News

Jul 19, 2021
The first time Margaret Launzel-Pennes worked on a virtual trade show, it was still a year or two before Y2K became three infamous characters. In the more than 20 years since that groundbreaking endeavor, technology has changed (particularly in the past year) but the idea of bringing communities together regardless of distance is nothing new, Launzel-Penne says. It’s that kind of experience and knowledge that Launzel-Pennes hopes will help her new company, Pop Experiential, stand out among a crowded field of event companies. She isn’t going solo — not by a long shot — and is as prepared as… more
Jul 16, 2021
Event sponsorships are a popular marketing channel for most large organizations. 85% of marketers say their companies prioritize sponsoring events. For event organizers, understanding what ROI sponsors look for is of utmost importance to build trust and have sponsors return for future events. Most companies sponsor events: To build brand awareness among the target audience. To introduce their brand and business to new customers. To increase sales of their product or service. As an event organizer, you want to ensure your event delivers the ROI sponsors expect. So if you want to wow them… more
Jul 15, 2021
Mike Davis, newly promoted president and COO of CORT, describes part of the industry’s recovery process as being akin to walking into a child’s toy room. There are a bunch of stuffed animals, games and other odds and ends. The only thing missing is the floor, which is buried under the mess. Behind the scenes, as trade shows and events regain their foothold, is an ongoing clean-up process. When done correctly, there are fewer items to step on and clear paths forward. Less clutter and more room for movement, in other words. It is along those same lines Davis takes on added responsibilities at… more
Jul 14, 2021
Doing more with less is nothing new for event planners. But with so many mitigating factors leading to uncertainty up to the big day, the cost of doing business isn’t going to shrink — even if your budget has. The world is reopening but the people in it are not the same as before the pandemic. Travel is a novelty again, but working from home has become an expectation rather than a perk. Results also show remote working didn’t limit productivity, which is music to CEO’s ears but also raises the eyebrows of CFOs when a worker seeks permission to attend a conference or trade show in person. “… more
Jul 14, 2021
A former eighth grade math teacher, Erica Bishaf is used to trying to quiet a loud room while trying to make equations add up to grand totals. Little did she know that experience, practically a lifetime ago, was a preliminary course to founding her own company. Campfire Social, launched in March by the Chicago-based Bishaf, is designed to maximize the value of associations. Described as a social networking site meets SaaS e-commerce platform, it is based upon the idea that many associations are not using their vast potential to monetize connections and build bigger and better networks.… more
Jul 13, 2021
Sarin Bachmann, group vice president of Reed Jewelry Group, is ready to meet like it’s 2019. At JCK & Luxury, returning to The Venetian Resort & Sands Expo in Las Vegas this August, she’ll get close to her wish. The dates are different than usual, and so the floor layouts have been redesigned, but Bachmann is keen to emphasize that it will pretty much be business as usual. “After over a year without JCK in-person events, we are thrilled to welcome the jewelry industry back to JCK this summer,” Bachmann said. It appears to be a big reunion. More than 1,500 exhibitors have registered… more
Jul 12, 2021
Last month was a historic one for Dallas Market Center. The B2B trade center and wholesale marketplace for the home décor, gifts, lighting, housewares, holiday/floral, apparel and accessories markets experienced its biggest summer month of buyer traffic in more than ten years, with tens of thousands of buyers from across the U.S. converging upon the Apparel & Accessories Market, Total Home & Gift Market, KidsWorld and Lightovation events. Spanning 5 million square feet of exhibit space, including hundreds of permanent showrooms and hundreds of booths in temporary expo space, the June… more
Jul 11, 2021
Tarsus Group has added onto its medical portfolio with the acquisition of BodySite Digital Health – a digital patient care management and education platform. The U.S.-based business will join the Tarsus Medical Group, enabling the division to further expand its stack of digital products delivered to healthcare professionals (HCPs) and also bolster its subscription services. The acquisition will fast-track Tarsus Medical’s omnichannel strategy to provide digital services and products alongside its well-established program of live and virtual events and continuing medical education,… more
Jul 09, 2021
After the past year and a half that simply is indescribable in the impact that the pandemic has had on our industry, TSNN deliberated quite a bit before deciding to announce that we will be going ahead with the previously postponed 11th Annual 2021 TSNN Awards. We feel strongly it is important to celebrate not only shows that have shown incredible innovation under challenging conditions, but also people who have stood above and beyond and lifted us all up in so many ways. The 2021 TSNN Awards will be held Dec. 1-2 at the Mohegan Sun in Connecticut and will feature an incredible opening… more
Jul 08, 2021
Many of the hospitality professionals providing services to events during the pandemic are eagerly awaiting a chance to convene with their peers. In August, two such shows catering to some of the hardest hit industries resume in-person gatherings. Rather than look back upon the unchangeable past, both are assembling with eyes toward a productive and positive future. Here, we preview the National Association for Catering and Events Experience Conference, Aug. 1-4 at the Bellagio Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, and the AAHOA Convention & Trade Show, Aug. 3-6 in Dallas. NACE Experience… 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.