News

Apr 11, 2017
The 21st Hong Kong International Film & TV Market (FILMART) concluded last week, attracting more than 8,000 visitors, which represents an increase of 9% from last year. Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the four-day event ran from 13th to 16th March 2017, at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). This year, over 800 exhibitors from 35 countries and regions showcased their latest productions at the event. More than 70 special events were held during FILMART, including thematic seminars, press conferences and networking events. According to the… more
Apr 11, 2017
A Hosted Buyers Program (HBP) brings together qualified buyers for brief one-to-one meetings with multiple suppliers in a given vertical. HBPs are becoming increasingly popular as supplementary as well as complementary events to trade shows because they provide a winning formula for delivering tangible and measurable success to all parties involved. For Suppliers The key premise of a genuine HBP is that it brings pre-qualified buyers to meet with the suppliers. The vetted process is usually based on key parameters such as a buyer’s primary business or professional role, buying… more
Apr 10, 2017
With so much technology supporting events, much of it digital technology that runs on or is facilitated by the Internet (aka back door for hackers), event organizers would be remiss in not making sure that every technology they use is secure. In this week’s #Expochat, moderator Michelle Bruno will tweetchat with Jon Johnson, cofounder and CTO of Core-Apps to find out how vulnerable the industry really is and what organizers and technology providers can do to safeguard company and personal information on event apps and platforms. If you’ve got questions of your own or would like to contribute… more
Apr 10, 2017
The winter months ended with a flurry of hirings and promotions in several for-profit companies and association show organizations, as well as suppliers to the trade show industry. Comexposium Group has appointed Simon Foster as CEO as of August 2017. At that time, Renaud Hamaide will transition from CEO to executive chairman. Foster will lead the Comexposium Group strategic development and implementation across the Globe, managing existing products and teams, optimizing products’ performance, as well as overseeing new business launches and acquisitions integration. All division managing… more
Apr 08, 2017
Freeman has launched a portfolio of virtual products and services for exhibitors, organizers and corporate marketers seeking innovative technology solutions to help drive audience engagement, transform the customer experience and achieve optimal business results. The new VR offers are part of Freeman’s initial rollout of its VR portfolio, intended to increase the impact of technology and digital advances in its brand experience category while helping clients drive event strategy that leverages data to deliver more relevant experiences and meaningful audience connections. “As the… more
Apr 07, 2017
By Elizabeth Johnson   International Vision Expo East, held March 31-April 2 at the Jacob J. Javits Convention Center in New York City, added even more content to an already successful event. The annual trade show and conference provides a venue for fashion designers to display their latest eyewear and for eye care professionals to find resources improve their businesses. While the show saw an increase in exhibiting companies, with 714 exhibitors spanning 270,326 square feet of expo space compared to 2016, when 631 exhibiting companies occupied a 270,985 sq. ft. showfloor, Vision Expo is… more
Apr 06, 2017
The Meetings Mean Business Coalition (MMBC) and leaders from across the meetings industry are joining together today for the second annual Global Meetings Industry Day (#GMID17), with more than 100 events in 90-plus locations spanning nearly 25 countries and six continents. This international day of advocacy showcases the real impact that business meetings, conferences, conventions, incentive travel, trade shows and exhibitions have on people, business and communities. Thousands of industry professionals are participating in today’s events, coupled with a robust social conversation to ensure… more
Apr 06, 2017
CORT Event Furnishings has become the first rental company to offer a free 3D space planning design tool to its clients. The meetings, exhibit and events industry furnishings provider recently partnered with Social Tables, an event management software company, to integrate a proprietary custom version of Social Tables’ online Space Planner on CORT’s website. Clients have the ability to design their event in 2D, view and share in 3D and automatically request quotes for CORT products based on their design. The platform’s advanced functionality also allows clients to select… more
Apr 05, 2017
In an effort to demonstrate its ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship and attract more sustainably minded events, Detroit’s Cobo Center has achieved APEX/ASTM Venue Standard recertification. Developed by ASTM International and the Convention Industry Council’s Accepted Practices Exchange (APEX), the Venue Standard is one of nine APEX/ASTM Standards for Sustainable Meetings and Events that were created by the meetings, conventions, exhibitions and events industry to provide planners and suppliers with specific guidelines and performance measurements for producing more environmentally… more
Apr 04, 2017
Northstar Travel Group acquired not only the TEAMS Conference + Expo and Meetings Quest conferences from Schneider Publishing, but also magazine titles SportsTravel and Association News.   Timothy Schneider, president and CEO of Schneider Publishing, joins Northstar Travel Group as founder and chairman of the company's new Sports Division. The division will be a part of Northstar's Meetings Group, which includes Meetings & Conventions, Successful Meetings, Meeting News, and Incentive, and the Group's integrated data, digital, and in-person event… 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.