Trade show security requires more than just hiring guards, setting up checkpoints, and installing cameras––it requires a strategic and adaptable approach. To equip show organizers with practical, scalable security frameworks to help protect attendees, exhibitors, and staff from evolving threats, the Society of Independent Show Organizers (SISO) recently hosted a safety and security webinar, “From Risk to Readiness: Building Event Security That Holds Under Pressure.”
Featuring insights from four industry executives––including Mike Carlucci, COO, Clarion Events; Mike Grant, senior vice… more
News
May 13, 2025
Following the acquisitions of POSSIBLE and HLTH in the last 12 months, global event organizer Hyve Group has acquired Manifest, a fast-growing, global event for the supply chain and logistics sector, from Connectiv Holdings. The move comes as the U.S. retail logistics sector is projected to grow to $109.31 billion by 2030, up from $43.17 billion in 2021—a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11%, according to Grand View Research.
Manifest will join Hyve’s global brands division alongside Shoptalk, Groceryshop, Fintech Meetup, HLTH, and POSSIBLE.
In 2025, Manifest featured more than 7… more
May 12, 2025
A groundbreaking new tool is entering the event technology space, promising to transform how attendees interact with conferences—and how organizers manage them. Trade Show Logic, a full-service show management company, and TurnoutNow, a company that leverages AI, machine learning and analytics to create business solutions in the live event space, have partnered to launch eventCopilot, an AI-powered engagement platform built specifically for the events industry.
Designed to act as an always-on concierge, eventCopilot already completed it first full deployment at the NAMA Show, a B2B trade… more
May 09, 2025
Think WrestleMania has nothing to offer trade show organizers? Then you have yet to get the inside scoop on Fanatics Events’ WWE World, its second-ever consumer-facing fan experience held in tandem with World Wrestling Entertainment’s annual flagship professional wrestling event, WrestleMania.
WWE World made its debut at WrestleMania 40 in Philadelphia last year—then shattered attendance records when it returned for WrestleMania 41, this time at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) from April 17-21.
Here are the stats that should be on organizer’s radars:
50,000: The number of… more
May 08, 2025
In recent weeks, an event strategy and marketing agency and two key industry associations announced new offerings for trade shows and events.
Women in Exhibitions 2025 World Summit Set For July at Excel London
Women in Exhibitions (WiE), a global network focused on empowering women in the exhibitions and events industry, has announced that its 2025 WiE World Summit will take place July 8-9 at Excel London. This year’s theme, “Elevate, Accelerate: Together We Rise,” highlights the collective power of inclusive leadership and cross-industry collaboration to drive innovation, equity, and… more
May 07, 2025
Remind attendees and exhibitors to bring their REAL IDs or passports when they travel to domestic trade shows beginning today, May 7. Despite numerous delays in the implementation, U.S. travelers must be REAL ID compliant to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities.
If your driver’s license does not have a star marking on the upper top portion of the card, it is not REAL ID-compliant and won’t be accepted as proof of identity to board commercial aircraft. Passports are acceptable.
Back story: The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005,… more
May 06, 2025
While several public companies have lowered their annual guidance forecasts during this quarterly earnings season, Informa PLC, the international leader in B2B events and academic markets, is bucking the trend, affirming its full-year guidance with underlying revenue growth of 5% and double-digit adjusted earnings growth, according to its first quarter (Q1) 2025 trading update released on May 1.
“The Informa Group continues to deliver strong underlying growth in both live B2B events and academic markets,” said Informa Group Chief Executive Stephen A. Carter. “Specialist brands in specialist… more
May 05, 2025
TSNN’s take on the biggest recent move: Dennis Smith has been appointed CEO of NürnbergMesse North America (NMNA) in Atlanta. He succeeds Bill Ingwersen, who has led the U.S. subsidiary since 2017 and made significant contributions to NMNA since joining in 2015, including the successful launch of Embedded World North America and BIOFACH AMERICA following the COVID pandemic.
The big picture: In his new role, Smith will oversee U.S. exhibitor and visitor support and acquisition for NürnbergMesse Group’s global events while developing the company’s U.S. portfolio, specifically Embedded World… more
May 02, 2025
A historic convention center in Louisville is getting a facelift while a new premium event facility recently opened its doors in downtown Detroit.
Kentucky Expo Center Kicks Off Multimillion-Dollar Expansion and Renovation
Demolition is underway at the Kentucky Exposition Center (KEC) in Louisville, Ky. as the facility kicks off its $393 million expansion and renovation project that is expected to position it as the fifth-largest convention center in the nation, according to officials from Kentucky Venues, operators of the KEC and Kentucky International Convention Center.
On April 8,… more
May 01, 2025
Since U.S. President Donald Trump signed Executive Order 14151, titled "Ending Radical And Wasteful Government DEI Programs And Preferencing," on January 20, federal agencies have been rolling back their DEI programs and cutting budgets. While some of the administration’s efforts only apply to the federal government, several target DEI programs in the private sector. How are independent trade show companies responding?
Inclusion, diversity, and belonging are (still) integral components of successful trade show organizations, according to four industry executives who participated in a… 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.