May 20, 2024
After more than three decades of operating on the Las Vegas Strip, the Mirage Las Vegas will be shutting its doors on July 17. The landmark 3,044-room resort will undergo a three-year renovation and construction project that will transform the tropical-themed property into the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and Guitar Hotel Las Vegas. Expected to open in spring 2027, the new hotel-casino will feature a guitar-shaped, 660-foot hotel tower, similar to its sister property in Hollywood, Fla. “We’d like to thank the Las Vegas community and team members for warmly welcoming Hard Rock after enjoying… more
May 17, 2024
When Usher took the stage on Sun., Feb. 11, at the 2024 Super Bowl halftime show at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Promotional Products Association International (PPAI)  Show Manager Ashley Van Der Stuyf was one of 129.3 million people who tuned in to watch the performance. Once she took a look at the elaborate staging and production, she understood why the NFL canceled the association’s contract to host a party at the venue scheduled for less than a month before the big game. But it wasn’t an easy pill to swallow when she got the news on Nov. 8, about 60 days out from the Ultimate Tailgate… more
May 17, 2024
Since the TED conference was launched by Founder Richard Wurman in 1984, it’s estimated that TED Talks have been seen or listened to more than 30 billion times, according to Head of TED Chris Anderson.  Over the last 40 years, business leaders, politicians, celebrities and musicians have been compelled to the TED stage. For the first half of its existence, the annual conference brought together a few hundred people every year to think about Technology, Entertainment, Design (TED) and all that connected them, said Anderson in a blog.  Just under 20 years ago, online video gave the… more
May 16, 2024
Offering world-class education, innovative firefighting apparatus and fire industry technology, products and services for fire and rescue professionals from across the globe, the 2024 Fire Department Instructors Conference (FDIC) International achieved a blazing success with its most highly attended event in its 89-year history. Organized by Clarion Events, the annual trade show and conference is also one of Indianapolis’s largest conventions. Who, When & Where: FDIC International 2024, April 15-20, Indiana Convention Center & Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis  Show size: The event… more
May 14, 2024
Informa, the international B2B events, B2B digital services and academic markets group (which owns Trade Show News Network and Exhibit News Now), recently issued an update on trading, key appointments and progress on its TechTarget combination. When the world’s largest trade show organizer makes a move, market analysts and industry leaders take note.  Here are three takeaways that impact the events sector. Expecting to reach 2024 financial forecast: ”All Informa’s businesses are performing ahead or in line with 2024 targets, delivering growth and momentum which sees us delivering at the… more
May 13, 2024
  Effective communication is the linchpin that ensures success and client satisfaction. Lauren Stroud, senior manager of events at MCI USA with 7 years of industry experience, shares her insights on how clear and strategic communication can transform the event experience for clients, attendees and organizers.  1. What are the benefits of effective communication for clients when planning events? Effective communication is essential in event planning, serving as the foundation for successful execution and stakeholder satisfaction. Here are five key benefits: •    Aligned expectations: It’… more
May 13, 2024
This spring, U.S. convention and event venues far and wide have announced new and expanded partnerships, sustainability and cultural achievements, and pending expansion projects. Here’s our latest roundup of venue news to keep you up to date.  ASM Global Ditches Plastic, Extends Naming Rights Deal During the Acura Grand Prix, ASM Global Acts kicked off its partnership with r.World to introduce reusable service ware in venues throughout the ASM Global’s North American portfolio of 93 convention centers. Debuting in April at the Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center, the initiative… more
May 10, 2024
U.S. B2B trade show and conference producer Emerald posted a 9.1% increase in revenues in the first quarter (Q1) 2024, compared with the same period last year, according to its 2024 Q1 financial results released on May 7. Emerald generated Q1 revenues of $133.4 million, an increase of $11.1 million compared with Q1 2023 revenues of $122.3 million. Company officials attributed the growth to increased exhibitor and attendee metrics for events in its strongest categories, such as The Kitchen & Bath Industry Show KBIS, Prosper and the International Pizza Expo, as well as the acquisition of… more
May 09, 2024
What was trending for exhibitors at CES 2024? To get the scoop, we participated in a webinar presented by ImpactXM, an experiential design agency with clients across a wide range of industries and trade shows, including Panasonic Connect North America at INFOCOMM, BASF Corp. at Commodity Classic and Homes.com at NAR NXT, owned and produced by the National Association of REALTORS — to name a few.  Impact XM’s Senior Director Brittany Leeb, who has worked in exhibits since 2015, and Design Director Paul Eizerman, who has designed exhibits since 2006, shared their perspective on the top three… more
May 07, 2024
New events, business locations, educational offerings and research reports are some of the most recent developments keeping the trade show industry a-buzz this month. Here’s our latest roundup of the latest industry news in brief to keep you in-the-know. Women in Exhibitions World Summit Announces Second Edition Following the success of its inaugural edition in The Netherlands last June, Women in Exhibitions (WIE) announced its second Women in Exhibitions World Summit, taking place Nov. 18-19 at I Chiostri di San Barnaba in Milan, Italy. Dedicated to empowering and advancing women… 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.