Feb 17, 2014
Meeting Professionals International released the first edition of its new Meetings OutlookTM, a quarterly report offering a unique perspective on the future of the meeting and event industry with information provided by more than 5,000 MPI members, including 700 senior meeting professionals on MPI's Business Research Panel.
The report covers new trends, as well as innovations on the horizon and replaces the bi-monthly Business Barometer previously published by MPI.
Meetings Outlook is available for free for both MPI members and non-members, making it more accessible to the broader… more
Feb 16, 2014
The 2014 MD&M West show brought together more than 35,000 attendees and exhibitors interacting with more than 2,100 exhibits on an impressive 305,000 square feet of showfloor space.
“We have seen not only an increase in repeat visitors from last year, but also many visitors coming for more than just one day,” said Roger Burg, vice president/Design & Manufacturing Portfolio Director at UBM Canon.
He added, “We have been diligent in creating a conference environment that focuses on not only the attendee/exhibitor interaction, but also quality networking and… more
Feb 13, 2014
With more than 80 events in 25 countries around the world, dmg::events has targeted the United States market as a prime area of future growth opportunity for the company.
“We like the U.S. as an events market,” said Galen Poss, vice chairman of dmg::events.
He added, “The combination of quality, experienced talent, great venues in good event cities and a large entrepreneurial domestic audience continue to make the U.S. an exciting events landscape.”
The overall strategy of the company for many years has to take one if its existing brands, such as the Big 5… more
Feb 12, 2014
In an effort to give recent college grads an opportunity to get their feet wet in the trade show industry, Reed Exhibitions has launched a Sales Academy at its Norwalk, Conn., office.
The Sales Academy will provide intensive training and hands-on development in a variety of sales competencies and will be offered to a total of 20 budding professionals on an annual basis.
“Our business is growing, and a strategic priority is to develop a deep pool of talented staff to serve our customers in North America,” said Joann Bottoni-Jepsen, senior vice president for Human Resources at… more
Feb 11, 2014
The National Retail Federation’s Retail’s Big Show broke attendance records, with 30,000 people, an uptick from 27,500 last year, Jan. 12-15 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center of New York.
There also were 555 exhibiting companies, up from 494 last year, and 205,000 net square feet, up from 168,000 net sq. ft. last year.
“We are incredibly fortunate to be in an industry that is changing on a daily basis,” said Susan Newman, NRF’s senior vice president of conferences.
Driving that change is technology and all the ways that consumers are buying products,… more
Feb 11, 2014
After a long-awaited time, the Boise (Idaho) Centre, the city’s convention center, will be getting some additional space, with plans to nearly double the 50,000 square feet now available.
The Greater Boise Auditorium District has agreed to purchase adjacent space to the existing center that will allow it to expand by 43,000 sq. ft., including a 15,000 square-foot ballroom, 7,000 square-foot commercial kitchen and an additional 14,000 sq. ft. of meeting room space and 7,000 sq. ft. of pre-function space.
“After years of exploring expansion scenarios, it appears we’ve… more
Feb 10, 2014
Adding to its audiovisual offerings, Dallas-based Freeman recently bought Audio Visual Management Group, an AV provider for association trade shows, business meetings, and special events based in Richardson, Texas.
AVMG will join other Freeman brands such as, Encore Event Technologies, Stage Rigging and Alford Media as part of Freeman Audio Visual.
“As our customers’ needs continue to evolve, we want to maintain our ability to stay ahead of those shifts and meet changes head-on with agility and ease,” said Ken Sanders, president of Freeman AV.
He added, “The… more
Feb 10, 2014
The 7th edition of Secutech Vietnam, International Security, Fire & Safety Exhibition & Conference, is scheduled to be held Aug. 20-22 at the Saigon Exhibition & Convention Center (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
Organized by Messe Frankfurt New Era Business Media Ltd, Secutech Vietnam provides a platform to both domestic and overseas suppliers of safety as well as security products and solutions.
“Thanks to growing demand for total system solutions, distributors of security and safety products in Vietnam are all expanding their product lines in order to fulfill the… more
Feb 10, 2014
With the George Little Management shows now part of its portfolio, Emerald Expositions has decided to collocate the Imprinted Sportswear Show Orlando and Surf Expo Sept. 4-6 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando.
“Providing new and enhanced ways to bring more value to our customer base is a priority for Emerald Expositions,” said Emerald Expositions’ CEO David Loechner.
He added, ““The acquisition of GLM has expanded the scope of our resources to identify and develop targeted cross-marketing initiatives for our exhibitors and attendees that speak to… more
Feb 10, 2014
Automechanika Shanghai broke records for exhibitor and visitor attendance for its 10th year when it was held Dec. 10-13 at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre in China.
Asia’s annual leading international trade fair for automotive parts, accessories, equipment and services, covering the whole industry chain of OE and aftermarket, Automechanika Shanghai is organized by Messe Frankfurt (Shanghai) Co Ltd and the China National Automotive Industry International Corporation (CNAICO).
“Ten years ago the first edition of Automechanika Shanghai only had 235 exhibitors and most of… 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.