News
May 06, 2020
The show known as ICUEE, the industry-leading event for utility professionals and construction contractors, will have a new name and look in 2021. Now dubbed The Utility Expo, the biennial trade show known for its equipment test drives and interactive product demonstrations will take place in Louisville, Kentucky, next year from Sept. 28-30.
According to officials with the Association of Equipment Managers (who own and produce the show), this all-inclusive name better reflects The Utility Expo experience: an event that introduces professionals from all utility sectors to the new equipment,… more
May 05, 2020
While this year’s IMEX flagship Frankfurt event was canceled back in March, members of the IMEX community will still have opportunities to come together virtually over the next several months. The virtual PlanetIMEX platform aims to keep the spirit of IMEX alive by allowing visitors to explore content, reconnect, talk about future business and continue learning in the company of friends and colleagues.
Designed in collaboration with Cvent, PlanetIMEX will feature three 3-D, interactive “islands” as destinations within the platform. Each island will have its own theme (community, education… more
May 04, 2020
As much as we’re all hungering for good news right now, the staggering numbers reporting the severity of the COVID-19 crisis for the hotel industry can’t be spun in a positive light.
New data from the American Hotel & Lodging Association shows that 70 percent of hotel employees have been laid off or furloughed, as eight in 10 hotel rooms across the country remain empty. This puts the impact of COVID-19 on the travel industry at nine times worse than 9/11, with forecasted occupancy rates for this year hitting record lows worse than rates from 1993 during the Great Depression.
“The human… more
May 04, 2020
Taking a big step to chart a course forward, the U.S. travel industry submitted to the White House and governors a document containing detailed guidance for travel-related businesses to help keep their customers and employees safe as the country emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Entitled "Travel in the New Normal," the document describes vigorous measures the travel industry will follow to reduce the risk of COVID-19 and help to communicate across each and every step of a traveler's journey.
The goal: to allow travel to safely resume as states and municipalities relax physical distancing… more
May 01, 2020
Announcements of new hires and promotions are coming back slowly but surely in the events industry. Here’s a roundup of the latest People moves since mid-April.
Jerad Bachar was hired as new CEO for VisitPITTSBURGH, following a nationwide search for new leadership that began in January. Bachar had been serving as interim CEO, and Bryan Iams, chairman of the CVB’s board of directors, said that though their search produced some extremely qualified candidates, “[Bachar’s] exceptional leadership during these unprecedented times really made him stand out.” Bachar has more than three decades of… more
Apr 30, 2020
Depending on what U.S. state we live in, many of us are still sitting out the pandemic in the safety of our homes. While this is an unnatural predicament for our social species, it’s nice to know that we’re not alone in all this uncertainty.
We talked to five trade show industry leaders to see how they’re coping with the “new normal,” including Leonard Hoops, CEO of Visit Indy; Megan Tanel, senior vice president, construction sector for AEM; Aaron Bludworth, president and CEO of Fern Exposition & Event Services; Cathy Breden, executive vice president and COO of IAEE and CEO of the CEIR… more
Apr 30, 2020
Conference management service and software provider eventPower has launched new services and tools to help planners with live, virtual and hybrid events. Clients can choose from fully managed solutions (working with eventPower’s meeting planners) or software as a service tools.
“We wanted to improve the efficiency of the existing sales process and create a software that ultimately seeks to increase revenue for our existing and future clients,” said Laurie Powell, eventPower’s vice president of business development, regarding the new exhibit selection and management tool.
Frank Powell,… more
Apr 29, 2020
During its April 22 webinar, “Navigating the COVID-19 Crisis Landscape,” the Center for Exhibition Industry Research provided a sobering yet hopeful glimpse into what the trade show industry’s recovery could look like post-COVID-19. CEIR officials shared industry insights from the results of a recent industry poll, while Allen Shaw, Ph.D., chief economist with Global Economic Consulting Associates, provided an update about the industry’s anticipated recovery from the pandemic.
“COVID-19 has had a profound impact on the U.S. business-to-business exhibition industry,” said Cathy Breden, CEO… more
Apr 28, 2020
Obviously, times are tough for the events industry right now. It’s something we’re all experiencing, feeling and grappling with as we wake up each morning. So many article direct us all to keep the faith or put on a happy face, but there are some days when we just don’t feel capable of doing that — and that’s OK. One thing you can focus on during this time, however, is working on your own leadership qualities that will help you and your teams emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic stronger than before. Angela Raub, CEO of Leadercast, shares her insights on not only surviving this crisis, but also… more
Apr 27, 2020
Exposition Development Company (ExpoDevCo) has acquired a 50 percent ownership in the New England Food Show, forming a partnership with the Massachusetts Restaurant Association.
“Along with the MRA Board of Directors, I could not be more pleased to enter into this partnership with ExpoDevCo in managing the New England Food Show,” said Bob Luz, MRA president and CEO. “ExpoDevCo brings a wealth of large national and regional trade show experience to the table with a strong niche in the foodservice segment. We look forward to continuing the future growth of the New England Food Show along with… 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.