News
Nov 25, 2024
Look up “bad-ass event professional” and you’ll likely see a photo of Monique Ruff-Bell next to it. As the chief program and strategy officer for TED, producer of world-renowned TED conferences, Ruff-Bell isn’t afraid to push boundaries and disrupt TED’s winning formula to keep its events compelling, engaging, memorable, inclusive, and always on-trend.
Since joining TED almost three years ago as its head of events, following a transformative tenure at leading FinTech event Money 20/20, this seasoned event strategist has found ways to leverage TED’s leading platforms and legacy of… more
Nov 22, 2024
Trade Show News Network (TSNN) announces the short list of finalists for its 14th annual TSNN Awards, recognizing trade show excellence and innovation across 12 categories. The winners will be revealed in person at a dual industry awards program on Monday, Dec. 16, at The Novo during Expo! Expo! IAEE’s Annual Meeting and Exhibition® in Los Angeles.
“This year’s finalists reflect the creativity, resilience, and forward-thinking leadership that define our industry,” said TSNN’s VP of Group Content Danica Tormohlen. “We’re especially excited to join forces with IAEE to present an unforgettable… more
Nov 21, 2024
In a crowded trade show environment, it’s the booths that encourage hands-on interaction that truly capture attention. These spaces can turn attendees from passive observers into active participants, encouraging them to explore new products through VR or gamified experiences, or to create new memories and build brand affinity through creative challenges and other memorable moments.
Here, we’ve gathered 13 recent examples that showcased the power of interactivity to boost engagement, draw crowds, and leave lasting impressions. Get inspired by these smart ideas from brands like Reddit,… more
Nov 20, 2024
Boasting robust year-over-year growth, The Hospitality Show (The Show) recently wrapped up its second annual edition at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas. Held October 28-30, the burgeoning hospitality industry trade show and conference attracted 4,800 attendees and 460 exhibitors, marking a 26% and 43% increase in attendance and vendors, respectively.
Produced by Questex and the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), The Show offers three packed days of industry insights, networking opportunities, and innovative solutions. With the goal of helping… more
Nov 19, 2024
Whether you are celebrating the results of the U.S. election or not, the incoming administration and the governing dynamics of the 118th Congress are certain to have an impact on the trade show and business events industry in 2025 and beyond.
As the Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (ECA) works to advocate for initiatives that enhance the event industry’s growth and resilience to ensure it remains a vital component of the economy in the coming years, the organization has been closely monitoring the implications of the election, said ECA Vice President Tommy Goodwin.
“[The]… more
Nov 18, 2024
This year’s CEIR Predict Conference brought together forward-thinking executive leaders to deliver crucial insights on global trends, AI innovation and strategic planning. The event featured leading AI innovators, economists, business intelligence specialists, and political analysts who collaborated with industry experts to provide a comprehensive outlook on the exhibition industry's future.
Economic and Geopolitical Insights
Adam Sacks, president of Tourism Economics at Oxford Economics Company, delivered a compelling analysis of the CEIR Index and its implications for different market… more
Nov 14, 2024
On Thursday, Nov. 7, more than 200 trade show industry leaders gathered at the New York Area Chapter of the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (NYIAEE) Awards Luncheon to honor MetroMultimedia CEO Bruno Giaccio as the 2024 recipient of the King’s Glove Award for his outstanding leadership of one of the top U.S. audio-visual production firms and his significant contributions to improving event operations nationwide.
“Bruno represents the best of the best in our industry, combining technical expertise with boundless enthusiasm, and his passion for mentoring the next… more
Nov 14, 2024
Organized by Informa Markets with Informa Connect as co-organizer, Connect Marketplace Hong Kong is launching March 19-21, 2025, at AsiaWorld-Expo. The inaugural Asia Pacific event for the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Events (MICE) community marks the debut of Connect Marketplace in Asia, aiming to elevate experiences and shape the future of the industry.
With the theme “Your Bleisure, Our Pleasure,” the event will serve as a platform for the global meetings industry, tourism authorities, and related stakeholders to connect, collaborate, and build relationships that will redefine… more
Nov 13, 2024
What do trade show organizers need to know about Orlando, Fla.?
In October, we spent 72 hours in the Sunshine State to discover what’s new for attendees and exhibitors in the theme park capital of the world, as well to find out what’s trending for trade shows.
Here’s what you need to know.
Getting there: Located about 20 minutes from downtown Orlando and with easy highway access, the Orlando International Airport (with the airport code of MCO) is about 12 miles away from the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) and major convention hotels that are connected or within walking distance… more
Nov 12, 2024
Equip Exposition, the international landscape, outdoor living, and equipment exposition held Oct. 15-18, broke attendance records for the third year in a row, with more than 28,500 registrants and more than 1.2 million square feet of indoor and outdoor exhibit space at the Kentucky Exposition Center.
The four-day event featured 1,000 exhibits and hundreds of educational opportunities. Attendees could mow, dig, mulch, saw and more with the latest outdoor power equipment in the 30-acre Outdoor Demo Yard, as well as pilot a drone in the Drone Zone.
As one of the largest trade shows in the U… 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.