Apr 20, 2015
Almost one year ago, unions serving the Pennsylvania Convention Center were asked to sign a new “Customer Service Agreement” that would allow exhibitors to do more of their own work at the venue, and two of the six unions, Carpenters Local 8 and Teamsters Local 107, opted out.
As a result, the four unions who signed the agreement continued working in the center, and the two others were locked out.
The Carpenters and Teamsters, who were turned down when they requested hearings in front of the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board last year to dispute that decision, now will have the… more
Apr 18, 2015
The Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) has teamed again with the Society of Independent Show Organizers (SISO) to produce its latest publication, “2015 Young Professional Exhibitor Needs and Preferences Study”.
CEIR has conducted research with young professional attendees since 2009. With funding from SISO, this first-ever initiative offers insights on young exhibitor attitudes and preferences about business-to-business exhibitions.
“SISO is pleased to entrust this important exhibition industry research to CEIR with financial underwriting. Young exhibitors today… more
Apr 16, 2015
Meetings Mean Business (MMB) and other industry leaders brought together thousands at approximately 65 events April 16 for the first annual North American Meetings Industry Day (NAMID). This nationwide day of advocacy spotlighted the substantial value derived from meetings, conferences, conventions, incentive travel, trade shows and exhibitions.
NAMID is an expansion of the successful efforts in Canada who have for 20 years held the annual Canadian National Meetings Industry Day.
The MMB coalition members, in addition to industry leaders across in Canada and Mexico, hosted events in… more
Apr 16, 2015
The Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (MPEA) Board of Directors appointed Lori Healey as CEO of the agency that oversees Chicago’s McCormick Place.
Healey comes to MPEA from the Chicago-based investment and urban economic development firm Tur Partners LLC, where she served as CEO. She succeeds Jim Reilly, who announced previously that he would be stepping down in 2015.
“We are very fortunate to have someone with Lori‘s caliber of experience to lead the MPEA team during these exciting times, with construction of the event center and the headquarters hotel set to begin shortly,” said… more
Apr 14, 2015
The Center for Exhibition Industry Research released its full-year 2014 Index Report indicating that the trade show industry grew by a modest 1.8 percent last year, which was slightly less than the 2 percent originally predicted.
The growth in 2014 also was 1 percentage point higher than 2013’s total growth.
"We are optimistic for the performance of the industry overall this year. Economic and job growth should continue to drive expansion in exhibitions," said CEIR Economist Allen Shaw, Ph.D., chief economist for Global Economic Consulting Associates.
The overall CEIR index is forecast to… more
Apr 14, 2015
At the annual business meeting lunch during the Society of Independent Show Organizer’s CEO Summit, held April 13-16 on Kiawah Island, S.C., the association’s chair, Charlie McCurdy, revealed that Exposition Development Company (ExpoDevCo) was named SISO’s new management company and David Audrain, CEO of ExpoDevCo, as new executive director.
“I’ve been humbled … I’ve been very lucky these last couple of years to have the support of SISO,” Audrain said.
He added, “ … From an industry perspective, SISO provides the very best gathering for leadership to have networking and business… more
Apr 12, 2015
The International Council of Shopping Centers has added several new programs, spotlighting additional education, professional development and deal-making opportunities, to RECon 2015 on tap May 17-20 in Las Vegas.
The three-day global conference will debut a revamped educational program, a full day dedicated to professional development and the Talent Development Pavilion.
RECon’s more than one million square feet of exhibiting space has expanded to include SPREE RECon, the Leasing Mall, and the Marketplace Mall – providing further ground to bolster ICSC’s estimate that approximately 50… more
Apr 11, 2015
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events held a sold out Women's Leadership Forum April 8 at the Washington Marriott Marquis in Washington, D.C.
More than 150 attendees sold out this year's event which featured education sessions for women at all stages of their career.
"We understood the need for this type of program when we created it in 2013," said IAEE President & CEO David DuBois, CMP, CAE, FASAE, CTA. "Nonetheless, the feedback we are receiving from attendees is really amazing, and we are very satisfied with the direction this program has taken."
Here are… more
Apr 10, 2015
Phoenix Convention Center is joining the Worker Identification System (WIS) that will require a national identification badge for trade show labor starting in July 2015. Workers setting up and moving shows in and out will have to display a valid WIS badge with their name, photo and a scannable barcode.
Powered by the Exhibition Services Contractors Association (ESCA), the WIS program is aimed at providing a uniform form of identification for exhibition workers in a form of photo ID badges connected to a database. The system assists venues in security for their events and can also help… more
Apr 10, 2015
The Spokane (Wash.) Convention Center finished its $55-million expansion in late February, adding 91,000 square feet of meeting and exhibit space.
Now, the facility overlooking the Spokane River features 120,000 sq. ft. exhibit hall, as well as additional ballroom and up to 32 meeting rooms. Most of the new space features either second-level or ground-level views of the river thanks to a completely glass north side.
"The physical difference in the Convention Center is, itself, exciting," said Keith Backsen, Visit Spokane vice president of sales and services. "What we're really happy about is… 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.