Nov 09, 2018
The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) and the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), owner and producer of CES, have expanded their North American business partnerships by establishing an official Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the World Trade Center Las Vegas and the World Trade Center Saskatoon in Saskatchewan, Canada. The agreement, signed last month during a ceremony at the 2018 World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) Annual Member Seminar in New York City, marks the first of its kind between WTC Las Vegas and a Canadian-based WTC entity. Through the… more
Nov 08, 2018
Last month, NYC & Company, New York City’s official destination marketing organization and Discover Puerto Rico, Puerto Rico’s newly established destination marketing organization, signed a first-ever partnership to boost tourism between the two destinations Formalized at a press conference on Oct. 23 at El Museo del Barrio in Manhattan, the new one-year city-to-island alliance includes a collaboration agreement between Puerto Rico and New York City; the exchange of marketing assets to boost reciprocal travel; the sharing of best practices in tourism marketing and management, and the… more
Nov 08, 2018
SmithBucklin, an association management and services company, has acquired 360 Live Media, an association-focused, live-event experience design agency with full-service marketing capabilities. 360 Live Media has redesigned dozens of association meetings, and has also created innovative, first-to-market events. Both SmithBucklin and 360 Live Media are at the forefront of how associations are rethinking their live events in order to create value, generate non-dues revenue, and foster loyal communities of engaged members. The two firms will work together to serve existing clients and the… more
Nov 07, 2018
On the heels of its recent merger with AmericasMart in Atlanta, International Market Centers has announced a new executive leadership team and a preview of its long-range plans for its furnishings, home décor, gift and apparel Markets and continued capital investment. Boasting more than 150 years of collective experience in the gift, home furnishings and apparel industries, IMC’s new executive team includes:  Greg Avitabile, Executive Vice President, Operations Dorothy Belshaw, Executive Vice President, Chief Marketing and Digital Officer Scott Eckman, Executive Vice President, President… more
Nov 01, 2018
David Loechner has stepped down as president and CEO of Emerald Expositions and as a member of the company’s Board of Directors, effective as of the close of business on November 8.  Emerald CFO Philip Evans will serve as interim president and CEO until a permanent replacement is chosen, while Loechner will stay on with Emerald as an employee through December 31, working closely with Evans and the company’s leadership team to ensure a smooth transition. “After more than 35 years with Emerald and its predecessor companies, this was a difficult decision to make, however, I believe that the… more
Nov 01, 2018
For another year in a row, the ASSEMBLY Show wrapped up its annual Conference and Expo boasting upticks in attendance, exhibiting companies and expo space. Held Oct. 23-25 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Ill, the 6thedition of the show for assembly technology, equipment and products attracted nearly 9,000 registered manufacturing professionals and 318 exhibiting companies – participation increases of 12 and 15 percent, respectively, compared to 2017.  Besides its popular education program, the ASSEMBLY Show boasted the largest exhibit hall in its history at 88,000… more
Oct 31, 2018
We all want to have experiences that we feel are worthy of sharing with others and that we look back on with positive feelings. Traditionally, those experiences haven’t been found at trade shows. While a good place to get business done, the standard model trade show – aisles of pipe and drape and dozens of lecture rooms – is not as strong when it comes to creating a lasting impression. Today, however, the model is changing at events of all sizes. Krista LeZotte, senior manager of conferences at ASAE says that making an event memorable is the best way to capture attendees’ attention both… more
Oct 30, 2018
More than 24,000 printing technology industry professionals converged in Las Vegas to celebrate the final SGIA Expo, which the Specialty Graphic Imaging Association will be transforming into PRINTING United in partnership with NAPCO Media next year. Held Oct. 18-20 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the annual trade show and conference not only boasted robust attendance but also a sold-out expo, with 612 exhibitors spanning a 279,000 net square foot floor, special showfloor activities, 72 educational sessions and a host of networking events. Last year, SGIA Expo welcomed more than 19,300… more
Oct 29, 2018
U.S.-based audio-visual and live event company PSAV has acquired FMAV, an audio-visual and live event production company in Canada.  The transaction broadens PSAV’s reach into another region, as well as expands its overall capabilities.  Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. FMAV CEO Bill Brown and his senior team will remain in place and continue to execute on their growth plans, now in partnership with PSAV. “FMAV is an ideal addition to the PSAV group of companies due to its event production expertise and strong alignment to our purpose and mission,” said Mike McIlwain, CEO for… more
Oct 25, 2018
As cities across the U.S. continue to make significant investments in major expansions and upgrades to their convention centers in order to better compete for group business, two more facilities are joining the flurry of construction projects.   Last week, the city of Indianapolis announced plans to expand the Indiana Convention Center and build two new hotel towers that will add more than 1,400 connected hotel rooms to the city’s room inventory. The ICC’s new 50,000 square foot ballroom will be the largest in the state, while the additional hotel towers will increase the city’s number 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.