News
Jan 17, 2018
The Professional Convention Management Association named Janet Tan-Collis, president of the Singapore Association of Convention and Exhibition Organizers and Suppliers (SACEOS) and CEO of East West Planners Singapore, Janet Tan-Collis, as the 2017 Chairman’s Award honoree.
Presented by Mary Pat Heftman, 2017 Chair of PCMA Board of Directors, the award was given at PCMA’s recent Convening Leaders event in Nashville and recognizes individuals or organizations for their unique achievements and contributions to the business events industry over the previous year.
Singaporean Tan-Collis has… more
Jan 16, 2018
After UBM’s stock price jumped considerably, news was released that the mega exhibition organizer is in talks to possibly merge with Informa, another mega exhibition organizer.
UBM released the following statement:
“Further to the recent UBM share price movement, the Boards of UBM and Informa confirm that they are in discussions regarding a potential combination of the two companies, to be effected by way of an acquisition of the entire issued and to be issued share capital of UBM by Informa for shares and cash consideration (the "Potential Combination"). UBM and Informa are in preliminary… more
Jan 16, 2018
Despite the slight hiccup of a power blackout at the show, CES, the world’s largest consumer technology event, set a new size record this year with a 2.75 million net square foot expo floor featuring 3,900 exhibitors.
Held Jan. 9-12 at the Las Vegas Convention Center and venues throughout the city, the 51st annual event for the global tech industry attracted more than 175,000 attendees from 150 countries.
In 2017, CES spanned 2.6 million net square feet, with its attendance and exhibitor numbers on par with this year.
Touted as a gathering of the world’s greatest innovators, the show… more
Jan 16, 2018
Event Transportation Systems, a shuttle transportation management company for corporate and association meetings, conferences and conventions, has released its latest web-based versions of the ETS-Next-Shuttle app and ETS-Shuttle-Tracker transportation management software.
These next-generation transportation management and monitoring tools, which use proprietary GPS-enabled technology, were unveiled Jan. 8 at the PCMA’s annual Convening Leaders conference in Nashville.
“We created these technology tools because the modern meeting planner needs instant access to information and the modern… more
Jan 12, 2018
It looks to be a banner year for Informa Exhibitions in 2017, with the division of U.K.-based Informa having reported 9 percent growth for the first 10 months of last year. The company’s 2017 full-year results will be released Feb. 28.
Charlie McCurdy, CEO of Informa Exhibitions, said the growth was coming from several of the company’s largest trade shows, such as Natural Products Expos East and West and the China Beauty Show, which grew 5 percent, to name a few.
“Big shows are doing very well,” he added.
The company boasts more than 30 large shows in its global portfolio and, according… more
Jan 12, 2018
The Javits Center has officially launched Jake, a new online portal designed to improve the customer experience by simplifying the ordering process of products and services for upcoming events at the convention center.
Featured on the Center’s redesigned and revamped website, and only available to exhibitors at this time, the new system allows customers to order more than 200 products and services, from electrical and cleaning services to audio equipment and lighting fixtures.
In addition, Jake enables users to:
Obtain price quotes for anticipated services
Review costs before placing… more
Jan 12, 2018
Global event and exhibit company MC2 has expanded its operations with the debut of a new office in Lewisville, Texas. Located in the DFW Metroplex, the new location is the company’s first in the Lone Star State.
Opened to support the company’s growth and clients in the technology and automotive industries as well as to be the home for the company’s Consumer Events division, the new 35,000 square foot facility was custom built for exhibit, event and permanent installation projects, and includes sales and account management services as well as warehouse and shipping facilities.
According to… more
Jan 11, 2018
Houston First Corporation and CBS-affiliated television station, KHOU 11, have formed a partnership to deliver the first network satellite studio in downtown Houston.
The new studio will be located along the city’s expanding entertainment district, Avenida Houston, with construction expected to begin in the next few months and slated for completion in late summer, according to Houston First officials.
“Since the development of Avenida Houston, we have witnessed downtown transform into a local destination,” said Dawn Ullrich, president and CEO of Houston First Corporation, which manages the… more
Jan 10, 2018
The Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland and the Global Center for Health Innovation recently has completed two significant facility upgrades geared toward improving energy efficiency and enhancing its exhibitor services.
Late last year, the facility replaced 140 metal-halide light bulbs in its truck loading dock with LED technology bulbs as well as installed a permanent pneumatic air distribution system (compressed air) in the utilidor beneath the exhibit hall floor.
“These facility upgrades were aimed at increasing energy efficiency and lowering operating costs, providing a valuable… more
Jan 09, 2018
Visit Seattle has unveiled a new event planner-focused video that takes a unique and artistic approach in showcasing what the Pacific Northwestern destination has to offer.
Using paper cut animation, “Seattle: A City Ready for You,” not only highlights typical events checklist items in Seattle such as walkability, convention centers, hotel supply and airlift, but also the myriad trailblazing collaborators and innovative companies clustered in the city’s bustling downtown.
Created in collaboration with local Seattle creative agency PB&, the video is designed to be a new tool Visit… 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.