News
May 01, 2025
Since U.S. President Donald Trump signed Executive Order 14151, titled "Ending Radical And Wasteful Government DEI Programs And Preferencing," on January 20, federal agencies have been rolling back their DEI programs and cutting budgets. While some of the administration’s efforts only apply to the federal government, several target DEI programs in the private sector. How are independent trade show companies responding?
Inclusion, diversity, and belonging are (still) integral components of successful trade show organizations, according to four industry executives who participated in a… more
Apr 30, 2025
Exclusively sponsored by Honeycomb Strategies
If you’re dealing with a different budget for your event than last year… this is for you.
Faced with uncertain or reduced budgets, changing regulatory requirements, and fluctuation in attendance, some events may be tempted to sideline sustainability as a nice-to-have. However, you’ll find that adjusting sustainability programs during budget lulls is easier than you think and may actually create savings and strengthen initiatives even without cash flow.
Here are a few ways to keep your sustainability momentum going:
Don’t Stop Tracking Data… more
Apr 29, 2025
Sustainability is increasingly becoming a driving force behind the way trade shows are planned and executed, and food and beverage (F&B) is taking center stage as a key opportunity for organizers to reduce the environmental impact of their events. From sourcing local, seasonal ingredients and plant-forward menus to minimizing food waste and reducing single-use serve and serviceware, sustainable F&B practices can significantly contribute to an event’s overall eco-footprint.
So how can trade show organizers work with their venue’s culinary team to bring sustainability to the… more
Apr 28, 2025
Held April 11-13 at the Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel & Convention Center in Illinois, AXPONA (Audio Expo North America) drew 10,910 attendees--a 5% increase over its largest previous event, marking its biggest show yet. The B2B and B2C show, owned and produced by JD Events, offered music lovers and industry professionals three days of sound, technology, seminars, live music and the latest audio products. Trade passes grew 20%, as AXPONA continues to attract more members of the high-end audio industry.
Related: Post-Show Recap: AXPONA 2024 Immerses Audiophiles in Largest Show Yet … more
Apr 25, 2025
Not all show launches go off with a bang, but the inaugural edition of Overland Expo SoCal certainly did–in the form of record-breaking participation. Held March 15-16 at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, Calif., the event is the newest edition to the Overland Expo B2C event series for do-it-yourself adventure travel enthusiasts.
Overland Expo SoCal, which is owned and produced Emerald, shattered past launch event records, with 19,000 attendees, 303 exhibitors, and 84 hands-on classes, demos, and activities drawing adventure enthusiasts from across the U.S., particularly from… more
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
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.