News
May 16, 2012
Longtime trade show industry veteran Paul Mackler has launched Eagle Eye Expositions and already has started growing his portfolio with the purchase of the Border Security Expo from E.J. Krause & Associates.
Mackler is CEO and president of the new company that was formed by former trade show and media entrepreneur investors.
“There were certain dynamics and growth characteristics that really attracted me to Border Security Expo,” Mackler said of the acquisition.
He added, “This is a large, growing, global and sustainable multi-billion dollar marketplace. I look… more
May 15, 2012
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events Public Events Council released its “Public Events Industry 2011” survey report and “Supplemental Report: How the Public Event/Consumer Show Engages with the Younger Generations/Professionals.”
In 2009, the Public Events Council distributed a survey to public event organizers across 22 public events industry sectors to examine overall industry performance.
The report identified which public event industry sectors fared well, which sectors struggled and their expectations for the future.
As a follow-up to that… more
May 15, 2012
The Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute is giving attendees to PACK EXPO International 2012, Oct. 28-31 at Chicago’s McCormick Place, a two-for-one lecture special with James Carville and Dennis Miller taking part in a joint session.
“We’ll be barely a week away from the 2012 Presidential election,” said PMMI president & CEO Charles D. Yuska.
He added, “No matter which way you vote, this pair of pundits will offer unique perspectives on the elections and the issues in the national spotlight.”
Dennis Miller is one of America’s premiere… more
May 15, 2012
The Center for Exhibition Industry Research will hold its 2nd Annual Predict Conference Sept. 13 in New York City at the Time Warner Center.
The event will be limited to C-level executives and will focus on the results of the CEIR Index, which provides an objective measure of the annual performance of the exhibition industry, measuring year-over-year changes and predictions through 2014.
Attendees will interact with presenters and colleagues throughout the day to share best practices, ideas and future strategies including projected event growth, merger and acquisition strategies and… more
May 13, 2012
Optimism on the showfloors from wide-ranging industries continues to abound with two more shows – the Offshore Technology Conference and Coverings – both posting substantial increases in attendance and other metrics.
The Offshore Technology Conference, held April 30-May 3 at Reliant Park in Houston drew a 30-year high attendance of 89,400, the third highest in show history and up 14 percent from last year.
Attendance surpassed the 2011 total of 78,645, and the sold-out exhibition was the largest in event history at 641,350 square feet with the addition of the outdoor pavilion,… more
May 13, 2012
It’s an extraordinary time in the world of DMOs, with three large city’s bureaus - the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, the Anaheim/Orange County Convention & Visitor Bureau and Visit Orlando - currently looking to find someone to fill their top posts.
After nine years running the bureau in Los Angeles, Mark Liberman recently announced he is going to retire to spend more time with his wife, Karen, as well as increase his work with the Alzheimer’s Association.
“The friendships, experiences and rewards have been many,” Liberman said.
He added,… more
May 12, 2012
Go to enough trade shows and you’ll notice that every event seems to have its own personality, flavor and attitude. Some shows are innovative and visually appealing, some lively and fun, while others more focused and serious.
LIGHTFAIR International, the world’s largest annual trade show and conference for the architectural and commercial lighting industry, could be described as all of the above.
Held May 7-11 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the 23rd annual LFI attracted more than a projected 20,000 attendees and more than 500 exhibitors spanning 200,000-plus net square feet… more
May 10, 2012
A week ago, the trade show industry was shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of Gary Sain, president and CEO of Visit Orlando.
Below are the memorial and other arrangements to honor Gary.
Visitation will take place from 3-7 p.m. on Friday, May 11, at Baldwin Fairchild Funeral Home, 301 N.E. Ivanhoe Blvd., Orlando, FL 32804; 407-898-8111.
Additional visitation will take place at 10 a.m., immediately prior to the Celebration of Life and Funeral Service set for 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 12, at Northland, A Church Distributed, located at 530 Dog Track Road, Longwood, FL 32759; 407-949-… more
May 09, 2012
Mary Pat Heftman, executive vice president for the National Restaurant Association’s NRA Show 2012, remembers the exact day - July, 26, 2011 - she was told the event was going to have to move off of its traditional late-May show dates at Chicago’s McCormick Place for what was then supposed to be the G8 Summit (now NATO Summit) coming to town.
“We were 80-percent sold out,” Heftman said. “We saw 8-percent attrition (of exhibitors) at that point.”
The show’s dates were moved to May 5-8, but with a lot of hard work by the NRA show staff, the numbers… more
May 09, 2012
Even after a mild winter this year, exhibitors for next year’s SIA Snow Show are betting on good times, buying out all of the space on the showfloor nine months in advance.
The announcement came during SnowSports Industries America’s annual spring board of directors meeting that was held in conjunction with the National Ski Areas Association National Convention & Trade Show in San Antonio, Texas.
The SIA show, on tap Jan. 31-Feb. 3 at Denver’s Colorado Convention Center, will not increase its space and booth fees will stay the same for the seventh year in a… 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.