Nov 29, 2024
Held Nov. 3-6 in Chicago, the biennial PACK EXPO International went down in the history books as the largest to date, as well as the biggest event hosted at McCormick Place in 2024, according to officials from The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies (PMMI), which produces the show.
The packaging and processing industry trade show and conference brought together 48,000 attendees and 29,500 exhibitor personnel, reaching 77,500 in total attendance with a 19% increase in international attendance. The trade show reported a record number of 2,700 exhibitors occupied more than 1.… more
Nov 29, 2024
As one of the fastest-growing U.S. cities in terms of population (according to an analysis by Exploding Topics), Nashville continues to develop and enhance its event offerings, and the city presents a dynamic landscape for trade show producers.
Whether it's hosting massive conventions in the new stadium, leveraging its musical heritage, or tapping into international markets, Nashville offers a vibrant and diverse stage for unforgettable events. With opportunities as endless as the music-filled air, Nashville remains a city that promises and delivers excitement.
Recently, we caught up with… more
Nov 27, 2024
The Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC), which generated more than $500 million in economic impact for Toronto and the Province of Ontario during its 2023/24 fiscal year, appointed Kathy Haley as its new president and CEO, effective November 26. She takes over the position from MTCC Interim President & CEO Ron Pellerine, who held the position for the last year.
Haley, who most recently served as chief customer experience officer for the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey (PANYNJ), makes history as the first woman to hold this position at the MTCC, which is celebrating its… more
Nov 26, 2024
Apple’s AirTag tracking devices have been around since mid-2021, but meeting professionals may be more interested than ever in the button-like units, with a new feature the company announced on November 11 called Share Item Location.
The new feature allows users to share the real-time coordinates of lost or misplaced items with third parties.
Apple is rolling out partnerships with 18 airlines to allow the system to more quickly locate missing luggage. However, meeting professionals might also consider an AirTag for exhibits and boxes of critical event materials that get shipped around the… more
Nov 25, 2024
Look up “bad-ass event professional” and you’ll likely see a photo of Monique Ruff-Bell next to it. As the chief program and strategy officer for TED, producer of world-renowned TED conferences, Ruff-Bell isn’t afraid to push boundaries and disrupt TED’s winning formula to keep its events compelling, engaging, memorable, inclusive, and always on-trend.
Since joining TED almost three years ago as its head of events, following a transformative tenure at leading FinTech event Money 20/20, this seasoned event strategist has found ways to leverage TED’s leading platforms and legacy of… more
Nov 22, 2024
Trade Show News Network (TSNN) announces the short list of finalists for its 14th annual TSNN Awards, recognizing trade show excellence and innovation across 12 categories. The winners will be revealed in person at a dual industry awards program on Monday, Dec. 16, at The Novo during Expo! Expo! IAEE’s Annual Meeting and Exhibition® in Los Angeles.
“This year’s finalists reflect the creativity, resilience, and forward-thinking leadership that define our industry,” said TSNN’s VP of Group Content Danica Tormohlen. “We’re especially excited to join forces with IAEE to present an unforgettable… more
Nov 21, 2024
In a crowded trade show environment, it’s the booths that encourage hands-on interaction that truly capture attention. These spaces can turn attendees from passive observers into active participants, encouraging them to explore new products through VR or gamified experiences, or to create new memories and build brand affinity through creative challenges and other memorable moments.
Here, we’ve gathered 13 recent examples that showcased the power of interactivity to boost engagement, draw crowds, and leave lasting impressions. Get inspired by these smart ideas from brands like Reddit,… more
Nov 20, 2024
Boasting robust year-over-year growth, The Hospitality Show (The Show) recently wrapped up its second annual edition at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas. Held October 28-30, the burgeoning hospitality industry trade show and conference attracted 4,800 attendees and 460 exhibitors, marking a 26% and 43% increase in attendance and vendors, respectively.
Produced by Questex and the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), The Show offers three packed days of industry insights, networking opportunities, and innovative solutions. With the goal of helping… more
Nov 19, 2024
Whether you are celebrating the results of the U.S. election or not, the incoming administration and the governing dynamics of the 118th Congress are certain to have an impact on the trade show and business events industry in 2025 and beyond.
As the Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (ECA) works to advocate for initiatives that enhance the event industry’s growth and resilience to ensure it remains a vital component of the economy in the coming years, the organization has been closely monitoring the implications of the election, said ECA Vice President Tommy Goodwin.
“[The]… more
Nov 18, 2024
This year’s CEIR Predict Conference brought together forward-thinking executive leaders to deliver crucial insights on global trends, AI innovation and strategic planning. The event featured leading AI innovators, economists, business intelligence specialists, and political analysts who collaborated with industry experts to provide a comprehensive outlook on the exhibition industry's future.
Economic and Geopolitical Insights
Adam Sacks, president of Tourism Economics at Oxford Economics Company, delivered a compelling analysis of the CEIR Index and its implications for different market… 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.