Apr 10, 2015
The Spokane (Wash.) Convention Center finished its $55-million expansion in late February, adding 91,000 square feet of meeting and exhibit space. Now, the facility overlooking the Spokane River features 120,000 sq. ft. exhibit hall, as well as additional ballroom and up to 32 meeting rooms. Most of the new space features either second-level or ground-level views of the river thanks to a completely glass north side. "The physical difference in the Convention Center is, itself, exciting," said Keith Backsen, Visit Spokane vice president of sales and services. "What we're really happy about is… more
Apr 09, 2015
Editor’s Note: Every year, Trade Show News Network strives to release a comprehensive list of the Top 250 Trade Shows in the United States. As one can imagine, it is a massive undertaking and takes several months and many, many reach outs since all of the information is submitted only by show management for each show and then vetted by TSNN. I wish I could say the list is 100 percent perfection every, single time, but after many years of compiling this information, there always are a few shows that are missed or other situations that arise that TSNN has to address. This year, Penton submitted… more
Apr 09, 2015
This past month has been a busy one with several long-time industry figures switching jobs, being promoted or returning to prior places of employment. In addition, there was the sad news that Earl C. Hargrove, founder of general service contracting firm Hargrove Inc., passed away at the age of 86. A celebration of his life is planned for April 11, beginning 11 a.m. at St. James’ Church, 5757 Solomons Island Road, Lothian, Md. 20711, followed by internment. Family and friends may visit April 10, 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at his home, Holly Springs Farm, 571 West… more
Apr 09, 2015
When the Exhibition and Convention Executives Forum kicks off May 27 in Washington, D.C., there will be 200 CEOs, executive directors, presidents, vice presidents and other C-level executives from associations and for-profit organizers taking in a full-day of six sessions with 12 presenters. The event was founded and is run by Sam Lippman from Lippman Connects who said, “Executives from associations and independents look forward to ECEF for executive level networking and peer-to-peer information exchange.” He added, “Many of them come back each year for fresh ideas from vetted speakers and… more
Apr 08, 2015
The Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) plans to hold a road show in Japan later this month. The “Thailand Connect the World: Japan Business Events Road Show 2015” will be held April 21 at the Imperial Hotel, Tokyo. Through the campaign, TCEB will promote Thailand’s MICE industry and introduce its new brand communication campaign – Thailand Connect the World – to the Japanese market. The event will bring together more than 200 buyers, suppliers, international media and industry experts in a series of concurrent events – including a press conference, Thailand’s MICE… more
Apr 08, 2015
The highest-ever attended Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Spring Edition 2015 concluded in March with huge increases in both exhibitor and visitor figures as the fair took place for the first time at the National Exhibition and Convention Centre (Shanghai). More than 62,000 trade visitors (including buyers from the concurrent CHIC and Yarn Expo Spring fairs that attended Intertextile Shanghai) from 88 countries and regions came to source the latest apparel fabrics and accessories from 2,637 exhibitors from 24 countries and regions. This compares to 40,214 and 1,469 buyers and… more
Apr 08, 2015
This week, NASDAQ-listed Global Sources reported its full-year revenues for the year ended Dec. 31, 2014. Revenues in 2014 were US$198.2 million – similar to the US$197.5 million recorded in 2013. IFRS net income in 2014 was US$18.3 million down from US$32.7 million – representing a 44 percent decline in profits. Revenues from its online platforms dropped nearly 11 percent, falling from US$104.6 million in 2013 down to US$93.3 million last year. On the positive side of things, revenues from exhibitions increased from US$85.6 million to US$97 million. The company has no debt and US$98.5… more
Apr 07, 2015
Previously held in California’s Bay Area before growing to 60,000 attendees and moving to Anaheim, WonderCon, sister show to Comic-Con International, will be held March 25-27 at the  Los Angeles Convention Center next year, “Los Angeles is honored to have been selected as the destination for WonderCon 2016. We look forward to establishing a long-term partnership with Comic-Con International, the presenter, and helping them establish a home-base in L.A. We anticipate the show to be highly attended and to set the precedent for future successful Comic-Con events in L.A.,” said Mayor Eric… more
Apr 07, 2015
The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions’ Asian Attractions Expo 2015 will feature high-caliber learning opportunities and presentations by leaders in the global attractions industry, including Jim Reid-Anderson, chairman, president and CEO of Six Flags Entertainment Corporation. Asian Attractions Expo provides six days of educational programs for attractions operators, managers and executives in the world's fastest growing attractions industry marketplace. Asian Attractions Expo is an event for the global attractions industry in the Asia-Pacific region and will draw… more
Apr 06, 2015
Earl C. Hargrove, founder of Hargrove, a general service contracting company, passed away at age 86. Hargrove CEO Tim McGill and President Carla Hargrove-McGill issued the following statement: “It is with a very heavy heart that we share the news that Earl C. Hargrove, Jr., an icon of the events industry, passed away peacefully early this morning surrounded by his family. He was 86 years old.” A very proud Marine Corps veteran, he began his career as a window dresser for stores in Washington, DC at the end of World War II.  He was an industry pioneer, able to foresee a future… 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.