Dec 19, 2017
Caesars Entertainment Corporation will develop CAESARS FORUM, a new 550,000 square foot conference center on the east side of the Las Vegas Strip.
Featuring 300,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space, the $375 million facility will include two of the largest pillarless ballrooms in North America, according to Caesars officials.
“Consistent with our post restructuring plans, Caesars Forum is the first installment of our growth strategy for the benefit of Las Vegas and our employees, which will also help meet the increasing demand for group business meetings of all sizes,” said Mark Frissora,… more
Dec 14, 2017
In just a few days, 2017 will be history. The year brought event professionals a host of challenges around technological advancements, security, politics and travel, to name just a few. While next year will continue to prove difficult in many of those same areas, experts are pointing out that 2018 will be filled with opportunities for show organizers to rethink how events can capitalize on the human factor.
To wrap-up the year, here are a few predictions from five event industry veterans about what they foresee coming down the pike for events in 2018.
According to Marco Pardi, managing… more
Dec 13, 2017
Play Fair, a public celebration of play and entertainment for all ages, returned to the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City for its second year with a larger showfloor, more exhibiting companies and a broader itinerary of immersive, family-friendly activities.
Held Nov. 4-5 and Hosted by The Toy Association in partnership with LeftField Media, the event provided a sold-out crowd of more than 20,000 children, parents, families and fans with a first glimpse of the toys, games and entertainment expected to be topping wishlists this holiday season.
Play Fair 2017 attracted 75… more
Dec 12, 2017
Full-service global event marketing and labor management company, Nth Degree, has finalized an agreement to merge with Atlanta-based Zenith LaborNet effective January 1.
The company will be headquartered in Nth Degree’s Duluth, GA office and will continue to operate in all major convention cities across the country and the globe.
“This merger with Zenith LaborNet will complement our labor management offering – the combined team will offer best-in-class service in every trade show market, deeper project management talent pools for large projects and city expertise that is unparalleled in the… more
Dec 11, 2017
With the holiday season upon us, the trade show industry busily continues to grow its ranks and promote from within.
In addition, some long-time people in the industry passed away recently.
Bob Lozier, former executive vice president of sales and director of The Freeman Company, passed away peacefully at his home with his family Dec. 7 after a long-term illness.
Lozier, a native of Des Moines, Iowa, was hired at The Freeman Company by Buck Freeman in 1967 after service in the United States Marine Corps.
After a period of employment with Wernecke Exposition Services and United… more
Dec 11, 2017
Private equity firm Onex Corporation has agreed to acquire SMG Holdings Inc., in partnership with its existing management team.
“SMG is the global gold standard in venue management,” said Amir Motamedi, a managing director with Onex. “We’re excited to work with Wes, his management team and the general managers within each of SMG’s venues to continue to provide the same world-class service their clients have come to expect.”
SMG is the leading global manager of convention centers, stadiums, arenas, theatres, performing arts centers and other venues.
The transaction is expected to close in… more
Dec 07, 2017
Led by a third-quarter drop in Real Revenues of 3 percent, compared with the same quarter in 2016, the Center for Exhibition Industry Research reports that performance of the exhibition industry is down 0.7 percent.
The decrease was a result of factors related to several large exhibitions in the Consumer Goods and Retail Trade (CG) and Sporting Goods, Travel, and Amusement (ST) sectors.
The weaknesses in those events were attributable to event-specific factors not related to the overall exhibition industry or the economy, as both consumer disposable income and consumption expenditures… more
Dec 06, 2017
This article is the second in a series that we will be running throughout the holiday season shining a bright, well-deserved spotlight on companies that are #GivingBack.
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events, Smart City Networks and Caesars Entertainment have been working overtime to give back and make a difference in the lives of the less fortunate.
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) turned giving back into a late-night party by raising $15,000 during Humanity Rocks – A Celebration with A Cause, held Nov. 29 at the Aztec Theatre in San Antonio… more
Dec 05, 2017
Full-service event production company, Shepard, has acquired McCUNE Audio-Video-Lighting, a California-based provider of audio-visual and entertainment services for the events industry.
The acquisition will help expand Shepard AV, the Atlanta-based company’s audio-visual division.
“It’s an exciting time for Shepard AV,” said Stuart Danneman, executive vice president of Shepard AV.
He continued, “This acquisition will help us accelerate our growth in the western region and allow us to continue providing the highest level of service standards to all our current customers.”
With 75 years… more
Dec 04, 2017
Looking for that perfect gift for someone? There are two really great books available written by trade show professionals that would make a perfect addition for anyone’s bookshelf.
The first book – “Lessons of an Entrepreneur: How to Grow, Take Risks and Survive” - was written by The Expo Group Founder and Chairman Ray Pekowski.
“Other the years, as I have shared stories of starting up a business and the challenges overcome to reach our level of success, many people have encouraged me to write a book,” Pekowski said.
He added, “Since publishing the book, I have really enjoyed hearing… 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.