News
Apr 24, 2025
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE)—the largest association for the industry, representing more than 12,000 professionals—recently released the latest edition of its landmark “The Art of the Show” textbook.
Unveiled in March, it marks the sixth edition of the text, and the first to be published in nearly four years. It’s safe to say a lot has changed in trade show trends in that time, and “the latest textbook highlights the increasing complexity of events and the genuine need to understand our audiences,” according to Rich Vallaster, the director of industry… more
Apr 23, 2025
Sponsored by MCI
A better exhibitor experience leads to better results for your sponsors, your attendees and your event’s long-term success
Exhibitors are a driving force behind the success of any trade show. More than just sponsors or booth renters, they’re business catalysts, offering attendees valuable insights, product demos and professional connections. But for organizers, turning a one-time exhibitor into a returning partner takes more than strong sales tactics. It requires intentional relationship-building and a holistic approach to delivering ROI.
From simplifying… more
Apr 22, 2025
Sponsored by Visit Dallas
If you didn’t already know, Dallas is a dynamic city–alive with rich culture and vibrance on every corner. Its twenty-some neighborhoods, bustling with entertainment, art, and diverse cuisine, invite curiosity and creativity in your after-hours downtime. Energize your team after long days of conquering the conference floor by curating only-in-Dallas group activities that’ll make everyone want to be the last man standing.
At its center, the beating heart of Dallas is a nationally-recognized Arts District. Named #1 in America by USA Today, this walkable… more
Apr 22, 2025
In a groundbreaking move for sustainability in the live event space, Trade Show News Network (TSNN), the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM), and Honeycomb Strategies have announced the launch of Venue Sustainalytics—a first-of-its-kind sustainability benchmarking and data intelligence platform purpose-built for venues and event organizers.
Launching officially on Earth Day, April 22, the announcement marks the start of a powerful new collaboration that aims to bring consistency, visibility, and accountability to sustainability efforts across convention centers, stadiums,… more
Apr 21, 2025
Both consumers and the stock market have been experiencing whiplash lately over President Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs.
He recently announced a 90-day pause for countries that were hit by higher U.S. tariffs on April 2, saying that, as of right now, they will only face a blanket tariff of 10%, except for China, whose tariffs have been raised to 145%. This is in addition to the levies that were already imposed on Mexico and Canada earlier in the year.
The back-and-forth has created a level of uncertainty for the global meetings sector that hasn’t been felt since COVID.
The tariffs are… more
Apr 18, 2025
Held March 31-April 3 at the Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa in Austin, Texas, the Society of Independent Show Organizers (SISO) CEO Summit 2025 broke attendance records with a total of 325 attendees, of which 22% were first-timers, said SISO CEO Vinnie Polito.
The annual gathering attracted a who’s who of industry leaders, with representatives from all major independent trade show companies, including Informa, RX, Clarion, Access Intelligence, Diversified, Emerald, and more.
If you didn’t attend this year’s event or you want to relive the highlights, we’ve got you covered. Here’s… more
Apr 16, 2025
After leading Tarsus Group through multiple decades of global growth and eventually a $940 million acquisition by Informa in 2023, industry heavyweight Doug Emslie is back with a bold new move: investing in Belgium-based trade show organizer Easyfairs through his investment firm Cuil Bay Capital.
In an exclusive interview with TSNN, Emslie shares why Easyfairs’ tech-forward, exhibitor-friendly approach and niche market strategy are uniquely positioned to disrupt the U.S. events landscape—and why now is the time to double down on events.
From launching industrial shows in Detroit to… more
Apr 15, 2025
Two leading event and media companies made event acquisitions in recent weeks.
Emerald Steps into High-Growth Market with Plant Based World Purchase
In a strategic move underscoring the rapid expansion and investment interest in the growing plant-based food sector, Emerald Expositions recently acquired Plant Based World (PBW), a B2B trade show platform serving the global plant-based ecosystem, from JD Events (JDE).
Collingwood, an M&A advisory firm specializing in information, media, and events businesses, advised JDE throughout the sale. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. … more
Apr 14, 2025
The Travel & Adventure Show wrapped up its 2025 series in Washington, DC, March 29-30—nine shows after the first event of this year in Atlanta back in January. At the final three-day trade show in the nation’s capital, attendance soared 10.6% overall year over year, according to John Golicz, the founder and CEO of the Travel & Adventure Shows.
Benefitting from B2B
Golicz told TSNN that when he founded the Travel & Adventure Shows back in 2003, it was a business-to-consumer event. However, when the trade show series transitioned to a “hybrid” format—in this case, meaning a… more
Apr 11, 2025
According to the Events Industry Council (EIC), event sustainability means taking action towards preserving our natural environment; promoting a healthy, inclusive society, and supporting a thriving economy. For most events, this usually translates into cutting back energy and water usage and reducing waste. But some event organizers are going the extra mile to make a difference by launching initiatives such as using algae as ink or offering onsite sustainability tours.
EarthX
From its humble beginnings as an Earth Day street festival in Dallas, EarthX has now grown into a large-scale,… 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.