News
Oct 30, 2018
The finalists for the 2018 IBTM World Technology Watch award have been selected. The shortlist comprises technology companies with innovative new products or services relevant to the meetings, incentive, conference and events (MICE) industry.
This year’s finalists are:
Kubify— Learning Toolbox interactive e-poster system
CadmiumCD— Meeting room scheduling/resource management system and event logistic management platform
RadarioAI— Event marketing and analytics platform
Event Tech Tribe—A collaborative ensemble of best-in-craft event technology providers that have chosen to work… more
Oct 29, 2018
U.S.-based audio-visual and live event company PSAV has acquired FMAV, an audio-visual and live event production company in Canada.
The transaction broadens PSAV’s reach into another region, as well as expands its overall capabilities. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
FMAV CEO Bill Brown and his senior team will remain in place and continue to execute on their growth plans, now in partnership with PSAV.
“FMAV is an ideal addition to the PSAV group of companies due to its event production expertise and strong alignment to our purpose and mission,” said Mike McIlwain, CEO for… more
Oct 26, 2018
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) has formed a partnership agreement with VisitDallas for its Women’s Leadership Initiative and its annual forum in Washington, D.C.
Going forward, VisitDallas will be the prominent partner in IAEE’s Women Leadership-focused activities including the Women’s Leadership website, ConnectNow newsletter and other products and services available to female IAEE members (with the exception of other sponsored events at Expo! Expo! IAEE’s Annual Meeting & Exhibition or webinars).
“We’re honored to partner with IAEE on this important… more
Oct 25, 2018
Event platform Bizzabo has launched a new application to help event marketers create a more personalized attendee experience through community building.
The Bizzabo Events Cloud offers tools that allow event marketers to build end-to-end branded experiences for attendees, plus measure performance and ROI. Organizations can create websites, event communities, marketing emails and now, event apps that are seamlessly interconnected.
“The events app market has evolved tremendously since we began in 2012, and over the years, brands have sought out more holistic and more high-end customizable… more
Oct 25, 2018
As cities across the U.S. continue to make significant investments in major expansions and upgrades to their convention centers in order to better compete for group business, two more facilities are joining the flurry of construction projects.
Last week, the city of Indianapolis announced plans to expand the Indiana Convention Center and build two new hotel towers that will add more than 1,400 connected hotel rooms to the city’s room inventory.
The ICC’s new 50,000 square foot ballroom will be the largest in the state, while the additional hotel towers will increase the city’s number of… more
Oct 23, 2018
Several associations recently signed new contracts with suppliers to the trade show industry for housing, registration, lead management and publications.
Convention Data Services (CDS) was selected by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) to provide registration, lead management and integrations for Museums Advocacy Day, as well as the Annual Meeting & Museum Expo for three years through 2021.
AAM’s mission is to champion museums and nurture excellence. Museums Advocacy Day brings together advocates who make the case for museums. The Annual Meeting & Museum Expo is the world’s… more
Oct 23, 2018
Billed as the incentive travel, meetings and events industry’s largest trade show in the U.S., IMEX America 2018broke its own records for success last week. Held Oct. 16-18 at the Sands Expo and Convention Center, this was the show’s eighth consecutive year in Las Vegas.
According to IMEX Group, the show boasted the following statistics:
13,000 estimated participants
6,000 attendees
3,300 hosted buyers
More than 3,500 exhibitors
More than 150 countries represented
70,000 estimated appointments
Economic impact of $19.1 million
Smart Monday, the MPI-powered day of education… more
Oct 23, 2018
In an effort to improve collaboration between planners and venues while growing its market share, event technology provider, Cvent, has acquired Social Tables.
Social Tables offers the world’s largest database of to-scale function space. Planners and venues use Social Tables’ Event Services Solution to diagram events, create seating charts and share files.
“With Social Tables, we can offer new ways for our event and hospitality customers to work better together to manage events,” said Reggie Aggarwal, CEO and founder of Cvent.
He continued, “We’ve known and respected Dan (Berger) since… more
Oct 22, 2018
International exhibition organiser, UBM plc, will expand its ProPak portfolio to Philippines next year. ProPak Philippines will run from 24th to 26th January 2019 at the World Trade Center Metro Manila in Pasay City.
With ProPak Philippines, UBM will aim to bring leading visitors and exhibitors from the processing and packaging industries. It will also connect leading international and local suppliers to local and regional buyers in the Philippines. The organiser expects that more than 180 exhibitors will showcase their products and services at the new show – including international… more
Oct 22, 2018
The co-located 26th Incentive Travel & Conventions, Meetings Asia (IT&CMA) and 21st Corporate Travel World (CTW) Asia-Pacific concluded last month, attracting over 3,000 delegates.
Running from 18th to 20th September at the Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld Bangkok, a total of 360 exhibiting organisations attended the three-day event. The Asian MICE Cruise Conference was also held for the first time and some 400 major cruise players and stakeholders in the region attended the conference.
The next edition of IT&CMA and CTW Asia-Pacific will return to Bangkok Convention… 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.