Aug 04, 2023
Oak View Group (OVG), which takes over venue management for Chicago’s McCormick Place on Oct. 1, named veteran convention and hospitality executive Samuel Thomas Jr. as senior vice president and general manager of the campus, which includes McCormick Place, featuring 2.6 million square feet of exhibition space, the 10,000-seat Wintrust Arena and the 4,249-seat Arie Crown Theater.
Thomas, who will relocate to Chicago from Washington, D.C., where he was executive vice president and chief operating officer of Events DC, will begin his new role the first week of September.
McCormick Place… more
Aug 03, 2023
Trade Show News Network (TSNN) is thrilled to unveil the 2023 TSNN Awards top honoree for the Industry Support Award.
All of the award honorees will be celebrated Oct. 27-29 at the 2023 TSNN Awards at the Puerto Rico Convention Center in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The two-day event will kick off with an opening party at the Sheraton Puerto Rico Resort and Casino sponsored by Discover Puerto Rico, followed the next day by an education conference at the Puerto Rico Convention Center and an awards gala at the Museum of Art of Puerto Rico and after-party at the Sheraton.
Industry Support Award… more
Jul 31, 2023
The Specialty Food Association's (SFA) 67th Summer Fancy Food Show, held June 25-27 at the Javits Center in New York, drew more than 30,000 professionals from the specialty food and beverage industry. The sold-out event marked a 20% increase in registration compared to 2022, with significant growth in all key buyer categories, including a 21% rise in retailers, a 20% surge in food service professionals, and a 12% jump in distributors.
Recognized as one of the largest specialty food industry gatherings in North America, the Summer Fancy Food Show drew more than 2,200 companies covering… more
Jul 27, 2023
Following an extensive and competitive RFP process, the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (MPEA) has selected global sports and live entertainment company Oak View Group (OVG) as the new private management and food service partner for Chicago’s McCormick Place, Wintrust Arena and Arie Crown Theater.
Beginning Oct. 1 and running through Sept. 2028, the management and F&B contracts were awarded to OVG360 and OVG Hospitality, respectively, following a unanimous vote by the MPEA Board.
“I am thrilled to welcome OVG360 and OVG Hospitality to our campus,” said Larita Clark, CEO of… more
Jul 27, 2023
Informa PLC announced that its revenue and profit in the first half of 2023 shot up following a strong return to live events, in addition to plans for continued growth through an “exclusivity to acquire” HIMSS Global Health Exhibition/Conference and an investment in Talahuf, its Saudi Arabia trade show business.
In its half-year that ended June 30, the London-based public company (which owns TSNN) reported that revenue increased 53% to GBP1.52 billion, up from GBP993.5 million in H1 2022. Pretax profit surged to GBP314.6 million, up from GPB41.5 million year over year. During an earnings… more
Jul 26, 2023
Fast Forward Events has expanded its portfolio of events in the adult alcohol beverage industry with acquisition of the Craft Beverage Expo & Distribution Conference (CBE), the Craft Beverage Experience and the Women in Craft Symposium. CBE Co-Founder Kellie Shevlin joins Fast Forward as vice president, sales and marketing.
Created by Shevlin and industry veteran Vincent Polito, CBE has connected professionals and enthusiasts across the craft alcohol beverage space for the past decade. The event is focused on small-batch beverages including beer, wine, spirits, mead and cider and the… more
Jul 25, 2023
Trade Show News Network (TSNN) is thrilled to unveil the 2023 TSNN Awards top honorees for the Industry Icon Award, Sustainability Award and DEI Leadership Award.
All of the award honorees will be celebrated Oct. 27-29 at the 2023 TSNN Awards at the Puerto Rico Convention Center in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The two-day event will kick off with an opening party at the Sheraton Puerto Rico Resort and Casino sponsored by Discover Puerto Rico, followed the next day by an education conference at the Puerto Rico Convention Center and an awards gala at the Museum of Art of Puerto Rico and after-party… more
Jul 24, 2023
New Business Deals: Hyve Group, Skyline Exhibits and More Consolidate Business, Launch New Platforms
As the summer season heats up, trade show-related companies and suppliers in the U.S. and abroad have been busily inking new contracts, fine-tuning and expanding their offerings and scooping up new clients. Take a look!
