May 23, 2017
By Elizabeth Johnson Out with the old? Not so fast … While digital and data may be getting all the buzz these days, a few, let’s call them “experienced” tactics, are quietly getting the job done for many event marketers. So before throwing out your old marketing plan, consider keeping some old-school workhorses that these event planners swear by. Handwritten Notes Although her company incorporates the latest technology and trends into its events, from virtual reality to artificial intelligence and interactive engagements, there are some traditional touches for reaching attendees that still… more
May 22, 2017
As a trade show organizer, you know the kind of attendee you want at your event: an influencer with buying power who actively participates and advocates for your show, an industry expert who comes every year and brings their friends, and an enthusiastic participant who possesses a robust digital presence and plays a key role in contributing positively to your show’s content and evolution. Just by their presence, such an attendee has the power to not only attract more exhibitors but also increase the brand value of your show, which in turn can result in drawing more attendees to your… more
May 22, 2017
Connect Meetings has launched an event specifically for medical stakeholders and continuing medical education providers to take place Oct. 24-26 in Cincinnati. Hosted by Connect at the Renaissance Cincinnati Downtown Hotel, Connect Medical is a hosted-planner, appointment-only program and education conference. The event brings together the most active planners, suppliers and experts in medical meeting planning for three days of general sessions, roundtables, workshops, preset appointments and quality networking. "We produce over 60 events a year," said Doreen Brown, CEO of the American… more
May 22, 2017
UBM is set to launch a newly branded show in its medical design show series -  Advanced Design & Manufacturing (ADM) Expo Toronto, taking place May 16-18 at the Toronto Congress Centre. This event originally launched in 2011 as five separate advanced design and manufacturing industry trade shows running alongside one another. This year, under the new ADM Expo Toronto banner, UBM presents a cohesive brand experience throughout the customer journey. ADM Expo Toronto will bring together the region's five most popular industry trade shows – ATX Canada, Design &… more
May 22, 2017
Corcoran Expositions and SmithBucklin both have signed on new medical associations to manage. The American Association of Sleep Technologists (AAST) has selected SmithBucklin, the association management and services company more organizations turn to than any other, to provide full-service association management. Abigail Lynn will serve as AAST’s chief executive, and its headquarters will move July 1 to SmithBucklin’s Chicago office. Established in 1978, the American Association of Sleep Technologists is a health membership association for professionals dedicated to improving the quality of… more
May 18, 2017
Marketplace Events has acquired the Cincinnati Home & Garden Show from Hart Productions of Cincinnati, Ohio. The Cincinnati show is the largest single-show acquisition made by Marketplace Events, known as the No. 1 producer of consumer home and garden events in North America. “We are thrilled to add a show of this size and quality to our portfolio,” said Tom Baugh, CEO of Marketplace Events. He added, “I’ve been friends for decades with the Harts, so it is a special honor for me to know Marketplace Events is assuming stewardship of one of the finest home and garden shows in North America… more
May 17, 2017
“Women in the Events Industry – equal partners or assistants?” That was the question German events industry magazines tw tagungswirtschaft and m + a report along with IMEX Group posed in their international survey, “Women in the Meeting and Event Industry,” which was launched March 8, International Women’s Day. Aimed at establishing where the international events industry stands in terms of equality, career opportunities and work-life balance, the survey was geared toward women in the international events sector worldwide and was conducted in both German and English With a large number of… more
May 17, 2017
The Association of Event Organisers (AEO) and The Society of Independent Show Organisers (SISO) have entered into a reciprocity agreement following a meeting among several of their independent trade and consumer organiser members in Miami last month. The agreement sees both organisations supporting each other with information exchange, research insight and mutual discounts for members to attend each associations’ events. In addition, it sees the formation of a new special interest group the ‘Independent Organiser Network’ (ION). The ION is a group formed of AEO and SISO commercial event… more
May 16, 2017
It’s been a busy spring, with a lot of companies growing their ranks with several new hires, including InfoComm International, The Expo Group, UBM Americas, Urban Expositions and Connect Travel, to name a few. InfoComm International has named Heidi A. Voorhees, MBA, CAE, as the organization's new COO. As COO, Voorhees will lead InfoComm's North American operations and global marketing and communication efforts. "I am thrilled that Heidi has chosen InfoComm International for the next chapter in her exciting career," said David Labuskes, CTS®, CAE, RCDD, Executive Director and CEO of InfoComm… more
May 16, 2017
The PCMA Education Foundation recently honored the 2017 Lifetime Achievement of three industry luminaries as well as the winners of the 2017 Professional Excellence Awards at the Marriott Marquis Washington, D.C. More than 1,000 leaders in the business events were in attendance at the awards event. “Our 2017 honorees and award winners’ accomplishments serve as inspiration to both industry veterans and novices alike,” said PCMA President and CEO, Deborah Sexton. “Each an expert in their profession—always endeavoring to lead the advancement of their organizations and the business events… 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.