, manufacturers and experts in the classic car markets, will feature an expansive showcase of wall-to-wall classic cars and automotive merchandise, including vintage parts, tools and accessories, memorabilia and other nostalgia.

Attendees will be able to get up close and personal with their favorite celebrities, browse the expansive auto swap and access cars rarely showcased.

New Business Contracts: Registration, Management, Exhibit Sales Companies Sign, Renew Contract

The summer months have not slowed down business in the event industry, with several companies signing new contracts and renewing existing ones to kick off the sunny season.

SEMI, producer of SEMICON West, has renewed their contract for another three years with Convention Data Services (CDS), its registration partner for the past nine years.

IMEX America Launches New CSR Initiative, Coincides with World Environment Day

Just before the United Nations’ World Environment Day 2016, which was June 5, the IMEX Group revealed a new volunteer CSR initiative that’s set to take place in Las Vegas the day before IMEX America 2016 opens in October.

“We’re thrilled to be launching this new project, which gives a fresh dimension to our legacy work in Las Vegas,” said Carina Bauer, CEO of the IMEX Group.

InfoComm International Breaks Exhibitor, Showfloor Records at Las Vegas Convention Center

InfoComm International, for the commercial audiovisual and information communications industries, saw record growth in not only exhibitors, with 1,000 on the floor and 211 of them being first-timers, but also the showfloor expanded to 527,105 net square feet of exhibit and special events space — also a show record.

“The AV industry’s commitment to advancing technology and showcasing it at InfoComm has never been stronger,” said Jason McGraw, senior vice president of Expositions, InfoComm International.

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.