News

Dec 28, 2016
For the past 12-plus years, Steve Moster has moved up the ranks of Global Experience Specialists (GES). Serving currently as president and CEO of Viad since 2014 and as president of GES since 2010, Moster joined Viad in 2004 as vice president of Exhibition Furnishings. His career evolved to sales and leadership roles with the company, including executive vice president — chief sales & marketing officer and as executive vice president — Products and Services, where he led double-digit revenue growth. Moster received his bachelor of engineering degree from Vanderbilt University and his… more
Dec 28, 2016
It’s not often that a business idea is sparked by a trip to the dentist, but that’s what happened to Julian Sandler. The dentist asked if he knew of anyplace where he could rent a computer. Sandler, a nuclear physicist turned serial entrepreneur, thought there had to be other businesses and organizations needing short-term computer rentals, which led him to found Rent-a-PC in 1984 with two employees. The company was based (and still is) in Hauppauge, New York, so early clients were primarily corporate accounts on the East Coast, renting brand-name PCs and peripherals. From the late… more
Dec 27, 2016
Hannover Fairs Canada (HF Canada), Deutsche Messe’s Canadian subsidiary, today has formed a partnership with SME to collocate Industrial Automation, Motion, Drive & Automation, ComVac, parts2clean, and CeMAT trade shows with the Canadian Manufacturing Technology Show (CMTS). “We were looking to secure a home for these five industrial events in Canada alongside a larger, well-established manufacturing technology trade show,” said President and CEO of HF Canada Larry Turner. He added, “The opportunity to showcase these five advanced manufacturing technology shows and their industrial… more
Dec 27, 2016
The TEAMS ’18 Conference & Expo will be held Oct. 1–4, 2018, at the Kentucky International Convention Center, which will reopen in 2018 following a multimillion-dollar expansion and renovation project. “We are pleased to be the first travel industry show that will be held at the newly expanded Kentucky International Convention Center,” said Timothy Schneider, president and CEO of Schneider Publishing Company, which publishes SportsTravel magazine and organizes the TEAMS Conference. He added, “We have had a longstanding relationship with Louisville, which proved to be an… more
Dec 22, 2016
Tarsus Group has made another acquisition this month and its second recent acquisition in China, with a 65-percent stake of Foshan Huaxia Home Textile Development Co., Ltd. ("Foshan Huaxia") from the Guangdong Home Textile Association and Association Member shareholders. Foshan Huaxia owns the Home Furnishing Expo (Hometex), the leading biannual home textiles exhibition in China. The acquisition of 65 percent of Foshun Huaxia was made for an estimated cash consideration of RMB174m (approximately £19.3m and $23.8 million). "Following the recent acquisition of Intex in Shanghai, we… more
Dec 22, 2016
Marketplace Events continued to expand its fast-growing home shows portfolio with the purchase of six more events from Southern Shows All events in this transaction are located in North Carolina: two home shows in Raleigh, two in Charlotte and one in Greensboro, along with the Southern Christmas Show in Charlotte.   Southern Shows will continue to own and produce their 11-show Women’s Show Series and the Southern Farm Show.  In a transition agreement, Southern Shows will continue to manage through completion the three home shows that take place in the first quarter of 2017 on… more
Dec 20, 2016
The Georgia International and Maritime Trade Center Authority (GIMTCA), which governs the Savannah International Trade & Convention Center (SITCC), has selected Songy Highroads, LLC., in partnership with Omni Hotels & Resorts, to develop a convention headquarters hotel. It will be located on Hutchison Island adjacent to the riverfront convention center, which is managed by the Georgia World Congress Center Authority (GWCCA). The next step of the agreement, which was unanimously approved by the GIMTCA board at its Dec. 14 meeting, is to work through development agreements, said Sherrie… more
Dec 19, 2016
International exhibition organiser, Messe Düsseldorf GmbH announced its Chinese subsidiaries, Messe Düsseldorf China and Messe Düsseldorf Shanghai, have achieved record breaking year in show results in 2016. In China, Messe Düsseldorf Shanghai organised 13 trade shows and conferences in the year, occupying a gross area of 500,000 m2. A total of 7,325 national and international exhibitors showcased their products at these shows, attracting more about 331,000 visitors. Messe Düsseldorf China supported 14 global trade shows hosted by Messe Düsseldorf Group, which help about 2,600 Chinese… more
Dec 19, 2016
History was made today when Hainan Airlines’ first flight from Beijing to Las Vegas touched down at McCarrran International Airport filled with excited Chinese travelers, media and company officials. A traditional water arches salute greeted the aircraft as it taxied to the gate. "We have just made history," said Hou Wei, senior vice president of Hainan Airlines, "flying the first commercial aircraft from Mainland China to Nevada, finally linking the capital of the People's Republic of China with the Entertainment Capital of the World, Las Vegas!" With China considered to be one of the… more
Dec 19, 2016
The Appointment Group Asia Pacific has announced the acquisition of a Sydney-based event company, Axis Events, to expand its business in the region. The financial details of the transaction were not disclosed. Founded by Paul Christie, Axis Events has 28 staff members and operates offices in Sydney, Melbourne and Singapore. Under the acquisition, Axis Events team and The Appointment Group team will remain an integral part of the expanded division. The Appointment Group Asia Pacific managing director, Shane Barr, said, “The acquisition of Axis Events represents an exciting time for all… 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.