News
Oct 08, 2017
The phrase “Experience Design” gets tossed out repeatedly, but do we truly understand how this concept plays out in the trade show and conference arena?
This dynamic has been embraced by the consumer markets, starting in 1999 with Joseph Pine and James Gilmore’s best-selling book called “The Experience Economy: Work is Theatre & Every Business a Stage.”
What impact has this or could this have on the B2B trade show and events industry? We’re going to tackle this question with industry experts on our next #ExpoChat, Weds. Oct. 11at 1 p.m. E.T. on Twitter.
Join Experient’s Terence… more
Oct 06, 2017
IMEX is replacing its original event organizing platform with EventReference, a cloud-based event management system developed by U.K.-based RefTech.
EventReference will be used to manage all of IMEX’s online interaction with show attendees, including all registrations, hosted buyer travel, buyer and exhibitor appointment schedules and the exhibitor booth directory.
Going forward, every person attending IMEX in any capacity will be using EventReference to register, manage and plan their visit.
“IMEX has grown and we have evolved our processes and listened and adapted to the growing and… more
Oct 05, 2017
The Art Basel art show plans to remain at the Miami Beach Convention Center for the long-term, as evidenced by a five-year agreement the show will sign with The City of Miami Beach on Oct. 5 at Miami Beach City Hall.
This year’s event, set for Dec. 7-10, will mark the 16th edition of the modern and contemporary art show that draws visitors from across the U.S. and the globe to Miami Beach.
Last year, the fair attracted 77,000 attendees and 269 international galleries spanning 29 countries across North and South America, Europe, Asia and Africa.
“This agreement is comparable to locking in… more
Oct 04, 2017
A strong roster of expert speakers leading sessions is critical in an event’s appeal to attendees. In addition to events promoting their speaker lineup, speakers promoting the events they participate in can help push attendance growth.
While not all show organizers are utilizing this grassroots effort, many have found it to be a critical tool and likewise, many speakers are eager to contribute to an event’s success.
“Because of the ease of use in posting to social media and even creating videos (after all, how hard is it to stick your face in front of your computer’s webcam, hit ‘record’… more
Oct 03, 2017
MGM Resorts International will provide donations through the MGM Resorts Foundation in the amount of $3 million to fund humanitarian assistance to victims of the Las Vegas shooting, along with organizations who provide support to those who are first on the scene to assist in traumatic events.
"There are simply no words to express our grief and outrage over this senseless and horrific attack on our community," said Jim Murren, chairman and CEO of MGM Resorts. "Yet in this devastating time, we are inspired. From the heroic stories of victims on the ground who placed the safety of strangers and… more
Oct 03, 2017
For event planners and marketers, analytical reports can be gold mines for driving registrations, adoption of tools and calculating ROI. However, the true potential of analytics remains underutilized in testing the effectiveness of marketing efforts, testing new audience segments and creating impactful cross-promotional efforts. This is mostly because there are a plethora of options and features available, as well as disconnected channels that add significant complexity to the analytical process and make accurate attribution extremely difficult.
If you have been struggling with putting your… more
Oct 03, 2017
Last week, the Anaheim Convention Center unveiled its biggest and most significant expansion in nearly two decades: ACC North, boasting 200,000 square feet of flexible, two-level meeting and event space.
The addition of the new building officially marks the ACC’s induction into the “1 million-square-foot-club,” increasing its ranking to the 11th largest convention facility in the U.S. and preserving its standing as the largest on the West Coast.
“This is a transformative event for the Anaheim Convention Center,” said Tom Morton, executive director of Anaheim’s Convention Sports &… more
Oct 02, 2017
In the wake of the mass shooting last night on the site of the Route 91 Harvest country music festival outside the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, several shows scheduled in Las Vegas in the coming week have released statements.
Global Gaming Expo (G2E), which is set to open Oct. 3-5 at the Sands Expo & Convention Center, attracts more than 450 exhibitors and 26,000 attendees.
American Gaming Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman released the following statement:
"The American Gaming Association and our Global Gaming Expo (G2E) partner, Reed Exhibitions, are closely… more
Oct 02, 2017
The 20 in their Twenties program, supported by the Professional Convention Management Association Education Foundation and Visit Seattle, is designed to engage the best and brightest young professionals in the business event industry. By recognizing emerging leaders, and their talents, PCMA helps to support a new generation of business event strategists around the world.
“The 20 in their Twenties program is a great way to recognize and engage rising stars in the industry,” said Rob Hampton, senior vice president of Convention Sales and Services for Visit Seattle.
He added, “It gives young… more
Sep 29, 2017
Smart City Networks, a provider of technology and telecommunications services for the convention industry, has embarked upon a process to convert phone lines at 39 convention centers and venues to SIP trunking in the next year.
The upgrade is expected to improve reliability, performance and cost at these facilities, according to Smart City officials.
While not the in-demand technology in the current industry landscape, phone service in public assembly areas can play a key role in emergency response situations, as demonstrated in Houston with Hurricane Harvey, Florida with Hurricane Irma 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.