Hyve Group
Hyve Group’s recently launched Fintech Meetup, the second largest U.S. fintech event focused on fintech, banking, lending and payments, has made an agreement with Fintech Nexus, an independent digital media company dedicated to the financial services industry. Announced in late June, the deal will see Fintech Nexus shift its focus to its content publishing… more
Jul 22, 2023
Promoting diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) has become a vital aspect of organizing events – from hiring speakers to creating event content to securing sponsors and more. But what about designing the food and beverage offerings at events?
We checked in with Tracy Stuckrath, founder and president of thrive! meetings & events and host of the Eating at a Meeting podcast, who offered some keen insights on the importance of DEI in event catering.
Inclusivity is what inspired Stuckrath to start her business in 2010, when a personal health journey changed the course of her career.
“I… more
Jul 19, 2023
The exhibition industry has made a significant recovery in 2023 and has reached pre-pandemic levels in many parts of the world, according to UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry’s 2023 Global Exhibition Barometer, a biannual research report offering comprehensive insights into the current state of the exhibition industry, including its post-pandemic recovery and emerging trends and challenges.
In 2023, the exhibition industry revenues are expected to reach 97% of the 2019 levels on average globally, according to the report. In the first half of 2023, 79% of companies… more
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is renowned for its exceptional service and diverse venue options across Las Vegas, Detroit, Springfield, National Harbor, Biloxi, and Atlantic City, providing flexible spaces for meetings of any size. Beyond these offerings, MGM Resorts distinguishes itself through a strong commitment to social responsibility and sustainability, making it an ideal choice for your next meeting.
At the core of MGM Resorts' company values is its platform, "Focused on What Matters," dedicated to meeting customer needs while advancing socially responsible practices. This commitment is evident in several key areas:
Protecting Natural Resources
MGM Resorts is home to industry-leading recycling, renewable electricity and water conservation programs. Some highlights include a cogeneration power plant at ARIA, producing ultra-efficient electricity; one of America’s largest contiguous rooftop solar arrays atop the convention center at Mandalay Bay; and onsite wells that provide water for the celebrated Fountains of Bellagio, avoiding reliance on precious Colorado River water. These efforts and many more save on natural resources while boosting attendee satisfaction.
Committed to Community
Always striving to be good neighbors, MGM Resorts works to avoid food waste and combat food insecurity with the Feeding Forward program. In partnership with local food banks, they safely divert unserved food to food insecure members of the community. Since 2016, over 5 million meals have been provided, highlighting MGM Resorts' commitment to minimizing food waste and addressing community needs.
MGM Resorts supports clients in their responsible-meetings efforts, not only with efficient venues but also waste-reducing décor and signage; sustainable food and beverage options; and outreach to help planners communicate sustainability efforts to attendees. What’s more, they offer a Mindful Meetings series that puts attendee wellness first—through fitness and mindfulness activities, and in give-back events with local charity organizations.
Fostering Diversity & Inclusion
To MGM Resorts, a diverse and talented workforce is essential to success. By cultivating innovative strategies that consider multiple perspectives and viewpoints, the company creates an inclusive workplace culture that benefits its employees and community. MGM Resorts takes pride in being a welcoming home for veterans, individuals with disabilities, people from diverse backgrounds, LGBTQ+ community members, and more. This commitment to inclusion is reflected in the company's recruitment and hiring practices and its social responsibility initiatives. From the workplace to the community, MGM Resorts' commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion remains unwavering, and its efforts continue to create a more equitable and sustainable world for all.
MGM Resorts offers unparalleled service and venue options while standing out for its proactive approach to sustainability and community engagement. Choosing MGM Resorts for your next meeting means aligning with a company that values social responsibility, efficiency, and attendee satisfaction, ensuring a meaningful and impactful event experience.