News

Aug 04, 2013
The summer months haven’t slowed down the busy hiring pace by show management and supplier companies, with two new leaders being named at CVBs and a host of other people news in the past month. Milton Segarra was named the new president and CEO of the Puerto Rico Convention Bureau. Segarra previously was executive director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company and served as Secretary of the Department of Economic Development and Commerce. He also has held various sales, marketing and C-level management positions with some of Puerto Rico’s top international hotel brands, including… more
Aug 04, 2013
Atlanta pulled out all the stops to show off the city to more than 5,000 association executives, suppliers, spouses and guests at the 2013 American Society of Association Executives’ Annual Meeting & Exposition Aug. 4-6. The number of association executives grew this year, with nearly 3,000 attending, the second highest amount since 3,124 attended in 2008 in San Diego. John Graham, president and CEO of ASAE, said cities often make a lot of promises when they bid on the meeting. “Atlanta lived up to and exceeded the promises and commitments (they) made,” he added.… more
Aug 02, 2013
We know there are times you wish you could speak directly to your audience and show them how the technology you provide to them can help them plan ahead and prepare for your event. Since it is not possible to reach out to each of your users personally, the next best option is to create and publish useful support videos to help your event participants maximize their time and ROI from the event. A smartly put together video can quickly convey the key features of a productivity tool, resulting in increased user satisfaction and ultimately, in the success of your event.  Today, we would like… more
Aug 02, 2013
We know there are times you wish you could speak directly to your audience and show them how the technology you provide to them can help them plan ahead and prepare for your event. Since it is not possible to reach out to each of your users personally, the next best option is to create and publish useful support videos to help your event participants maximize their time and ROI from the event. A smartly put together video can quickly convey the key features of a productivity tool, resulting in increased user satisfaction and ultimately, in the success of your event.  Today, we would like… more
Aug 01, 2013
Less than a day after members of Local Eight of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, who work at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, went on strike and threatened a 10,000-attendee medical meeting set to come into the center, the crisis was averted. Union officials for all six unions that work in the building and the Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority, which oversees it, signed one year collective bargaining agreement extensions. “I am very optimistic about the dialogue between the center, SMG, and the Labor Unions that emerged during… more
Aug 01, 2013
The city of Louisville, Ky., has reason to celebrate, with the booking of the world’s largest helicopter show – HELI-EXPO - March 1-3, 2016, at the Kentucky Exposition Center. The show, owned by the Helicopter Association International, attracts more than 20,000 exhibitors and attendees from around the world, including helicopter manufacturers, owners and operators, government agencies and helicopter industry products. “We know from experience that the people who attend HELI-EXPO stay for multiple nights, so it’s important for us that the host city has the room… more
Jul 31, 2013
In the midst of renegotiating contracts with the six unions that work at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, members of Local Eight of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America walked out of talks and went on strike this morning. The four other unions - electricians, riggers, laborers and stagehands – still are renegotiating, while the fifth union – Teamsters – honored the carpenters’ strike and have refused to cross picket lines. As a result, shows such as the American Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE) Annual Meeting, which… more
Jul 30, 2013
The Center for Exhibition Industry Research unveiled the speaker and session line up geared toward C-level executives in the trade show industry for its 3rd annual CEIR Predict: Inspiring Confidence in an unPREDICTable Time conference. The event will be held Sept. 12 at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City and typically draws more than 125 C-level trade show industry leaders, M&A representatives, financiers, economists and sponsor suppliers. "This year's Predict will continue in the collaborative spirit for which it is known, and we have designed a program to address the hard… more
Jul 30, 2013
U.K.-based Tarsus Group, the parent company of Trade Show News Network, has scored record revenue results for the first half of 2013, with $40 million (£26 million), compared with $29 million (£19.2 million) during the same period last year. Adjusted profit before tax also more than doubled from $2.7 million (£1.8 million) in the first half of 2012 to $5.9 million (£3.9 million) in the first half of this year. Like-for-like exhibition revenue also was up 8 percent, compared with 2012, as adjusted for biennials and acquisitions. “Tarsus has delivered record… more
Jul 29, 2013
Looking to tap into each other’s resources, the Society of Independent Show Organizers (SISO) and AFIDA, the International Association of Exhibition Industry in Latin America announced a new alliance at the recent 44th Congress of AFIDA held in Bolivia. SISO has 160 members worldwide with most based in the U.S., while AFIDA has 72 supplier and exhibition organizer members in Latin America. Because most of those members do not overlap, offering memberships to each organization broadens each other’s reach. “This agreement will offer our members an unprecedented opportunity… 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.