Jul 21, 2017
International Conference Development (lCDevents) is gearing up to launch Pet Connections Expo, a new pet industry trade show set for Oct. 3-4 at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, Penn. Designed to be an affordable alternative for independent retailers, vendors and other pet professionals, the event intends to provide a more intimate and relaxed community environment where pet retailers can network, share experiences and learn how to compete with the online and large brick and mortar stores in order to succeed in their businesses, according to Bill Doherty, PetCon Expo show… more
Jul 19, 2017
The Meetings Mean Business Coalition has re-launched Worth Meeting About, an industry campaign designed to showcase the importance of face-to-face meetings for business and society. With an expanded lens that uses major world events, case studies and personal testimonials to highlight the industry’s role in driving progress and innovation, the coalition’s refreshed campaign will harness digital tactics and storytelling to emphasize the message that, “when it’s important, it’s Worth Meeting About.” “Worth Meeting About brings to life the value behind meetings and the progress… more
Jul 18, 2017
The Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) has chosen Pittsburgh and San Francisco to host its 2019 and 2020 Convening Leaders, respectively. The event is the association’s annual education conference that attracts more than 4,200 event professionals. “Convening Leaders is the premier industry event for leading business event professionals,” said Deborah Sexton, president and CEO of PCMA. She continued, “Our participants and partners attend this event every January to network with their colleagues from around the globe and seek out innovation for their upcoming programs. Both… more
Jul 18, 2017
American Society of Association Executives will honor six associations with the 2017 Summit Award, which is the highest recognition under The Power of A Awards. The six organizations will accept their awards on October 4 during the 18th Annual Power of A — Summit Awards Dinner at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C.  The winners were selected by the Power of A Awards Judging Committee, and the committee received 149 entries. The awards are part of The Power of A  campaign, which ASAE launched in 2009 to increase awareness about issues that… more
Jul 18, 2017
Paris-based Comexposium has acquired MFV, which includes franchise trade shows and conferences in the United States (International Franchise Expo in New York, Franchise Expo West in Los Angeles, Franchise Expo South in Dallas); Franquicias Feria International, the leading annual event in Mexico; and The Franchise Show in London. A portfolio of developmental events in Latin America and Europe also are part of the acquisition. “We are delighted to welcome the Franchise events to Comexposium’s growing North & Latin American footprint,” said Steve Corrick, CEO of Comexposium Americas He added… more
Jul 17, 2017
Freeman has become a key investor data-driven event personalization company Feathr’s most recent round of funding. Feathr’s proprietary technology allows organizers and marketers to leverage their data by combining sources like registration, CRM, social followers and website analytics to launch effective multi-channel campaigns across email, landing pages, online advertising, social media and chatbots. “The Freeman Digital Ventures group is pleased to be an investor in Feathr as we believe Feathr’s offering can be beneficial to our clients allowing further personalization for events and brand… more
Jul 14, 2017
U.S. business-to-business trade show and conference producer, Emerald Expositions, has selected Denver as the official home of its three annual Outdoor Retailer trade shows: Outdoor Retailer + Snow Show, Outdoor Retailer Summer Market and Outdoor Retailer Winter Market. As the largest U.S. trade shows representing outdoor gear and clothing retailers and manufacturers, the events are expected to draw more than 85,000 attendees and $110 million economic impact annually to The Mile High City, according to show officials. The shows’ relocation, which kicks off Jan. 25-28 with the Outdoor Retailer… more
Jul 14, 2017
When a room filled with trade show organizers and suppliers gathers July 20 at the Washington Marriott at the Metro Center in Washington, D.C., for Transform USA, they will have the opportunity to take a deep dive into topics that are top of mind right now – data, analytics and digital. The inaugural event is co-presented by UK-based trade show industry research firm AMR International and U.S.-based vent producer Lippman Connects. “I would like everyone to leave Transform USA with a new sense of security because they now have a road map that is relatively risk free based on what they… more
Jul 13, 2017
Destination Marketing Association International has been renamed, officially becoming Destinations International, effective July 13. The new name was unveiled this week during the association’s Annual Convention in Montreal, Canada. Several other announcements, including a partnership with the James Beard Foundation, Canadian engagement initiatives and the results from the Defining the Impact of the Weaponization of Travel and DestinationNEXT studies also were made. “Our new name, Destinations International, reflects the new reality that we are so much more than just marketers of our… more
Jul 12, 2017
Cobo Center has entered into an eight-year contract with the North American International Auto Show that will keep one of the U.S.’s largest and world’s most influential auto shows in downtown Detroit through 2025, according to Claude Molinari, general manager of SMG/Cobo Center. “With the leadership and work of the Detroit Regional Convention Facility Authority (DRCFA), along with SMG, Cobo Center is truly a world-class venue,” said Rod Alberts, NAIAS executive director. He continued, “The significant renovation (at Cobo Center) has allowed the auto show to expand our footprint and has… 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.