Mar 29, 2012
In an economy that hasn’t exactly been kind to the retail sector, ASD Las Vegas proved that being the country’s largest consumer goods trade show can have its upside and downside. The upside was the show had increases in attendance; the downside was some exhibitors complained about the late March show dates. Held at the Las Vegas Convention Center March 25-28, the biannual retail behemoth not only boasted a staggering variety of products, but also varying levels of traffic, buying activity and exhibitor optimism, depending on the category and industry segment.  Although… more
Mar 26, 2012
The trade show industry is on a hot streak, with several events breaking all-time attendance records, including the Society of Independent Show Organizers’ CEO Summit, held March 25-28 at The Grand Del Mar resort in San Diego. The event drew 250 attendees, invited guests and sponsors, many of whom were CEOs of the biggest worldwide for-profit show organizing companies. In that attendee mix also were a record-breaking amount of international attendees, 52 from 18 countries around the world. Kerry Gumas, SISO chair and CEO and president of Questex Media, joked the only continent not… more
Mar 25, 2012
Global Sources ended 2011 with a positive Q4 revenue increase to $74 million, compared with $63 million in 2010, as well as positive increases in full-year revenues to $225 million from $197 million in 2010. Exhibitions revenue in the fourth quarter last year was $35.5 million, compared with $29.9 million in 2010, and online revenue rose to $30.5 million, compared with $25.5 million the year before. “We had a good quarter driven by continued strength in our online and exhibition businesses,” said Global Sources’ Executive Chairman Merle A. Hinrichs. He added, “… more
Mar 25, 2012
In the past year, Thailand has been awarded a substantial number of bids for not only regional, but also global events to be hosted in the country, according to the Thailand Convention & Convention Bureau. These eight events are expected to generate revenues of at least Baht 900 million (US$117 million). In addition, TCEB has joined hands with the Thai International Convention Association to organize a nationwide roadshow in order to stimulate the domestic MICE market. Meetings will be held with industry associations and key government agencies to assist their efforts to attract… more
Mar 25, 2012
To meet the needs of Asia’s rapidly growing medical technology manufacturing industry, Messe Dusseldorf Asia and the Singapore Precision Engineering & Tooling Association have joined forces to launch MEDICAL MANUFACTURING ASIA, scheduled Sept. 12-14 at the Suntec Singapore International Convention & Exhibition Centre. The inaugural biennial event is expected to attract approximately 150 exhibitors from more than 20 countries, as well as 5,000 attendees from across Asia and abroad, according to show officials. Held concurrently with MEDICAL FAIR ASIA 2012 and OS+H Asia 2012,… more
Mar 25, 2012
International Associational of Amusement Parks and Attractions’ Asian Attractions Expo 2012 will kick off June 3-8 and is expected to draw 4,500 attendees. The showfloor is open June 5-8 and education programming will span June 3-8. The event takes place in Hong Kong and features five days of education programming and networking activities, such as Leadership Breakfasts, the IAAPA Institute for Attractions Managers, a daylong IAAPA Safety Institute and networking events at world-famous area attractions. “IAAPA’s Asian Attractions Expo is the attractions industry’s… more
Mar 22, 2012
The Specialty Equipment Marketing Association, which owns the massive SEMA Show for the automotive specialty products sector, bought Performance Racing Industry, producers of the motorsports business magazine and PRI Trade Show. The transaction is set to close in late March. John Kilroy, who has 20-plus years of publishing and management experience at PRI, will serve as vice president/general manager of PRI and assume day-to-day operations for the group. "Steve Lewis launched the PRI concept a quarter-of-a-century ago, as an organization totally dedicated solely to the racing industry… more
Mar 22, 2012
Sue Deveaux has been named group vice president, Healthcare Sector for J. Spargo & Associates. Deveaux and her team will provide exposition sales and management services to some of the country's largest medical meetings, according to company officials.   "Sue's 20 years of industry experience, including her 15 years at Pri-Med, where she played a pivotal role in the growth of the organization, made her an outstanding candidate for this position," said Susan Bracken, president and COO of J. Spargo & Associates. Deveaux will work with J. Spargo’s… more
Mar 22, 2012
With its deep background in working with medical and pharma association sand trade shows, Ascend Integrated Media was a natural fit for the American Heart Association when it needed an exclusive exhibit sales representative for its Scientific Sessions 2012 Annual Meeting. The meeting is scheduled Nov. 3-7 at the Los Angeles Convention Center and is expected to attract more than 22,000 attendees. “We selected Ascend to be our exclusive partner for exhibitor sales because of the expertise and tenure of their sales team,” said Laura Gossett, senior manager, exhibits for American… more
Mar 22, 2012
When the Healthcare Information Management Systems Society recently wrapped up its annual meeting Feb. 20-24 at the Sand Expo & Convention Center, show officials had a lot to celebrate, with the show breaking previous attendance records. HIMSS12 reached 37,032 attendees, surpassing the HIMSS11 attendance figure of 31,500 attendees.   The four-day event featured sessions on stage 1 and stage 2, as well as events and happenings such as ICD-10, mobile health and mHIMSS. HIMSS12 also included HIT X.0 and Leading from the Future, two conferences within a conference that were… 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.