Aug 16, 2016
Before the 2016 ASAE Annual Meeting & Exposition, held Aug.13-16 in Salt Lake City, the ASAE Board adopted a Diversity + Inclusion advocacy and policy model and approved new contract language for future events. The board also received updates on the major strategic initiatives, new AssociaMetrics platform and passed the budget, which includes Fiscal Year 2017 (FY 17) Program of Work and specific projects in all areas of ASAE and the ASAE Foundation. ASAE developed a business model that offers accountability and flexibility for D+I advocacy and policy influencing social justice issues,… more
Aug 16, 2016
Urban Expositions snagged another property for its burgeoning portfolio – LeftField Media – which has several consumer events around the United States. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. The acquisition will provide LeftField increased capital and infrastructure, while offering Urban Expositions, a Clarion Events Company, new expertise and market reach in B2C events. LeftField Media was started in 2014 by New York Comic Con founder Greg Topalian and the senior leadership at Business Journals Inc. - Britton Jones, Mac Brighton, and Sharon Enright. Clarion's deal involves it buying out the… more
Aug 15, 2016
The trials and tribulations of launching a new show, successfully leveraging digital, mapping the attendee and exhibitor journey, new tech innovation and utilizing content marketing were just some of the hot-button topics discussed at the Society of Independent Show Organizers’ Leadership Conference, held Aug. 9-11 in Cleveland, Ohio. David Audrain, SISO’s executive director, said there were about 174 people at the event, which was on par with last year. "We are receiving very positive comments from our members on both the content and location of this year's SISO Leadership Conference,”… more
Aug 14, 2016
As president and CEO of International Association of Exhibitions and Events, David  DuBois not only travels a lot, but also he is responsible for the management of 23 full-time professional staff, producing the annual business operating plan and budget, overseeing the support of all meetings of governance units, leading business development, directing fund raising efforts, advocating for the industry and the organization’s members, providing organizational leadership and strategic counsel to the board. Also, he serves as the association’s representative with industry coalitions, partner… more
Aug 13, 2016
The first National Material Handling Show launched by the Materials Handling Industry (MHI) in 1948 was a result of new methods used to transport goods during World War II. That first show in Cleveland had 60,000 net square feet and approximately 3,000 attendees. During the early years, the annual event moved around to various ‘industrial’ locations, including Detroit, Cleveland, Buffalo, Chicago, Baltimore, and San Francisco. Detroit’s show in 1974 was the first to hit six-figure net square footage. Exhibits included industrial trucks, cranes, monorails, shelving, loading dock equipment… more
Aug 12, 2016
Developing a personal brand and preparing for the future are themes running throughout the education program at IMEX America this year. How to communicate and develop a personal brand delivering immediate impact, as well as how to anticipate and prepare for the future are challenges facing many industry professionals both in and out of the office. Education sessions at IMEX America, taking place Oct. 18-20 in Las Vegas, have been tailored to help meet those challenges. With three days of business meetings and networking, IMEX will offer an opportunity to connect with like-minded… more
Aug 12, 2016
Emerald Expositions scooped up a few more trade shows with the acquisition of the Swim Collective and Active Collective events from their founder Shannon Leggett.   “The Collective trade shows have grown strongly over the last few years under Shannon’s leadership, and we are excited that they will now join Emerald’s Specialty Sports and Apparel Group, which includes leading trade shows such as Surf Expo and Outdoor Retailer,” said Darrell Denny, executive vice president of Emerald Expositions. He added, “The Collective shows are truly must-attend events and share many like qualities with… more
Aug 11, 2016
Expanding its portfolio of offerings even more, GES, a global full-service provider for live events, has acquired ON Event Services, a leading provider of live event audio visual production services that includes audio, video, lighting, mapping and scenic design. In addition, ON Event Services produces high-end entertainment events and provides in-house audio visual services to hotels, arenas, and conference centers. This expansion enables GES to serve more fully the live event needs of clients with industry-leading audio visual and event production services that engage participants and… more
Aug 09, 2016
As the long summer days begin their slow turn into fall leaves and back-to-school times, companies in the trade show industry have continued to grow their businesses with new and returning business contracts. Middle East event organizer F&E, a Tarsus Group company, has appointed GES as official supplier in an agreement until the end of 2019. The agreement includes delivering services for F&E’s aerospace portfolio – the MEBAA Show and the Dubai Airshow, taking place at DWC, Airshow Site; collocated shows Aircraft Interiors Middle East (AIME) and MRO Middle East - plus education… more
Aug 09, 2016
The Destination Marketing Association International Annual Convention saw their attendee numbers rise, with 1,500 taking part in its recent event held Aug. 1-3 in Minneapolis. Attendees spent the time engaging in general sessions, discipline-focused roundtables and networking. Throughout the program, DMAI’s association and foundation leadership recognized and celebrated those whom have demonstrated commitment and promise towards the continued success of destination marketing worldwide.  This year, 42 industry representatives received their CDME certification; 18 DMOs were honored for… 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.