News

Sep 27, 2024
The top three global exhibition organizers by 2023 revenue remain unchanged from 2022, with Informa and RX holding firmly onto the first and second spots while Clarion maintained its presence in third place, according to the annual Top 20 Ranking of Exhibition Organizers released by Stax on Sept. 6.   The combined 2023 revenue from the Top 20 increased 51% compared to the previous year, a clear sign of the continuing recovery of the industry in 2023, according to Stax. Most organizers achieved double-digit growth, except for a few of the European organizers due to biennial show cycles. … more
Sep 26, 2024
Making a big impact with a smaller exhibit space can be a formidable challenge. Recently, we discussed a solution for this challenge with MaryBeth Gieser, account director at Hamilton Exhibits, an experiential and event marketing agency with a 75-year legacy. Our conversation centered around the iNTERFACEWARE booth at the HIMSS Global Health Conference & Exhibition, held March 11-15 at the Orange County Convention Center  in Orlando, Fla. The project exemplified a masterful balance of innovative design, digital integration, and strategic planning. Here are highlights from our… more
Sep 25, 2024
Selling an events business is one of the most significant and complex decisions a trade show industry entrepreneur can face, particularly after investing years of passion, creativity, and hard work into building an event that deliver value to attendees, exhibitors, sponsors, and stakeholders.   Whether one is the founder of a trade show, conference series, or virtual events platform, the event sale process requires careful planning, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of the industry’s unique challenges to maximize value and ensure continued success under new ownership.  To assist… more
Sep 24, 2024
Creativity might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of convention centers, known for their cavernous, utilitarian spaces. But these meeting meccas have long promoted public artwork. In the last decade especially, convention center designs have aimed to be more than just functional and now strive to inspire and reflect cultural values. Their expansive lobbies, atriums, and outdoor plazas also make prime locations for large-scale works. Below, we highlight a few standout pieces and collections from convention centers around North America, from British Columbia to Miami.… more
Sep 23, 2024
IMTS, the International Manufacturing Technology Show returned Sept. 9-14 to McCormick Place for its biennial five-day conference and trade show that brought 1,700 exhibiting companies and 89,020 registrants to Chicago. Attendance was up from 86,307 registrants while exhibiting companies were down from 1,816 for its last show in 2022, according to IMTS data.  In its 97th year, the show—originally called the International Machine Tool Show until 1990—has been calling the iconic Chicago venue its home since 1972, when it only occupied the first floor of Windy City convention center, back when… more
Sep 23, 2024
Sponsored by Visit Tampa Bay   With cutting-edge upgrades to the Tampa Convention Center, modern hotels and award-winning dining, all steps from one another, Tampa Bay offers a dynamic, easy meeting experience. And it’s all amid a long-standing commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion that makes every guest feel welcome. The result is an unforgettable meeting with an easy, stress-free vibe. It’s something we like to call The Tampa Bay Effect, and it’s how we’ll make your meeting shine.   Plus, there’s so much to experience that guests will want to bring their families, extend their… more
Sep 20, 2024
Echo Media Group and Skyline Displays Orange County have partnered to create Echo Experiential, enhancing event services across industries, while Endeavor Business Media has acquired a portfolio of events, media, and digital offerings focused on residential construction. Check out our monthly roundup of new business deals.  Event Marketing and Exhibit Service Leaders Team Up to Launch Echo Experiential  Echo Media Group and Skyline Displays of Orange County have joined forces to form Echo Experiential, a new full-service event solution and exhibit service provider designed to be a one-stop… more
Sep 19, 2024
  Sponsored by VISIT DENVER   Maybe your next meeting just needs a few meeting areas. Maybe it needs a large, open room. Maybe it doesn’t need a room at all, but a space with open air and sunshine. Whatever you need, you’ll find it at the newly expanded Colorado Convention Center! Say hello to more than 130,000 square feet of new space to meet, greet, and network, now open and available for booking your next event.   It all starts with Colorado’s newest and largest ballroom, the Bluebird Ballroom. How do you describe it? Endless configurations, 19 different divisions, and column-free.… more
Sep 19, 2024
What do trade show organizers need to know about Atlantic City, NJ? We spent 48 hours at the Jersey Shore to discover some of the old and the new of what Atlantic City has to offer. Getting there: While there is an airport in Atlantic City, there are many more direct flight options into Philadelphia International Airport, which is about 65 miles away or a one-hour drive with light traffic. Where we stayed: Nobu Hotel Atlantic City, located in Caesars Atlantic City, opened in March 2024. The latest hotel addition to the Caesars Entertainment portfolio in Atlantic City, Nobu Hotel blends… more
Sep 18, 2024
Exclusively sponsored by Honeycomb Strategies Organizing a sustainable event doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Here are six practical, no-cost strategies to enhance sustainability at your next event.  1. Eliminate Floor Coverings  Floor coverings like carpet and vinyl flooring, often used to enhance aesthetics or protect permanent flooring, can be significant contributors to waste. Even reusable carpet is often only installed three times before it is disposed of. Eliminating some or all temporary flooring is a simple step toward reducing the event’s environmental footprint.… more
Partner Voices
  MGM Resorts is renowned for its exceptional service and diverse venue options across Las Vegas, Detroit, Springfield, National Harbor, Biloxi, and Atlantic City, providing flexible spaces for meetings of any size. Beyond these offerings, MGM Resorts distinguishes itself through a strong commitment to social responsibility and sustainability, making it an ideal choice for your next meeting.  At the core of MGM Resorts' company values is its platform, "Focused on What Matters," dedicated to meeting customer needs while advancing socially responsible practices. This commitment is evident in several key areas:  Protecting Natural Resources  MGM Resorts is home to industry-leading recycling, renewable electricity and water conservation programs. Some highlights include a cogeneration power plant at ARIA, producing ultra-efficient electricity; one of America’s largest contiguous rooftop solar arrays atop the convention center at Mandalay Bay; and onsite wells that provide water for the celebrated Fountains of Bellagio, avoiding reliance on precious Colorado River water. These efforts and many more save on natural resources while boosting attendee satisfaction.  Committed to Community  Always striving to be good neighbors, MGM Resorts works to avoid food waste and combat food insecurity with the Feeding Forward program. In partnership with local food banks, they safely divert unserved food to food insecure members of the community. Since 2016, over 5 million meals have been provided, highlighting MGM Resorts' commitment to minimizing food waste and addressing community needs.  MGM Resorts supports clients in their responsible-meetings efforts, not only with efficient venues but also waste-reducing décor and signage; sustainable food and beverage options; and outreach to help planners communicate sustainability efforts to attendees. What’s more, they offer a Mindful Meetings series that puts attendee wellness first—through fitness and mindfulness activities, and in give-back events with local charity organizations.   Fostering Diversity & 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 offers unparalleled service and venue options while standing out for its proactive approach to sustainability and community engagement. Choosing MGM Resorts for your next meeting means aligning with a company that values social responsibility, efficiency, and attendee satisfaction, ensuring a meaningful and impactful event experience.