News
Apr 18, 2019
Twenty-five event technology exhibitors will showcase their products and solutions at the new ConnecTECH Showcase, launching at Connect 2019 in Louisville, Ky. Set for Aug. 26-28 at Kentucky International Convention Center, the annual event for meeting and event planners will draw more than 1,500 hosted buyers from six business events segments including association, corporate, expo, specialty, sports and tour.
Located on the trade show floor, ConnecTECH Showcase will provide event technology companies with guaranteed opportunities for networking, building relationships and discussing how to… more
Apr 17, 2019
Toronto’s Vantage Venues and The Globe and Mail Centre played host to the 38th edition of IACC’s Americas Connect conference April 10-11, which brought in 230 delegates.
The theme of this year’s event was “Radical Innovation —Change Everything!” and as such, the education and networking opportunities took a new form. For example, organizers banned speakers from having PowerPoint slides with more than one word. In his address, Keynote Pablos Holman, a former computer hacker turned inventor, encouraged attendees to be disruptors of the events industry..
“We vowed to be different, and I… more
Apr 16, 2019
Full-service audiovisual provider ON Services has opened a new operation in Phoenix to meet the needs of its growing business. The new office will serve as ON Services’ newest Western hub, providing a full array of AV services to live events and venues in Arizona, Nevada and California.
“Our new Phoenix operation brings increased inventory and support to the Western U.S. and will allow us to better serve our growing client base and to reach new clients in support of their events across the country,” said Randy Fyfe, general manager of ON Services, a GES company.
He added, “We look forward… more
Apr 15, 2019
Back in April 1970, the first-ever Earth Day was started as a way to protest the negative impacts of industrial development on the environment. Now, nearly 50 years later, Earth Day is a globally recognized event, with an estimated 1 billion people in 192 countries taking part in the world’s largest civic-focused day of action. Monday, April 22 this year is the official day of celebration, but anyone in the events and travel industry can take inspiration from these programs and events to keep a more planet-focused mindset year round.
With that in mind, here’s a round-up of what hotels,… more
Apr 12, 2019
When websites and web tools are properly designed and coded, people with disabilities are able to use them. However, many sites and tools are developed with accessibility barriers that make them difficult or even impossible for individuals with special needs to use.
World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) asserts that the web is fundamentally designed to work for all people, whatever their hardware, software, language, location, or ability. Helping to champion the effort to make its tools more accessible, CadmiumCD has updated Abstract Scorecard, its abstracts, awards and papers submissions and… more
Apr 11, 2019
The National Pork Producers Council’s board of directors canceled World Pork Expo 2019 out of an abundance of caution, as African swine fever (ASF) continues to spread in China and other parts of Asia.
World Pork Expo, held each June at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines, hosts approximately 20,000 visitors during three days, including individuals and exhibitors from ASF-positive regions.
African swine fever affects only pigs and presents no human health or food safety risks. There is currently no vaccine to treat the swine disease.
“While an evaluation by veterinarians and other… more
Apr 10, 2019
Once viewed as a luxury, high-speed wireless connectivity without restrictions is now an expectation of business professionals, particularly at hotels, conference and convention centers. With telecommunications infrastructure now considered an expected utility, large convention facilities are under increasing pressure to keep up with the latest in technology infrastructure, wireless solutions and security upgrades.
As a result, venues across the country have partnered with telecom companies such as Smart City Networks, known as the largest provider of telecommunications and technology in… more
Apr 10, 2019
Javits Center has expanded and extended its Javits Juniors Scholarship Program, designed to support the higher education of local high school students while encouraging them to seek ways of improving their community through public service and innovative thinking.
Now in its second year, the program will award five $5,000 college scholarships to three students at Urban Assembly School of Design and Construction and two students at High School of Fashion Industries, both located on Manhattan’s West Side.
“These scholarships have a tremendous impact on the future of these students, and we are… more
Apr 10, 2019
If we’re being honest, trade show managers don’t always conduct daily business with their exhibitors in mind. A recent webinar held by The Expo Group brought to light some ideas for improving lines of communication between these two groups, and one aspiration of note was building a show website that better suits the exhibitors’ needs.
“Why don’t we get our software developers to think like an exhibitor?” That was a question posed by industry journalist Michael Hart, who led the webinar along with The Expo Group’s Dana Freker Doody.
“There are a few things [exhibitors] need to know, such as… more
Apr 09, 2019
Denver native Lindsay Arell always knew she wanted to pursue a career helping the environment. A longtime ski bum with a passion for nature, it was her work in event production after college that began to shape what would become the main focus of her career: making the trade show, meetings and events industry a less wasteful and more sustainable one.
This inspired path led Arell to become Colorado Convention Center’s first-ever sustainability coordinator, and eight years later, president of Honeycomb Strategies. In this role, she’s worked with some of the biggest names in sustainably minded… 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.