News

Sep 12, 2023
Sponsored article by MCI USA Creating exceptional experiences for attendees is the ultimate goal in the current landscape of event management. The challenge lies in tailoring these experiences to meet the unique needs of both show organizers and their attendees. With over three decades of industry experience, MCI USA understands these challenges and has cultivated a team of seasoned professionals to revolutionize the industry. This commitment to excellence is exemplified by the synergy between their veteran leadership team and use of the innovative registration, housing and lead management… more
Sep 11, 2023
As North America’s largest pet retail trade show for the $100 billion pet industry, SUPERZOO is known for a vibrant expo showcasing innovative products and trends, industry-leading education, hyper-competitive grooming contests and valuable networking opportunities. But this year, the event witnessed a stronger-than-expected increase in attendees and key decision-makers from the U.S. and abroad.  Held Aug. 16-18 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, the annual expo and conference welcomed nearly 18,000 pet professionals — a 10% increase compared to 2022 — from 84 countries, as… more
Sep 08, 2023
Exhibiting companies now have a new way to scan badges and generate leads at trade shows thanks to Utah-based mobile software startup Mobly, a mobile-first SaaS platform that captures leads and instantly integrates them into customer relationship management (CRM) and marketing automation platform (MAP) systems for immediate follow-up. Using the Mobly app on a smartphone or tablet, booth staff can search contacts by name and company or snap a picture of a badge or business card. Mobly then enriches the lead information and automatically syncs the data in CRMs or MAPs, reducing the time to… more
Sep 08, 2023
The Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) reports the U.S. business-to-business (B2B) exhibition industry experienced a robust rebound, with continued improvement, during Q2 2023. The CEIR Total Index, which serves as a measure of overall exhibition performance, has surged by 21.8% compared to the same period a year ago. “CEIR research has documented an intent to return to face-to-face engagement at B2B exhibitions, and CEIR Index quarterly results continue to document the recovery is in progress,” said CEIR CEO Cathy Breden. “Each quarter, the Index is showing that more business… more
Sep 06, 2023
A record-breaking number of nominations came flying in for the 2023 TSNN Awards, including nominations in 12 categories for the Innovation Awards and an incredible number of nominations for the Outstanding Show Pro Awards. TSNN has named those who will be recognized with Outstanding Show Pro Awards and TSNN Award for Best Innovation for a Consumer Show, presented by EventsPass, as well as unveiled the finalists for the Innovation Awards listed below. The 2023 TSNN Awards (www.T-awards.com) are on tap Oct. 27-28 in Puerto Rico, with an opening party at the Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel &… more
Sep 06, 2023
A plethora of new business agreements, contract renewals, strategic partnerships and major acquisitions have marked a very busy summer for the global trade show and events industry. Take a look!  ASM Global The Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority (PCCA) recently inked a five-year contract renewal with ASM Global as the venue management company for the Pennsylvania Convention Center (PCC), effective Dec. 1 through Nov. 30, 2028. The company has served as the PCC’s management partner since 2013, when the PCCA awarded an initial contract to SMG, which was subsequently rebranded as ASM… more
Sep 05, 2023
U.K.-based Cuil Bay Capital (CBC), a new investment vehicle led by exhibition industry entrepreneur Doug Emslie, former CEO of Tarsus Group, announces its inaugural investment, the acquisition of a majority stake in the dynamic U.K.-based Raccoon Media Group (Raccoon). Founded in 2016, Raccoon achieved acclaim with the launch of the multi-award-winning National Running Show. Since then, the company launched several more events in the U.K. and U.S. and experienced fast growth, transforming into a high-growth media business dedicated to promoting healthy and active lifestyles. Raccoon… more
Sep 04, 2023
For those keeping a close eye on gender equity within the U.S. trade show industry, this latest People News may serve as a beacon of hope. Check out all these female event professionals who are moving up and assuming senior and leadership roles at event-related organizations across the country.  EventsPass   Event ticket sales and marketing software and service partner EventsPass has promoted 20-year global event technology veteran Melissa Ooi to COO, responsible for leading the company’s next stage of growth.   Prior to joining EventsPass in 2022 as executive vice president – U.S.… more
Sep 01, 2023
Beyond leads, it’s always been a challenge for exhibiting companies to measure ROI from trade shows. While leads generated is an important metric for evaluating the value of a specific trade show vs. the overall costs, it’s not the only objective when it comes to exhibiting. However, it’s way more difficult to measure marketing goals like brand awareness, engagement, sales conversions, customer satisfaction and thought leadership from face-to-face.  More and more, chief marketing officers and key stakeholders want data. How are exhibit managers measuring impressions, meetings, quality of… more
Aug 31, 2023
The Pennsylvania Convention Center (PCC) has earned Gold Level certification for the Events Industry Council’s (EIC) Sustainable Event Standards for venues, part of a collection of eight standards developed to assess events and industry suppliers on specific criteria for producing and delivering environmentally and socially responsible events. These criteria include organizational management; marketing, communication and engagement; climate action; water management; materials and circularity; supply chain management; diversity, equity and inclusion; accessibility; and social impact.  The… more
Partner Voices
  MGM Resorts is renowned for its exceptional service and diverse venue options across Las Vegas, Detroit, Springfield, National Harbor, Biloxi, and Atlantic City, providing flexible spaces for meetings of any size. Beyond these offerings, MGM Resorts distinguishes itself through a strong commitment to social responsibility and sustainability, making it an ideal choice for your next meeting.  At the core of MGM Resorts' company values is its platform, "Focused on What Matters," dedicated to meeting customer needs while advancing socially responsible practices. This commitment is evident in several key areas:  Protecting Natural Resources  MGM Resorts is home to industry-leading recycling, renewable electricity and water conservation programs. Some highlights include a cogeneration power plant at ARIA, producing ultra-efficient electricity; one of America’s largest contiguous rooftop solar arrays atop the convention center at Mandalay Bay; and onsite wells that provide water for the celebrated Fountains of Bellagio, avoiding reliance on precious Colorado River water. These efforts and many more save on natural resources while boosting attendee satisfaction.  Committed to Community  Always striving to be good neighbors, MGM Resorts works to avoid food waste and combat food insecurity with the Feeding Forward program. In partnership with local food banks, they safely divert unserved food to food insecure members of the community. Since 2016, over 5 million meals have been provided, highlighting MGM Resorts' commitment to minimizing food waste and addressing community needs.  MGM Resorts supports clients in their responsible-meetings efforts, not only with efficient venues but also waste-reducing décor and signage; sustainable food and beverage options; and outreach to help planners communicate sustainability efforts to attendees. What’s more, they offer a Mindful Meetings series that puts attendee wellness first—through fitness and mindfulness activities, and in give-back events with local charity organizations.   Fostering Diversity & Inclusion  To MGM Resorts, a diverse and talented workforce is essential to success. By cultivating innovative strategies that consider multiple perspectives and viewpoints, the company creates an inclusive workplace culture that benefits its employees and community. MGM Resorts takes pride in being a welcoming home for veterans, individuals with disabilities, people from diverse backgrounds, LGBTQ+ community members, and more. This commitment to inclusion is reflected in the company's recruitment and hiring practices and its social responsibility initiatives. From the workplace to the community, MGM Resorts' commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion remains unwavering, and its efforts continue to create a more equitable and sustainable world for all.  MGM Resorts offers unparalleled service and venue options while standing out for its proactive approach to sustainability and community engagement. Choosing MGM Resorts for your next meeting means aligning with a company that values social responsibility, efficiency, and attendee satisfaction, ensuring a meaningful and impactful event experience.