Jun 20, 2011
Dallas-based Freeman bought all three companies owned by San Francisco-based Wheelhouse Solutions – Champion Exposition Services, George Fern Exposition & Services and Immersa Marketing – for an undisclosed sum. The transaction closes June 21. Joe Popolo, CEO of Freeman, said the company always is looking to expand its business, and acquiring all three companies is not only a strategic fit, but also a cultural fit. “Champion is known for great creative and technology … we believe we will also have the best team of employees,” he added. “We… more
Jun 19, 2011
U.K.-based United Business Media bought a 70-percent stake in the Catersource Conference & Trade Show and sister show Event Solutions on behalf of UBM Live for $5 million. Catersource services the catering industry, and Event Solutions services the event planning industry. Catersource will become part of UBM Live, adding to UBM Live’s portfolio of events serving the Food & Leisure industries both in the United States and internationally. The portfolio includes brands such as Cruise Shipping, Food Ingredients, Health Ingredients, Leisure Industry Week and Confex.… more
May 08, 2011
The Houston-based Offshore Technology Conference boasted a 29-year attendance high for its recent show held at Reliant Park. The show, held May 2-5, had 78,150 attendees, which was up 8 percent from last year and surpassed the 2010 total of 72,025. The sold out trade show also was the largest since 1982 at 603,000 square feet, up from 568,000 square feet in 2010. The event had 2,520 companies from 40 countries, including 306 new exhibitors this year and added exhibitors from Egypt, Hong Kong, Indonesia and the Philippines. New this year was the OTC Parkway, spanning from Reliant… more
Apr 27, 2011
The first part of this year has started off on a bright note for the Minneapolis Convention Center, with several consumer shows scoring increases in attendance, compared with last year. The shows ranged from a 6-percent increase all the way to a 26-percent increase in attendance. The shows that reported higher attendance were the Minneapolis Boat Show, Minneapolis RV, Vacation & Camping Show, Minneapolis Home and Garden Show, Twin Cities Auto Show and Northwest Sportshow. Besides more people at the shows, they also opened their wallets once they were there on the showfloor and… more
Dec 13, 2010
Just a year and a half after Merchandise Mart Properties Inc. bought the semiannual California Gift Show from dmg world media, MMPI has breathed new life into a show that had seen declines in recent years. On the show’s opening day, held Jan. 21-24 at the Los Angeles Convention Center and Jan. 18-24 at MMPI’s nearby L.A. Mart permanent and temporary showrooms, the showfloor at the LACC was bustling with buyers looking for new products and exhibitors eager to shake off the gloom of tough recessionary times. Exhibitor Jamie Ferling, owner of San Fernando, Calif.-based resort t-shirt company… more
Jan 10, 0018
On what was a packed day on the bustling CES showfloor, the massive consumer electronics show, a power blackout occurred at the Las Vegas Convention Center  impacting meeting rooms in the North and South Halls for approximately two hours.  "Today at approximately 11:15 AM (PST), the Central Hall and South Hall bridge meeting rooms at the Las Vegas Convention Center lost power. Power in the South Hall was restored within minutes, and power has now been fully restored to all areas. A preliminary assessment indicates that condensation from heavy rainfall caused a flashover on one of the… more
Effective communication is the linchpin that ensures success and client satisfaction. Lauren Stroud, senior manager of events at MCI USA with 7 years of industry experience, shares her insights on how clear and strategic communication can transform the event experience for clients, attendees and organizers.  1. What are the benefits of effective communication for clients when planning events? Effective communication is essential in event planning, serving as the foundation for successful execution and stakeholder satisfaction. Here are five key benefits: •    Aligned expectations: It’s… more
When it comes to the age-old topic of sponsorships, you can never have enough new ideas. With event budgets constantly challenging you to do more with less, it’s important to explore untapped resources for new cash flow. A recent study shows that 63 percent of event organizers rely on sponsorships as a significant source of revenue. Are you one of those organizations? If so, you need to be creating high-value sponsorship packages your sponsors won’t can’t afford to miss. To learn how, please join us on our next Ask Me Anything chat, “Rethinking Assets to Increase Event + Sponsorship Revenue… more
Kathleen Thomas, who has worked for several high-profile investment banking firms in the business-to-business exhibitions and conferences space, was named managing director at New York City-based JEGI, effective immediately. Thomas will further expand JEGI’s global leadership across the global media, information, marketing, software and tech‐enabled services sectors, according to company officials. “We are delighted to welcome Kathleen on board,” said Wilma Jordan, founder and CEO of JEGI. Jordan added, “She and Richard Mead, our long‐tenured managing director and B2B specialist, together… more
When the American Psychiatric Association Heart Rhythm Society recently held their annual meetings, they decided to leave a lasting impact and give back to the local host communities. The APA’s meeting was held May 5-9 at Philadelphia’s Pennsylvania Convention Center and the association made a pledge to make a group donation to the Philadelphia Mental Health Center at the culmination of the event. Donations were made throughout the convention, and the APA matched every dollar that was donated by attendees. The APA 2012 Meeting also featured host Edward M. Kennedy, Jr. as the… 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.