May 12, 2015
As part of an ongoing series, TSNN Reporter Traci Browne has been profiling trade show executives and asking them probing questions like it’s the day before your show and there’s a zombie apocalypse – what would your first thought be? She got Mike Blackman to play along this month in our interview series. Traci met Mike at the SISO Executive Conference in Atlantic City, and said, “I knew right away he would be the perfect interview subject.”
Mike Blackman
Managing Director
Integrated Systems Events
30 Years In Industry
Traci Browne: Where did you grow up? What was your adolescent… more
May 12, 2015
Global Sources has launched its full suite of services for the fashion industry. The fashion industry ecosystem connects a specialized community of buyers and suppliers through content, communication and five media channels -- an online marketplace, a magazine, alerts, a mobile app and trade shows.
Four China Sourcing Fairs, which offer fashion buyers and suppliers high-level networking and sourcing opportunities, will be held April 27-30 at AsiaWorld-Expo in Hong Kong.
These are Fashion Accessories, Garments & Textiles, Underwear & Swimwear and the India Sourcing Fair: Garments… more
May 12, 2015
Pacific World recently formed a strategic alliance with JTB Global Marketing & Travel Japan’s leading Destination Management Company, starting May 1.
Through this partnership, Pacific World will leverage the strength of JTB Global Marketing & Travels’ incoming business and align themselves to provide leading meetings & events services in Japan.
The strategic alliance will enable Pacific World to showcase Japan as a meetings and incentive destination - to their network of corporate and agency meeting planners worldwide.
Herve Joseph-Antoine, global… more
May 11, 2015
The Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International has rebranded its industry event for unmanned systems, drones and robotics to Xponential.
With nearly 600 exhibitors and 8,000 attendees, AUVSI's event attracts leaders in all aspects of the industry, from manufacturers to end users.
"Xponential encapsulates the tremendous growth and innovation in the unmanned systems industry, as well as the broad societal benefits of the technology," said Brian Wynne, president and CEO of AUVSI.
He added, "Xponential will help the world understand the potential of this industry by… more
May 11, 2015
Reed Exhibitions’ flagship electronics manufacturing event, NEPCON China, was recently held at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center.
Spanning an exhibition area of 25,000 square meters, more than 450 leading brands from 22 countries and regions exhibited at the show. The three-day show ran April 21-23.
NEPCON China covers the entire surface-mount technology (SMT) sector and electronics manufacturing industry chain.
This year’s supporting activities included forums and seminars covering automotive electronics, new electronics materials, telecommunication electronics,… more
May 11, 2015
Running a large facility with thousands of visitors coming through can be a challenge in the middle of one of the most severe droughts on record in the state of California, but that’s the daily reality for the Los Angeles Convention Center.
As a result, LACC officials have implemented several water conservation measures, as well as partnered with LA Green.
“Environmental sustainability is an area of critical importance for the Los Angeles Convention Center,” said Brad Gessner, senior vice president of AEG Facilities and General Manager of the Los Angeles Convention Center.
He added, “Water… more
May 11, 2015
PACK PRINT INTERNATIONAL 2015, The 5th International Packaging and Printing Exhibition for Asia, will again offer the regional packaging and printing market a sourcing and buying platform Aug. 26-29 at BITEC in Bangkok.
Jointly organized by Messe Düsseldorf Asia, The Thai Packaging Association and The Thai Printing Association, PACK PRINT INTERNATIONAL 2015 is driven by the world’s leading trade shows for the sectors – drupa and interpack.
Participants can look forward to a multifaceted showcase, including the latest machinery and technology for the entire packaging and printing supply chain… more
May 08, 2015
Experient and MGM Resorts International, in partnership with The Association of Equipment Manufacturers have released the whitepaper explaining why dynamic housing models work for the meetings and events industry.
The whitepaper, “Modernize Your Room Block Pricing Model,” can be downloaded for free at http://info.experient-inc.com/modernize-room-block-pricing.
The challenge for all meeting planners and event organizers is to sell the right rooms to the right customer at the right time for the right price. Planners and organizers need to obtain as many rooms as possible for the lowest… more
May 07, 2015
Production Resource Group has agreed to acquire the XL Video Group, one of the largest providers of multi-market video services.
“By combining XL Video with PRG, we are creating a tremendously valuable resource for event and entertainment producers anywhere in the world”, said PRG Chairman and CEO Jeremiah J. Harris.
He added, “The integrated company will be able to offer an exceptional breadth of production technologies and depth of industry expertise.”
XL Video, founded in 1995, is a multi-award winning provider of creative video solutions for concert touring, corporate events, exhibitions… more
May 06, 2015
The Convention Industry Council unveiled the names of the 2015 inductees into the CIC Hall of Leaders and the 4th class of Pacesetter Award recipients.
The awardees will be formally recognized a Hall of Leaders and Pacesetters Celebration during IMEX America Oct. 13 in Las Vegas.
“This year’s class of CIC Hall of Leaders and Pacesetter Award inductees represent a global footprint of the meetings, conventions, events and exhibitions industry and we are excited to celebrate their expertise, leadership and breadth of achievements,” said Convention Industry Council CEO Karen Kotowski, CAE, CMP… 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.