Jan 12, 2016
The status quo of holding a meeting the same old way just isn’t going to be good enough to truly capture and engage attendees in the future.
Change is on the horizon, with more of a focus on helping attendees find their ‘tribe’, create spaces and events for them to eat well and be well and make content more personalized and organic.
To address these imminent changes, Marriott International, as part of its Meetings Imagined initiative, partnered with the Professional Convention Management Association to review the implications on the future of meetings.
Together, they assembled a group of… more
Jan 11, 2016
CES 2016 broke its own record from last year with 2.47 million net sq. ft. showfloor, up from 2.2 million last year, taking over the Las Vegas Convention Center, Sands Expo & Convention Center and the Venetian, as well as the Wynn, Aria, Vdara and Cosmopolitan.
Owned and produced by the Consumer Technology Association (formerly the Consumer Electronics Association), the world’s largest technology show took place Jan. 6–9.
For the first time, attendance was capped at 176,000 to help with logistics and actual attendance exceeded 170,000.
Commenting on the move to cap, Karen Chupka,… more
Jan 08, 2016
Exposition Development Company (ExpoDevCo) will launch the Virginia Restaurant & Lodging Expo, an annual trade show serving the restaurant, foodservice, lodging and hospitality industry, in Virginia.
The inaugural show will be held Oct. 24-25 at the Greater Richmond Convention Center in Richmond, Va.
The show will be developed with the support of the Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association (VRLTA).
“The association is looking forward to the launch and by partnering with ExpoDevCo we can utilize their already existing foodservice show network and expand on that to… more
Jan 07, 2016
As part of his 2016 agenda, N.Y. Gov. Andrew Cuomo unveiled a $1 billion plan to dramatically increase not only the meeting and exhibit space at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center of New York, but also build a four-level marshaling yard and the largest ballroom in the Northeast.
“We are pleased to hear about the plan to expand the Javits Center on Manhattan’s Far West Side,” said Fred Dixon, president and CEO, NYC & Company.
He added, “This robust plan to add more convention and meetings space capacity is welcoming news for the more than 6 million meetings delegates that convene in New… more
Jan 07, 2016
Julie Coker Graham officially stepped into her new role Jan. 1 as the president and CEO of the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB).
She assumed the role following the retirement Dec. 31 of former President and CEO Jack Ferguson.
In June 2014, Coker Graham was promoted to executive vice president of the PHLCVB as part of a strategic succession plan that allowed her to continue leading the organization’s convention sales efforts, while expanding her responsibilities to include overseeing all of the PHLCVB’s departments and operational duties.
A 21-year Hyatt Hotel Corporation… more
Jan 06, 2016
East Norriton, Penn.-based Expo Logic, an event registration and lead retrieval solutions provider, has acquired EPIC, another registration and lead retrieval provider for associations, based out of Charlotte, N.C.
“We are very excited to have the seasoned professionals from EPIC join Expo Logic’s team,” said Jeff Cooper, CEO of Expo Logic.
He added, “This acquisition provides additional talent and knowledge that will benefit our clients. Additionally, this acquisition demonstrates Expo Logic’s continuing mission to re-invest in our development and offerings, thus bringing the highest quality… more
Jan 05, 2016
When 1,292 attendees came to the 10th Technology Conference & Expo, held by the American Society of Association Executives Dec. 14-16 at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center at National Harbor, Md., it was the highest attended conference in the event’s history.
Participants took part in 42 high-level practical education sessions within five pathways (Disrupters; Leadership & Strategy; Learning & Technology; MarComm & Technology; and The Business of IT) and a sold-out trade show floor.
The final attendance breakdown for this year’s conference: Execs (Assn… more
Jan 04, 2016
Penton adds to its ground transportation portfolio with the acquisition of TU-Automotive from FC Business Intelligence for an undisclosed sum. The buy includes 13 global conferences and exhibitions, such as the world’s largest connected car event – TU-Automotive Detroit.
“The acquisition is hugely exciting for the future of TU‐Automotive. Penton has both deep roots in the automotive industry and shares our vision of a connected world where the vehicle plays a central role,” said TU‐Automotive Division Director Gareth Ragg.
He added, “This new partnership will enable us to continue to enhance… more
Jan 01, 2016
Next year will be an interesting one for SIA Snow Show, since SnowSports Industries America, the show’s owner, will hold two shows that year.
In 2017, the show will switch from a January to a December timeframe at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, meeting the needs of buyers and sellers, according to SIA officials.
“This decision was made with great care and consideration given to the evolving buy/sell cycle, and an eye on the future growth of the industry,” said Nick Sargent, SIA’s incoming president.
He added, “The show’s purpose is to preview product in the best possible… more
Jan 01, 2016
The Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) announced the selection of Aaron Bludworth, CEO of Fern, as the incoming Chairman of the Board along with the new slate of officers and board members during its meeting held Dec.1 in Baltimore, Md.
The 2016 officers of the CEIR board of directors are as follows:
· Chairman: Aaron Bludworth, president and CEO, Fern;
· Vice Chair: Steve Moster, CEO, VIAD and president, Global Experience Specialists (GES);
· Secretary/Treasurer: Bob Priest-Heck, president and COO, Freeman; and
· Immediate Past Chair: Britton Jones,… 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.