News

Jul 24, 2017
A few years after Providence Equity Partners bought U.K.-based Clarion Events, the trade show company has changed hands again to another private equity firm – Blackstone. “We are delighted to invest in Clarion and back Chairman Simon Kimble and CEO Russell Wilcox in the company’s next chapter,” said Lionel Assant, head of European Private Equity at Blackstone. He added, “Clarion’s leading position in its markets combined with its strong management team will enable the company to continue growing both organically and through M&A. Blackstone has a significant track record of investing in… more
Jul 24, 2017
  There has been a lot of discussion in the IT world of trade shows relating the ability for all partners involved in the success of a show demonstrating the ability to share data and intelligence through an API (Application Programming Interface). Lacking this expertise – on both sides – eliminates you from the discussion of being a leading player in the exhibition marketplace. Join us and Terence Donnelly of Experient on this Wednesday’s #Expochat July 26th, 1pm ET where we’ll answer the following questions: ·        What is an API? Not… more
Jul 21, 2017
International Conference Development (lCDevents) is gearing up to launch Pet Connections Expo, a new pet industry trade show set for Oct. 3-4 at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, Penn. Designed to be an affordable alternative for independent retailers, vendors and other pet professionals, the event intends to provide a more intimate and relaxed community environment where pet retailers can network, share experiences and learn how to compete with the online and large brick and mortar stores in order to succeed in their businesses, according to Bill Doherty, PetCon Expo show… more
Jul 20, 2017
Smart City Networks has completed a new distributed antenna system (DAS) designed to exponentially expand the cellular service coverage and capacity at the San Diego Convention Center. “This new system is going to make a noticeable difference for everyone who attends an event or convention at the San Diego Convention Center,” said Julia Slocombe, vice president of western region operations for Smart City Networks, a telecommunications provider for the convention industry. She continued, “This was a massive upgrade, but it reiterates our commitment to deliver exceptional… more
Jul 19, 2017
The Meetings Mean Business Coalition has re-launched Worth Meeting About, an industry campaign designed to showcase the importance of face-to-face meetings for business and society. With an expanded lens that uses major world events, case studies and personal testimonials to highlight the industry’s role in driving progress and innovation, the coalition’s refreshed campaign will harness digital tactics and storytelling to emphasize the message that, “when it’s important, it’s Worth Meeting About.” “Worth Meeting About brings to life the value behind meetings and the progress… more
Jul 18, 2017
The Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) has chosen Pittsburgh and San Francisco to host its 2019 and 2020 Convening Leaders, respectively. The event is the association’s annual education conference that attracts more than 4,200 event professionals. “Convening Leaders is the premier industry event for leading business event professionals,” said Deborah Sexton, president and CEO of PCMA. She continued, “Our participants and partners attend this event every January to network with their colleagues from around the globe and seek out innovation for their upcoming programs. Both… more
Jul 18, 2017
American Society of Association Executives will honor six associations with the 2017 Summit Award, which is the highest recognition under The Power of A Awards. The six organizations will accept their awards on October 4 during the 18th Annual Power of A — Summit Awards Dinner at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C.  The winners were selected by the Power of A Awards Judging Committee, and the committee received 149 entries. The awards are part of The Power of A  campaign, which ASAE launched in 2009 to increase awareness about issues that… more
Jul 18, 2017
Paris-based Comexposium has acquired MFV, which includes franchise trade shows and conferences in the United States (International Franchise Expo in New York, Franchise Expo West in Los Angeles, Franchise Expo South in Dallas); Franquicias Feria International, the leading annual event in Mexico; and The Franchise Show in London. A portfolio of developmental events in Latin America and Europe also are part of the acquisition. “We are delighted to welcome the Franchise events to Comexposium’s growing North & Latin American footprint,” said Steve Corrick, CEO of Comexposium Americas He added… more
Jul 17, 2017
Predictive Marketing involves using sophisticated algorithms and cloud-based computing to make smarter marketing decisions and deliver personalized content to users based on their browsing history, goal-based actions and demographic data. According to eMarketer’s “Predictive Marketing Roundup,” nearly 70 percent of U.S. marketers said predictive was the primary technology they planned to use in 2017. In addition, roughly half of marketing and media executives surveyed in North America said they believe predictive analytics and modeling to be one of the most helpful… more
Jul 17, 2017
Freeman has become a key investor data-driven event personalization company Feathr’s most recent round of funding. Feathr’s proprietary technology allows organizers and marketers to leverage their data by combining sources like registration, CRM, social followers and website analytics to launch effective multi-channel campaigns across email, landing pages, online advertising, social media and chatbots. “The Freeman Digital Ventures group is pleased to be an investor in Feathr as we believe Feathr’s offering can be beneficial to our clients allowing further personalization for events and brand… 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.