News
Apr 26, 2016
By Elizabeth Johnson
Whether you see eyewear as a fashion accessory or functional tool, you could find it on display on the floor of International Vision Expo East at New York’s Jacob J. Javits Center April 14-17. This year, the event celebrated its 30th anniversary.
“We held a champagne toast on Friday afternoon which gave a very celebratory feel to the opening of the show,” said Ashley Mills, vice president of Trade Shows & Meetings, The Vision Council.
The event, which caters to the entire industry of optometrists, opticians, practice managers, eyewear designers and others, saw high… more
Apr 24, 2016
Lew Shomer, chairman of 5NET4 Productions and Abilities Expos, found his way into the trade show industry like many others when he was vice president of marketing for a modem manufacturer in the 1980’s. In order to stand out from others at one of the early Comdex show, Shomer engaged a former Miss Louisiana model and her partner to perform a live song and dance skit.
After the second or third performance, word got around to the attendees that “you had to see this girl!" Next thing that happened was Sheldon Adelson came to the booth and said that we were making too much noise and drawing all… more
Apr 24, 2016
Audience response has been around for thousands of years. Remember the movie Gladiator? Thumbs up or thumbs down was the ancient audience response system (or ARS). Clapping or booing is another form of it.
Technology has done a great job taming ARS in recent years. Colleges and conferences often use clickers that attendees can interact with to give their opinion or answer to yes-no or multiple choice questions.
The problem is that conferences are by nature social environments. Audience response, then, would be social too. With all the fun social media tools now available, you'd think… more
Apr 24, 2016
Audience response has been around for thousands of years. Remember the movie Gladiator? Thumbs up or thumbs down was the ancient audience response system (or ARS). Clapping or booing is another form of it.
Technology has done a great job taming ARS in recent years. Colleges and conferences often use clickers that attendees can interact with to give their opinion or answer to yes-no or multiple choice questions.
The problem is that conferences are by nature social environments. Audience response, then, would be social too. With all the fun social media tools now available, you'd think… more
Apr 23, 2016
The North American International Auto Show will be launch AutoMobili-D, a dedicated exposition focused on the rapidly evolving global automotive and mobility landscape.
Spearheaded by NAIAS, AutoMobili-D will run in conjunction with the 2017 auto show this coming January in Detroit and will feature more than 100 companies, including automakers, tier one suppliers and tech startups.
“AutoMobili-D will provide an international look at the ever-changing world of consumer mobility and the ecosystem of companies and innovations that are driving this exciting transformation,” said Sam Slaughter,… more
Apr 23, 2016
When the first CONEXPO was held in 1909 in Columbus, Ohio, the entire show (known then as the Road Show) covered 40,000 square feet — the size of some single exhibits at today’s CONEXPO-CON/AGG, the largest show for the construction, aggregates and ready-mixed concrete industries in the Western Hemisphere.
That first show was considered a “hazardous experiment” with 40 machinery manufacturers displaying devices that could do the work of 15 horse-drawn units — and besides, there were few paved roads outside of cities at the time.
But the Road Show, sponsored by forerunners of the… more
Apr 22, 2016
UBM added more than a few dozen shows to its fashion portfolio in the United States with the acquisition of Business Journals Inc. for $69 million in cash.
“We are delighted to have acquired BJI. This transaction is very much in line with our ‘Events First’, strategy,” said Tim Cobbold, CEO of UBM.
He added, “It adds to our presence in North America and also in the fashion sector, both of which were already strong following UBM’s acquisition of Advanstar at the end of 2014. We see excellent opportunities to deliver an improved experience for customers and to realize the operational benefits… more
Apr 18, 2016
Cvent, a cloud-based enterprise event management company, entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by affiliates of Vista Equity Partners, a private equity firm focused on investments in software, data and technology-enabled businesses.
Vista will acquire 100 percent of the outstanding shares of Cvent common stock for a total value of approximately $1.65 billion.
“We are pleased to announce this transaction that provides a significant premium for Cvent stockholders,” said Reggie Aggarwal, founder and CEO of Cvent.
He added, “This milestone is the next chapter in our 17-year… more
Apr 18, 2016
Meeting Professionals International and host city partners Meet AC and Caesars Entertainment have unveiled several unique and exciting networking opportunities at this year’s World Education Congress (WEC) in Atlantic City.
MPI is offering a new registration option – the WEC Networking Package – that grants exclusive entry to all four evening events, including the MPI Foundation’s Rendezvous, which will be headlined by the Grammy® Award-winning band Train.
“Year after year, attendees tell us how valuable WEC is for growing their professional networks,” said Paul Van Deventer, president and… more
Apr 18, 2016
Richmond, Va., is rich in history, but the city’s appeal is not limited to being transported through time. Quite the opposite. Richmond is a 300-year-old town with 21st Century appeal.
Just a block away from the historic Jefferson Hotel, established in 1895, is the brand new Quirk Hotel. A small boutique hotel, aptly named for its amalgam of lodging, creative meeting space, fine dining, and art exhibit space.
For history buffs, Quirk is built in a beautifully renovated 1916 department store, J.B. Mosby and Co, of Italian Renaissance design. It features classic architecture such as sweeping… 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.