Mar 31, 2022
After two challenging years, there’s no doubt that the meetings and events industry could use an industry-wide celebration to commemorate and honor the return of in-person experiences. And what better way to celebrate the industry’s renaissance than by joining Meeting Professional International (MPI)’s fifth annual Global Meetings Industry Day (GMID): Virtual Experience, broadcasting live April 7 from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. CDT.
As an annual international day of advocacy that shines a light on the positive impact that conferences, conventions and trade shows have on people, businesses and the… more
Mar 29, 2022
Global Experience Specialists (GES), a leading global provider of exhibition services, brand experiences and live event services, debuted Spiro, an integrated marketing solutions agency that aims to deliver uniquely elevated experiences for the new era of events, including virtual, hybrid and in-person formats.
“The past two years have reinforced the critical value of events and experiences in connecting people,” said Jeff Stelmach, global president of Spiro. “[Today], it’s not about meeting people with similar interests in a single location—it’s about people with similar interests meeting… more
Mar 29, 2022
It is no longer possible to deny the fact that climate change is happening all around us. With each passing year, we are seeing the environmental impacts of a warming planet becoming more evident, and though many of us may be doing our part to lessen our environmental impacts, we simply cannot reduce, reuse or recycle our way out of this global predicament.
Like it or not, we also know that the trade show and events industry generates massive amounts of carbon and waste. While event-related organizations, venues and businesses have made promising strides toward a greener future, such as… more
Mar 25, 2022
He's worked alongside some of the world’s top chefs, but Eric Vaughn’s fondest culinary memories are of his childhood, creating delicious Sunday meals with his parents and sister and learning how to bake with his grandmother.
“It was our family tradition, and we learned a lot, especially how much fun we were having together discovering new dishes and ingredients,” he said. “It was the start of my fascination with food, touching it and seeing how it was affected by heat, and working with some of the most unique things I had ever seen food-wise—cooking things like chicken strudel with phyllo… more
Mar 25, 2022
The 69thPGA Show reunited the global golf industry in person for the first time in two years, and while it was smaller in scale than previous events due to COVID-19, it drove big business for those who attended during a time of strong growth for the sport.
Held Jan. 25-28 at the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) and the Orange County National Golf Center (OCN), the show drew nearly 15,000 PGA Professionals, golf leaders, industry executives and retailers to source new products from more than 600 participating brands, attend industry presentations, learn timely business solutions and… more
Mar 22, 2022
The North American Trailer Dealers Association (NATDA) has been acquired by newly established trade show platform Trifecta Collective LLC, a partnership between leading private equity firm GreyLion and trade show industry veterans Rick McConnell and Jennifer Hoff.
Nick Curci, president and founder of Corporate Solutions, served as NATDA’s financial advisor for the transaction, the terms of which were not disclosed.
Founded in 2007 by Amy and Andy Ackerman, NATDA is the only North American professional business association serving light and medium duty trailer dealers. It comprises a… more
Mar 17, 2022
The U.S. Travel Association led a delegation of 11 travel industry leaders to Washington, D.C., March 8 for a roundtable discussion with U.S. Deputy Secretary of Commerce Don Graves on ways to bolster the industry’s recovery in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The discussion centered on promoting safe business and professional travel and identifying opportunities to help all aspects of the travel and tourism sector, including professional meeting and events, fully and evenly recover.
At the meeting, Graves voiced his support for the industry, saying the U.S. Department of Commerce will… more
Mar 16, 2022
U.K.-based Raccoon Events has made its first acquisition, as it continues to expand its U.S. footprint by forging a long-term partnership with Snowsports Industries America in conjunction with the B2C event Snowbound Expo. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
The partnership is a win for consumers and exhibitors alike and combines Raccoon’s success as a consumer show organizer with SIA’s know-how and reach as the leader of the winter outdoor industry.
“This is an exciting development for our U.S, business and is a sign of our continued ambition to deliver exciting and engaging B2C events… more
Mar 15, 2022
Since Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, a number of leading trade show and event industry associations have been taking a stand against Russia’s military aggression, condemning the conflict, announcing the suspension of business activities in Russia, providing information about humanitarian support efforts to help the Ukrainian people and updating members about new measures they’re taking in response to the ongoing situation.
UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, convened its executive committee last week in a special session to discuss the association’s continuing… more
Mar 14, 2022
The recovery of the trade show industry continues to pick up momentum as event-related organizations across the U.S. and abroad make acquisitions and form new strategic partnerships to further their long-term business goals.
ASM Global Tapped to Run Olympia London
Leading venue and event management company ASM Global has been appointed to manage Olympia London, a premier UK exhibition center located in central London and one of Europe’s most historic venues. The iconic, 135-year-old facility joins ASM Global’s extensive portfolio of more than 300 venues throughout the world, including… 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.