Oct 05, 2015
Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear, Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer and officials of the Kentucky International Convention Center recently unveiled the design and renderings for the downtown convention center’s expansion.
“The improvements for the Kentucky International Convention Center are very important to downtown Louisville and the many businesses that depend upon conventions in this city,” Beshear said.
He added, “This work will result in an annual economic impact of more than $50 million and will help retain current business and attract new conventions to Kentucky. Tourism is a major… more
Oct 01, 2015
Cleveland’s I-X Center has added a unique component to its venue - a state-of-the art live performance space, where acoustically treated sound walls, elevated telescopic seating and custom staging all scales to various flexible configurations.
“Previously, our barriers attracting major concert promoters and national touring acts, included a lack of elevated seating and the sound quality in this industrial complex,” said Jeremy Levine, I-X Center vice president of Business Development.
He added, “We now offer a state-of the art performance space with remarkable flexibility and world class… more
Aug 25, 2015
Even with so many attendees it's not easy to find a hotel room close by and some exhibits are outside in tents, Emerald Expositions’ Outdoor Retailer community has spoken loud and clear saying they want to stay in Salt Lake City.
The company listened and recently signed a contract to keep the massive show in the city through 2018.
“Salt Lake, and the State of Utah have proven to be wonderful hosts to the Outdoor Industry and to Outdoor Retailer over the years,” said Marisa Nicholson, vice president and Outdoor Retailer show director.
She added, “The community is welcoming, supportive and we… more
Aug 23, 2015
The first show to take advantage of all of the extra space at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center was one it long-time clients, UBM Advanstar’s MAGIC, which ran last week in Las Vegas.
The $70 million project added 350,000 square feet onto the center, allowing shows like MAGIC to not only expand, but also opening up more space for shows looking in the city.
“We have enjoyed working with the professionals at Mandalay Bay throughout the years and appreciate their willingness to help us create the most positive, productive experiences for our customers,” said Tony Calanca, executive vice… more
Aug 19, 2015
Cracking down ever further, the Federal Communications Commission recently fined Smart City $750,000 for blocking consumers’ Wi-Fi at various convention centers around the United States.
Last year, the FCC also fined Marriott International $600,000 for illegally blocking personal users’ Wi-Fi signals at its Gaylord Opryland Hotel and Convention Center property in Nashville.
Smart City, an Internet and telecommunications provider for conventions, meeting centers and hotels, had been blocking personal mobile “hotspots” that were being used by convention visitors and exhibitors who used their… more
Aug 17, 2015
LIGHTFAIR International, billed as the world’s largest annual architectural and commercial lighting trade show and conference, will return May 7-11, 2017, to Philadelphia’s Pennsylvania Convention Center in 2017 for its 28th annual staging, according to Jeffrey L. Portman, Sr., vice chairman, president and COO of LFI managing partner AmericasMart Atlanta.
Produced annually alternately on the East and West Coasts, LFI was last staged at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in 2013.
LFI’s 2017 return to Philadelphia will follow its 2016 showing in San Diego at the San Diego… more
Jul 28, 2015
Reed Travel Exhibitions’ IBTM Americas spent this year in Chicago and will head to Nashville, aptly named “Music City”, June 15-17 next year.
ibtm america 2015 featured more than 5,200 pre-scheduled appointments with mutually matched suppliers and buyers in a closed show environment that mixed business with networking and education.
Exhibitors averaged 29 appointments during the course of 2.5 days, according to ibtm officials.
“The excitement behind delivering our event in different key convention cities in the US adds variety and new experiences for all our attendees,” said Jaime… more
Jul 16, 2015
The Oregon Convention Center plant to install what is anticipated to be the largest solar array on a convention center in the U.S.
More than 6,500 rooftop solar panels are expected to produce 25 percent of the facility’s electricity.
Construction of the two megawatt project is scheduled to begin in August and the system is estimated to be in service this fall.
“One of our core values is sustainability,” said Convention Center Executive Director Scott Cruickshank. “The rooftop solar installation will help us meet our carbon emission reduction goals, offset utility costs and provide an… more
Jul 13, 2015
Running traditionally in later January, Emerald Expositions’ Outdoor Retailer will move to Jan. 7-10 show dates for next year in response to not only attendee and exhibitor feedback, but also to shift the event away from the nearby Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah.
The 2016 show originally was scheduled Jan. 20-23.
Outdoor Retailer Winter Market, which is held in the Salt Palace Convention Center and fills the venue and surrounding hotels, will remain in the earlier timeframe for future Winter market dates as well, with the 2017 show slated for Jan. 7-10 and the 2018 show scheduled… more
Jul 02, 2015
Just days before Comic-Con International kicks off its annual convention, San Diego likely is breathing a huge sigh of relief, with its biggest event signing on to stay in the city through 2018.
With 130,000 attendees expected July 8-12 at the San Diego Convention Center, the event has grown so large, there was talk that it might move somewhere else when the current contract expired next year.
But, even with hotels booked for miles around and the halls filled to the brim with exhibits, the show will stay put.
“We are thrilled to be the home for Comic-Con International for two additional years… 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.