Sep 05, 2012
Overall unemployment in the United States still might be down, but hiring in the trade show industry has continued to pick up speed though the summer and into the fall.
L.A. Mart proudly recently brought back Frank Joens as senior vice president and general manager of the venue in Los Angeles.
Joens returns to the L.A. Mart after a brief break in his decade-long tenure of service with the building. He began his career at the L.A. Mart in 2001 as director of marketing and then two years later was promoted to director of leasing, where he helped his team achieve a more than 90 percent… more
Jul 30, 2012
Summer might be a slow time for actual trade shows being held, but it’s been a busy time for new hires, signaling a boost in business.
The Georgia World Congress Center recently announced the selection of Mark Adams as director of sales for the 3.9 million square foot facility.
"We are all looking forward to the addition of Mark Adams to our GWCC team,” said Mark Zimmerman, general manager of the convention center.
He added, “I am confident that with his experience he will make an immediate impact on our sales program.”
Adams joins the GWCC after working as… more
Jul 08, 2012
Trade show veteran Kevin O’Keefe has taken a new post at GLM as senior vice president, leaving his position at UBM Canon Communications at which he oversaw several 2011 TSNN Top 250 shows, such as Medical Design & Manufacturing West, East and Midwest, as well as other shows in the UBM Canon portfolio.
O’Keefe has worked in the trade show industry for 20 years and will assume many of the duties of GLM’s departing Senior Vice President Phil Robinson, who has decided to leave the company as of Aug. 1 after 22 years, but will remain as an advisor through year-end, according… more
Jun 20, 2012
The Face2Face Series is sponsored by MarketArt.
Talk to most trade show managers and executives and you might notice a common theme: they seem to have no idea what they’d be doing if they weren’t working in the trade show industry.
The same rings true for 23-year industry veteran Alan Sims, who like many trade show lifers, began working in and around events right out of school, realized it was a good fit and never looked back.
“Relationships are important to me and face-to-face interaction is important, so (the industry) suits my skill set well,” Sims said.
He… more
Apr 16, 2012
The Face2Face Series is sponsored by MarketArt.
While some people might anticipate big challenges with a sense of trepidation, David Audrain thinks they’re what keep life interesting. But then, this 19-year trade show veteran, who recently became president and CEO of Clarion Events North America, has never been one to shy away from daunting propositions. Like the time he had to learn everything he needed to know about being a show manager – in nine weeks.
“When I moved to the U.S., I ended up working for the Texas Restaurant Association, managing part of their membership… more
Mar 12, 2012
For nearly 20 years, Dorothy Belshaw has worked for George Little Management, most recently as vice president and show director of the New York International Gift Fair, but now she’s taken a new position as president of the International Market Centers’ Gift Division.
"I am very pleased to have a true industry leader and professional join our executive team. Dorothy brings the leadership and experience to accelerate the growth of our Gift+Home show in Las Vegas,” said Robert Maricich, CEO of International Market Centers.
He added, “As a recognized and proven… more
Feb 27, 2012
This year has been a busy one so far for association staffing and executive-level changes, with several appointments being announced.
National Association of Convenience Stores appointed Molly Hoyt its meetings coordinator. Prior to joining NACS, Hoyt worked at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City, where she served as a meetings concierge and eventually assistant banquet manager, supervising all banquet functions at the hotel.
Destination Marketing Association International has named Cindy Kong, CMP, as its director of meetings effective Feb. 22. Kong has more than 20 years of… more
Jan 04, 2012
Matthew Rotchford, long-time sales and events manager for the Portland Expo Center, has been named facility director after a national industry search, according to Metro Visitor Venues, which oversees the center.
He replaces former Director Chris Bailey, who retired in September, after 17 years managing the regional venue.
Metro general manager of visitor venues Teri Dresler said the decision best supports the facility’s expansion into new markets.
“By far, Matthew demonstrated the perfect combination of drive, innovation, flexibility and financial stewardship for this… more
Jan 04, 2012
1105 Media hired Daniel McKinnon as vice president of government events, which includes the annual flagship government technology FOSE show, which is on tap April 3-5 at the Walter E. Washington (D.C.) Convention Center.
“We are delighted to welcome Daniel,” said Neal Vitale, president and CEO of 1105 Media. “After an outstanding career with Messe Frankfurt, he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our team.”
He added, “We look forward to his contributions as we expand our array of government-focused trade shows and conferences.”… more
Jan 04, 2012
Alan Liebensohn was promoted last month to executive director of the New York International Automobile Show from his position of business manager, a post that he held for seven years.
Prior to joining the auto show, Liebensohn was a consultant in the trade show and exposition industry for companies such as George Little Management, Biz Bash Media, COSEP and Curves for Women.
In addition, Liebensohn previously was the director of conferences and trade shows for the gaming industry’s premier international trade show & conference, the World Gaming Congress & Expo.… more
Partner Voices
HERE, hosting responsible meetings and caring for our communities are top priorities. Through its 'Focused on What Matters: Embracing Humanity and Protecting the Planet' philosophy, MGM Resorts commits to creating a more sustainable future, while striving to make an impact in the lives of employees, guests, and the communities in which it operates.
Water Stewardship Efforts
MGM Resorts understands the importance of using water efficiently, especially in the desert destination of Las Vegas. Conserving water has always been part of the mission, but MGM Resorts has expanded its ambition into water stewardship.
In 2022, MGM Resorts President and CEO Bill Hornbuckle signed the CEO Water Mandate—a UN Global Compact initiative mobilizing business leaders to advance water stewardship. MGM Resorts International was the first gaming company to take this important step.
MGM Resorts replaced 200,000 square feet of real grass with drought-tolerant landscaping in Las Vegas.
MGM Resorts pledges to reduce water withdrawal intensity by 33% by 2025 and by 35% by 2030.
From 2007-2021, use of more than 5.6 billion gallons of water was avoided because of conservation efforts.
Caring for One Another
MGM Resorts’ Food Donations Program collects and preserves unserved food from conventions held at MGM Resorts properties, then safely donates to food insecure people in the community. Since the program’s launch in 2016, more than 3.7 million meals toward a 2025 goal of 5 million meals have been donated into the community. Donations include:
Unserved perishable prepared foods from events
Perishable unprepared food from MGM Resorts’ kitchens
Nonperishable food items from minibars and warehouses
The collaboration with Southern Nevada’s primary food bank, Three Square, has developed the infrastructure needed to safely collect, transport, and store food from MGM Resorts properties in Las Vegas, reducing food waste while serving the community.
Fostering Diversity and 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 understands its responsibility to contribute to the social and economic progress of the communities in which it operates. HERE, we embrace humanity.