Feb 29, 2016
National Trade Productions, the San Diego Convention Center Corporation and MC2 all have named new leaders in their companies. National Trade Productions has promoted Christopher Harar to president of NTP Events. In this role, he will oversee the Events Division, including all show management, personnel and administration. Harar will provide leadership working strategically with the Event Services teams to ensure outstanding customer service through the management of NTP's Client Care Program. "Chris is an exceptional executive and his insights, ideas and leadership have been a… more
Feb 25, 2016
UBM announced last year its strategy was going to focus on putting ‘Events First’, and those efforts paid off, with full-year 2015 total revenues surging 30 percent to $1.3 billion (£974 million) , compared with $1 billion (£746 million) in 2014. The addition of Advanstar Communications to the company’s portfolio was a boost, with a first year return on investment of 10.3 percent. UBM also sold PR Newswire for $841 million last year, further solidifying its ‘Events First’ strategy. “UBM has taken significant steps in its transformation in 2015. We’ve integrated Advanstar, announced the… more
Feb 25, 2016
The Center for Exhibition Industry Research’s CEIR Total Index, which tracks the overall health of the trade show industry, ended last year with a substantial uptick in not only the fourth quarter, but also for the full year. The index posted a strong year-on-year gain of 3.7 percent in the fourth quarter. This growth is the second highest rate since the second quarter of 2012. It also marked the 22nd consecutive quarter of year-on-year growth. During the three years, 2012 through 2014, the exhibition industry growth generally lagged the pace of GDP, but the industry has now outperformed the… more
Feb 24, 2016
In just more than a month, top-level executives from trade show organizing companies worldwide will converge at the Society of Independent Show Organizer’s CEO Summit to hear about the latest trends in the market, whether it be why so many overseas companies are buying up U.S.-based shows or how every event should be considering its content marketing program. “Ranked as one of the best networking events of the year in the trade and consumer show industry, the SISO CEO Summit gathers together CEOs and executives from more than 100 small and large global show organizing companies for not only… more
Feb 23, 2016
In 2016, MEDICAL FAIR ASIA, 11th Exhibition on Hospital, Diagnostic, Pharmaceutical, Medical & Rehabilitation Equipment & Supplies, will be held at a new venue:  the Sands Expo & Convention Center, Marina Bay Sands Singapore from Aug. 31-Sept. 2. Also new will be the first staging of the MEDICINE + SPORTS CONFERENCE ASIA, scheduled Sept. 1. The conference is jointly organized by Messe Düsseldorf Asia (also organizer of MEDICAL FAIR ASIA) and Navispace AG, with the support from the founding cooperation partners Sports Medical Association Singapore (SMAS), Exercise is Medicine… more
Feb 23, 2016
The past month has marked a busy time, with several companies not only bringing on new employees, but also naming people into top positions. SnowSports Industries America, the snow sports industry’s member-owned trade association, has named Nick Sargent as SIA president. Sargent, who joined the organization in August 2015 as SIA’s incoming president, has spent the last five months working alongside exiting President David Ingemie. “Nick holds a background in all aspects of the snow sports industry, which has proved to be extraordinarily beneficial in helping to strategize future growth,” said… more
Feb 23, 2016
Meeting management firm Spargo has been on a hot streak recently, kicking off 2016 with several new business contracts signed, along with other companies that have added clients to their busy portfolios. The International Council of Ophthalmology appointed SPARGO, Inc. as their exhibit and sponsorship sales and management firm for the 2018 World Ophthalmology Congress, on tap June 16-19 in Barcelona.  This gathering of international ophthalmologists occurs every two years, attracting upwards of 15,000 attendees from more than 130 countries. “One of the primary reasons we selected SPARGO… more
Feb 23, 2016
By Elizabeth Johnson From classic toys like Lincoln Logs and Legos to innovative tech toys like drones, the world of toys came together for the 113th time Feb. 13-16 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center of New York. This year’s North American International Toy Fair exceeded 30,000 play professionals from 92 countries - a 16-percent increase, compared with 2015. The show also included 1,237 exhibitors covering 415,000 net square feet. And, amongst the fanfare, excitement and business deals, the Toy Industry Association that supports it all quietly turned 100. "With hundreds of thousands of… more
Feb 21, 2016
UK.-based Informa Exhibitions has scooped up the WATER & WASTEWATER EQUIPMENT, TREATMENT & TRANSPORT Show from Cole Publishing. Terms of the deal were not discussed. “Bob has spent the last 40 years creating and building the leading environmental services industry event,” said Rick McConnell, president, of Informa Global Exhibitions. He added, “The acquisition is a great addition to the Informa portfolio and we are excited to partner with Cole Publishing to continue to make Water & Wastewater Equipment, Treatment & Transport the must-attend event for the industry.” The WATER… more
Feb 19, 2016
The 15th anniversary of the Exhibition and Convention Executives Forum will feature a bevy of high-profile speakers when the one-day conference is held June 1 at the JW Marriott in Washington, D.C. “The ECEF 2016 program has confirmed the participation of 11 ‘A-list’ executive presenters and panelists” said Sam Lippman, president, Lippman Connect. He added, “Because ECEF is renowned for its C-level program, I am keenly aware that expectations for the 15th Anniversary are extraordinarily high. To meet the challenge, the 2016 agenda takes an unblinking look at the… 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.