Dec 02, 2014
Kati S. Quigley, CMP, George G. Fenich, Ph.D. and Anne Hamilton, will be honored at the 2015 Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) Education Foundation Dinner Celebrating Professional Achievement on tap April 8 at the Marriott Marquis in Washington D.C. “Our 2015 Honorees each have career paths and accomplishments that both inspire and guide their peer communities,” said PCMA President & CEO, Deborah Sexton. She added, “While their past leadership has been instrumental in advancing our industry, their present and future leadership endeavors will help us ensure conventions… more
Dec 02, 2014
The Association for Iron & Steel Technology (AIST) has extended their contract with their preferred registration partner, Convention Data Services (CDS), through 2017. Under the agreement, CDS will continue to provide full registration services, lead management and exhibitor services for the annual AISTech conference. The exhibition will feature technologies from all over the world that help steel producers compete more effectively in today’s global market. Additionally, AIST will use CDS’ X·Press eReg, a complete self-serve registration solution for specialty events, for their Galvatech… more
Nov 30, 2014
Four of Las Vegas’ largest trade shows, including No. 1 International CES®, No. 2 SEMA Show, No. 8 World of Concrete Exposition and No. 9 ASD LV will return to the Las Vegas Convention Center. These four shows together will bring an estimated 394,000 business delegates to the destination generating nearly $518 million in non-gaming economic impact. Fresh off a successful 2014 show, the SEMA Show will return to the convention center Nov. 3-6.  The SEMA Show is part of Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week (AAIW) that brings the industry’s top products and experts from all over the world to… more
Nov 30, 2014
In its first edition since E.J. Krause & Associates bought a majority stake in the MetroCooking DC show, it increased attendance by more than 30 percent, compared with last year’s show. “MetroCooking DC experienced significant growth this year. The addition of various programming elements and a focus on visitor experience allowed us to expand the consumer base resulting in increased attendance,” said Ned Krause, CEO, E.J. Krause & Associates. He added, “Thanks to the excellent results obtained at this year’s event, we see tremendous growth opportunity for MetroCooking DC in the future… more
Nov 30, 2014
It was a typical busy day at the Pasadena Convention Center in October when public safety officers Zabrina Patterson and Max Pitpan heard frantic calls for help over their hand-held radios. Without hesitation, Zabrina and Max responded to where one of their co-workers was experiencing a sudden serious medical emergency.  At that moment, Patterson and Pitpan relied on their regular training they receive as part of their employment with the Pasadena Center Operating Company. The training provided them with the skills and knowledge to save a life.  The two worked in tandem to assess… more
Nov 30, 2014
SPAR Point Group, a division of Diversified Communications, will launch the Commercial UAV Expo Oct. 5-7 at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas. As organizers of 3D technology events in North America, Europe and Asia, SPAR Point Group already has a position established in the data capture and imaging technology space.  “We have been listening to our customers and watching the market for some time,” said Lisa Murray, SPAR Point Group director. She added, “While it is well known that the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) is a game-changing technology, the regulatory environment and concerns over safety… more
Nov 23, 2014
Held last week in Las Vegas, DEMA Show not only had a sold-out showfloor, but also saw attendance numbers trending 8 percent higher, compared with 2012, when it was last held in the city. Final attendance numbers are not yet available.  The show, held Nov. 19-22 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, spanned 145,790 net square feet with 644 companies, representing 5.6-percent growth, compared with the last show cycle. "DEMA is a great client, and they continue to bring fresh ideas that add value to their show each year," said Andrew Ortale, National Trade Productions' executive vice… more
Nov 23, 2014
With the call to action to “Go & Be” – whether it is creative, innovative or strategic – the International Association of Exhibitions & Events will kick off its Expo! Expo! Annual Meeting & Exhibition Dec. 9-11 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. “We hope that attendees take away the notion that IAEE is always pushing the envelope, looking ahead to provide new and innovative ways to make your individual shows better,” said IAEE President and CEO David DuBois. He added, “We want our guests to have the full ‘Expo Expo Experience’, taking part in the new show features that… more
Nov 19, 2014
How do attendees of the first-ever Niche EventFest get to a networking party? They have a traditional second line parade down the middle of Poydras Street in New Orleans accompanied by a brass band and a police escort. Niche EventFest, held Nov. 3-5, is the creation of Carl Landau, self-proclaimed Grand Poobah of Niche Media and believer that fun and conferences go well together. This isn’t Landau’s first rodeo though. Niche Media is the producer of Niche Media Conference, Niche Digital Conference and Niche CEO Summit. Landau said the idea for Niche EventFest came from the obvious interest in… more
Nov 18, 2014
Irving, Texas-based Hanley Wood, a multimedia company serving the residential, commercial design and construction industries, has sold its Hanley Wood Exhibitions business to Informa PLC, a U.K.-based publishing and events company that operates in more than 40 countries.  The $375 million sale is subject to customary regulatory review and is expected to close by the end of 2014. Upon the closing of the transaction, the exhibitions business will be rebranded Informa Exhibitions US and will maintain its headquarters in Irving, Texas. Rick McConnell will continue to lead the company as… 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.