News
Jun 11, 2020
The future of fashion B2B trade shows is hybrid, according to Informa Markets, which has joined forces with B2B e-commerce platform NuORDER to launch the fashion industry’s largest digital trade event. Making its debut alongside Informa Fashion Portfolio’s physical trade shows – MAGIC, COTERIE, PROJECT and MICAM AMERICAS – in Las Vegas and New York City, the new e-commerce experience will virtually connect retailers with brands that are unable to attend the events in person.
Originally scheduled for Aug. 17-19, MAGIC, PROJECT Las Vegas and MICAM Americas will take place Sept. 30-Oct. 2 at… more
Jun 10, 2020
With major cities starting to reopen and some face-to-face events preparing to get back to business, we’re all seeking guidance on how to slowly and safely resume business as usual. Three leading event industry organizations have released complementary health and safety guidelines to assist show organizers, general service contractors and venue operators in safely planning and producing exhibitions during and following a global health crisis. Take note of these resources:
IAEE
On June 5, IAEE released “Essential Considerations for Safely Reopening Exhibitions and Events, Version One.”
“… more
Jun 09, 2020
As the trade show industry continues to be held in limbo in states that lack clarity around if and when shows could reopen, one of the biggest shows in the U.S. – IMTS 2020 (International Manufacturing Technology Show) – was forced to cancel its September show at McCormick Place.
In Illinois, trade shows were slated to open in the state’s final phase, which would require the availability of a vaccine for the COVID-19 virus or a highly effective treatment protocol.
“The show has been held uninterrupted for more than 80 years, but now the global coronavirus health crisis requires the… more
Jun 09, 2020
ASAE has scheduled a virtual American Associations Week 2020 for June 15-18 to build support for much-needed legislative assistance for America’s trade and professional associations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
American Associations Week will engage the association community in a collective response designed to educate legislators and Capitol Hill staff about the plight of America’s 501(c)(6) associations, the myriad ways they are assisting struggling industries and professions during the pandemic, and the urgent need for Congress to include them in the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) in… more
Jun 08, 2020
Growth of the exhibition industry plunged more than 15 percent during the first quarter of 2020 during which 72.6 percent of events originally scheduled for the second half of March were canceled, according to the Center for Exhibition Industry Research.
The remaining 27.4 percent of the events were postponed and some of those events may eventually be canceled as well.
The massive negative growth was tracked by the CEIR Total Index, a measure of exhibition industry performance, which also reported a modest 0.3 percent year-over-year gain of inflation-adjusted GDP.
The GDP results had… more
Jun 08, 2020
The unjust killing of Black American George Floyd in Minneapolis on May 25 by a police officer has sparked nationwide protests over civil injustice. Amid a time when the events industry was already struggling with great change, due to forced event cancellations and reorganization of many companies during the COVID-19 pandemic, organizations are now also questioning their own approach to diversity. Few are more qualified to speak to this important topic than Jason Dunn, chairman of the National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals and an industry diversity leader as group vice president of… more
Jun 05, 2020
Even a pandemic couldn’t stop the exhibitions and events industry from gathering to observe the seventh annual Exhibitions Day, held virtually for the first time on June 3. Instead of a 100-person delegation of event colleagues traveling to Washington, D.C. to meet with legislators and policy influencers, the online day of action drew in more than 1,600 participants.
Produced by IAEE and the Exhibitions Mean Business campaign, the one-day event is designed to mobilize industry professionals to raise awareness with elected officials of the $101 billion industry’s impact on local, national and… more
Jun 04, 2020
As the country slowly opens back up for business, plans for safely restarting events are shaping up. Yesterday, June 3, Orange County Convention Center in Orlando presented its Recovery and Resiliency Plan to the Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force, focusing on its three-pronged strategy to safeguard clients, attendees and employees at events.
Developed in accordance with policy recommendations from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, Orange County Government, and state and federal mandates, the OCCC’s Recovery and Resiliency Plan relies on the best available data, science… more
Jun 03, 2020
Connect, the Atlanta-based producer of live events for meeting planners and the travel and tourism industry, has stepped out as a leader in creating contingency plans to meet the industry’s needs as it recovers from the COVID-19 crisis. The company’s latest announcements include robust health and safety protocols as the launch of a new digital platform — Connect Express — for suppliers unable to attend Connect Marketplace 2020, which is set for Aug. 17-19 at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans.
Due to travel restrictions, budget concerns and other challenges facing many event… more
Jun 03, 2020
Global DMC Partners, the largest global network of independent destination management companies, has released the results of its most recent Meetings & Events Pulse Survey, which sheds light on the widespread impact the COVID-19 global pandemic has had on the MICE industry.
Conducted April 27-May 4, the survey polled 374 respondents from the meetings and events industry, of which 93 percent were event planners versus vendors or suppliers. Participants included third-party planners (30 percent; independent meeting planners (16 percent); associations (13 percent); and planners in the… 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.