News

May 22, 2018
Audio-visual and event services company, Staging Connections, has launched Cumulus, its latest mobile event app that allows clients to create a tailored solution with a range of features to streamline their management process and maximize event ROI. With Cumulus, event organizers can manage their own event-specific content via a user-friendly interface so that they can make changes instantly, while event attendees have easy access to important event information from their smartphone or tablet. Event information accessible on Cumulus includes venue details, floor plans, maps, event program,… more
May 22, 2018
The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) recently concluded its largest NPE2018: The Plastics Show, known as the top plastics industry event in North America.  The triennial trade show and conference, which took place May 7-11 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, attracted approximately 65,000 attendees and more than 2,180 exhibiting companies covering more than 1.2 million square feet of exhibit space.  In addition, more than 11,000 international attendees from 110 countries participated in the event.  At its 2015 edition, held March 23-27 at the OCCC, NPE boasted 65,810… more
May 21, 2018
Drumroll please …. After a RECORD year of nominations, TSNN proudly unveils the top seven show finalists competing for the TWO “Best of Show” Awards being announced at TSNN Awards Aug. 10-12 in Louisville (www.T-awards.com). The two winners will be determined on social media and industry voting!  So, get out there and vote for your top choice today! (Voting closes June 16.)  Waste Expo – Why a finalist? Because they "wowed" in multiple ways and didn’t waste any time jumping in on their 1960's theme. They got groovy and celebrated 50 years (rockin’ it since 1968) carrying their fun theme… more
May 18, 2018
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) has chosen The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies (PMMI) as this year’s recipient of the 2018 IAEE International Excellence Award. The award recognizes an individual or organization that has made exceptional strides in creating, launching and managing an event in the exhibitions and events industry on an international scale. PMMI was honored at the IMEX Gala Dinner & Award, which took place at IMEX Frankfurt, held May 15-17 at Messe Frankfurt Germany. Krista DeBrosse, PMMI’s international trade show… more
May 17, 2018
Meet Betty. She fields attendee questions, answers them with accuracy, oh, and she works all day, every day, even holidays. What kind of superhuman is this? She’s not a person at all – Betty is a chatbot, which uses artificial intelligence to simulate human conversation. Event organizers are adopting the cutting-edge technology known as artificial intelligence (AI) Chat to streamline customer service while improving attendees’ event experiences. Whether it’s Betty, Alexa, TIFFBot or Piobot, chatbots are increasing in numbers in the event industry. “Chatbots are a new way of communicating… more
May 15, 2018
International Market Centers and AmericasMart, two operators in the furniture, gift, home decor, rug and apparel B2B industries, have entered into an agreement to form the world’s largest owner and operator of premier showroom space. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The combined corporate entity, which will operate under the name “International Market Centers,” will own and operate nearly 20 million square feet of permanent showroom space in Las Vegas, High Point, and Atlanta. The individual Markets and their respective venues will continue to operate under existing… more
May 15, 2018
In the wake of movements such as #MeToo and #TimesUp, every industry must act to end sexual harassment and create positive, lasting change. The exhibitions and meetings industries are no exception. A new coalition recently was formed to eradicate sexual harassment in the events industry and workplace; a task force that will identify tools and develop new resources to assist in educating individuals and the events industry about sexual harassment.  Comprising leaders and executives from organizations including the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE); Association for Women in… more
May 15, 2018
Food&HotelAsia (FHA) and ProWine Asia (Singapore) concluded last month, attracting an impressive 81,896 attendees and over 7,200 trade visitors. Organised by UBM, FHA 2018 featured 3,500 exhibitors from 76 countries and regions, with 71 international group pavilions, including first time exhibitors from Latvia, Tunisia and Qatar. The 81,896 attendees came from more than 105 countries and regions, representing an increase of 14% compared with the last edition held in 2016. The second edition of ProWine Asia (Singapore) was jointly organised by Messe Düsseldorf Asia and UBM, and was held… more
May 15, 2018
The Shenyang New World EXPO is now in its second year of operations. The venue held four back-to-back exhibitions at the beginning of its second year, with an average rental space of 21,116 m2. The four exhibitions featured a total of over 10,400 exhibiting companies, attracting just over 13,000 visitors per event day. The four exhibitions were: 1) 20th China Northeast International Dental Equipment & Affiliated Facilities Exhibition Symposium on Oral Health, organised by Liaoning Northern Industrial and Commercial Exhibition Service  Company; 2) 2018 Northeast China AD Exhibition &… more
May 15, 2018
The week, Hong Kong International Medical Devices and Supplies Fair (Medical Fair) concluded at Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). The exhibition attracted over 11,500 buyers from 70 countries and regions. That represents a 6.7% increase over last year. Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and co-organised by the Hong Kong Medical and Healthcare Device Industries Association (HKMHDIA), the Medical Fair ran from 7th to 9th May and featured a record of 280 exhibitors from 13 countries and regions.  The fair is designed to provide a one-stop business… 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.