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
Jun 30, 2015
Nearly six years have passed since the $600 million expansion project was completed on the Phoenix Convention Center, providing attendees with nearly 900,000 square feet of event space. Just steps away from downtown Phoenix, the convention center sits on a 26-acre campus and is linked to downtown and several hotels via the new light rail system. The expansion provided several elements that positioned the convention center for the future. There is more than 300,000 sq. ft. of continuous exhibition hall space that connects the North and West Buildings, including 190,000 sq. ft. of virtually… more
Jun 29, 2015
Launched in 1992, Anime Expo, which promotes Japanese Pop Culture and the arts related to Japanese Animation, recently signed on to be held at the Los Angeles Convention Center through 2019. The show, on tap July 2-5 and owned by the Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation, the show is billed as the largest anime convention in North America, with 100,000 attendees expected at this year’s event. In 2014, the show attracted 80,000 attendees, and in 2013, the show drew 61,000 attendees.  “2015 marks Anime Expo’s 24th year and we are excited for another… more
Jun 25, 2015
Following the trend of dropping the lengthier monikers, the Anaheim/Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau now is called Visit Anaheim. After more than 20 years as AOCVCB, the bureau streamlined its name and introduced a new brand. “A year’s worth of brand exploration, consumer, meetings and travel trade research told us clearly that we needed a name and brand that is reflective of our organization’s mission,” said Jay Burress, president & CEO, Visit Anaheim. He added, “Visit Anaheim is a name that travel enthusiasts and conventioneers can easily find and understand. It evokes a… more
Jun 19, 2015
The Board of Directors for the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCCA) voted to appoint Fred Peterson as its interim executive director, replacing the current director, James E. Rooney, who will be leaving the authority at the end of the month to become the next president and CEO of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce. Peterson will assume the Interim role, effective July 1. “On behalf of the entire board, we are pleased to have a candidate with Fred’s qualifications take the lead as our Interim Executive Director,” said John McDonnell, board chair of the MCCA and managing… more
Jun 09, 2015
TEAMS ’16, the world’s leading conference and expo for the sports event industry, will be held in Atlantic City, N.J. “We are very excited to bring TEAMS to Atlantic City,” said Timothy Schneider, president and CEO of Schneider Publishing, which publishes SportsTravel magazine and organizes the TEAMS Conference. He added, “Many factors contributed to our decision to stage TEAMS in Atlantic City, including the city’s rich history and unique sense of place - which will serve as a huge draw to attendees. Meet AC’s commitment to supporting the sports event community also made Atlantic… more
May 11, 2015
Running a large facility with thousands of visitors coming through can be a challenge in the middle of one of the most severe droughts on record in the state of California, but that’s the daily reality for the Los Angeles Convention Center. As a result, LACC officials have implemented several water conservation measures, as well as partnered with LA Green. “Environmental sustainability is an area of critical importance for the Los Angeles Convention Center,” said Brad Gessner, senior vice president of AEG Facilities and General Manager of the Los Angeles Convention Center. He added, “Water… more
Apr 27, 2015
TSNN has launched a new e-newsletter – TSNN Venue News – that will be geared toward any and all news about the world of venues in which shows and events are held. Adding to its comprehensive suite of existing e-newsletters, TSNN Venue News will have up-to-date stories on venue construction and expansion projects, new management contracts, technological upgrades, people on the move and any other news that comes out of the venue universe. To submit any news, please send to TSNN President Rachel Wimberly rwimberly@tsnn.com. To subscribe to the TSNN Venue News e-newsletter, go HERE. Our goal… 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.