News

May 31, 2018
The Center for Exhibition Industry Research reports that the recent growth of the exhibition industry continued during the first quarter of 2018. The performance of the industry, as measured by the CEIR Total Index, posted a decent year-over-year gain of 1.8 percent, even though it underperformed the overall macroeconomy. "The increase in the first quarter supports our prediction that the exhibition industry will finally enter into an expansion phase in 2018 with the Total Index surpassing its previous peak," said CEIR Economist Allen Shaw, Ph.D., Chief Economist for Global Economic… more
May 30, 2018
Destinations International Foundation Chair Stephanie Pace Brown and President and CEO of Explore Asheville and Destinations International President and CEO Don Welsh unveiled the 2018 30 Under 30 class, which will convene for the first time at the association’s 2018 Annual Convention in Anaheim July 10-13. The 30 individuals, 30 years of age and under, will have the opportunity to engage in professional development opportunities throughout 2018 and beyond. “The 30 Under 30 program recognizes the up and coming talent of destination organizations nationwide,” Brown said. “The Foundation… more
May 30, 2018
Shepard Launched eventVOICE, a voice-driven assistant designed specifically for events to enhance attendee experience, improve exhibitor engagement and help organizers work smarter. This tool is a template-based operating platform that boasts ease of set-up, personalized notifications, and a responsive artificial intelligence database - giving a broader range of event organizers the ability to respond to the demand for voice-first search customer experience.  “The launch of this service aligns with our strategic imperatives to provide clients with innovative solutions which support the… more
May 30, 2018
Mohegan Sun, based in Uncasville, Conn., opened the Earth Expo & Convention Center today, the property’s $80 million dollar expansion, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The new center already is making a name for itself as it makes Mohegan Sun home to one of the largest and most attractive exposition sites in the Northeast, with more than 275,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space. “We are honored to have you all with us and are excited to be here today to celebrate the grand opening of the new Earth Expo & Convention Center,” said Mohegan Tribal Chairman, Kevin Brown “… more
May 30, 2018
The Ascent CEO Promise to create more inclusive workplaces and events will have 100 signatures by the end of May, PCMA President and CEO Sherrif Karamat said today. More than 50 senior executives have made the commitment since the pledge was unveiled last week at IMEX in Frankfurt by PCMA (Professional Convention Management Association). Ascent is an initiative by PCMA-Convene to promote inclusion and diversity across the business events industry.  “The momentum tells us that industry leaders understand that there is work to do, and that they’re ready to do it,’’ Karamat said. “Greater… more
May 25, 2018
International virtual marketing and communications incubator, Event Tech Lab, is continuing to do its part to mentor and develop the next generation of event technology companies by growing its start-up partnerships.  “There is a global remit to work with start-ups worldwide that specialize in production and logistics technology, marketing and management technology and attendee engagement technology – three areas that cover almost all event technology types,” explained James Morgan, who founded UK-based Event Tech Lab in January of 2015 as a partnership community for event tech providers and… more
May 24, 2018
E.J. Krause and Associates and Tarsus have purchased a 60-percent interest of Expo Restaurantes, the leading restaurant show in Mexico. “I am excited by this new acquisition in Mexico given that E.J. Krause and Tarsus have a long and successful history of working together in this market. Expo Restaurantes and Pescamar are perfect vehicles for us to enter this growing market in Mexico,” said Ned Krause, president and CEO of E.J. Krause and Associates. Established 18 years ago Expo Restaurantes is the leading restaurant supplier show in Mexico. The next edition will be held on 27-29 June… more
May 24, 2018
BNP Media’s Architecture, Engineering and Construction Publishing Group is gearing up to launch AEC BuildTech Conference & Expo, an interactive conference and exhibition designed for architects, engineers and contractors to learn and leverage new building processes, materials and emerging construction technologies.  Set for April 30-May 2 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL, AEC BuildTech will include an expo floor featuring exhibitors showcasing the products and services needed for the latest trends in building, as well as expert speakers and in-depth,… more
May 23, 2018
E.J. Krause & Associates (EJK) is expanding its 2018 event portfolio with the debut of its Electric Bike Events series, created to cover the recreational electric bicycle sector.  This year, the new series will launch eMTB Experience, a four-city electric mountain bikes (eMTB) tour developed as a collocate with Bonnier Corp., producers of the EnduroCross series, and will include events in Prescott AZ, Reno, Denver and Boise, ID running August through November, respectively.  “This partnership will allow for a unique expansion of the Eudurocross program by engaging consumers through… more
May 22, 2018
JD Events will be launching Plant Based World Conference & Expo, set to take place June 7-8, 2019 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City. PBW intends to catalyze a healthier world by establishing a home for the rapidly evolving community of human beings making the shift towards a more plant-based lifestyle, according to show organizers. The event will feature an exhibit floor ripe with innovative plant-based foods, beverages, products, services and brands, as well as an educational conference with separate tracks for healthcare professionals, businesses and… 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.