News
Oct 30, 2016
It’s not often that a round of golf inspires the launch of an international business, but that’s what happened to Jamshed “Jim” Khodayar in 1989.
Khodayar had been wanting to start his own business when he learned about the shipping industry from a golfing buddy. He opened Transit Air Cargo on Nov. 1, 1989, in Garden Grove, Calif.
While his experience was engineering, not logistics, he was an enthusiastic salesperson.
In those early days, there were only about five employees in a small office with a few pieces of furniture. Everyone had to chip in and wear multiple hats to get… more
Oct 30, 2016
During this year’s IMEX America, Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board (L.A. Tourism) launched Virtual Discovery L.A., a new virtual reality travel platform that provides meeting professionals with immersive 360-degree viewing experiences of more than 50 only-in-L.A. venues and locations across Los Angeles – the most comprehensive virtual tour of any destination in the world.
In partnership with XplorIt, one of the nation’s leading pioneers in virtual technology, L.A. Tourism’s exciting new platform takes meeting professionals throughout the city’s… more
Oct 29, 2016
Trade show industry veteran Ken McAvoy was named to a new position, executive vice president, Corporate Development of Global Exhibitions Division of Informa.
In that role, McAvoy will have responsibility for corporate development, operations and procurement, including venue/hotel selection and negotiations and other vendor management, with a particular focus on North America.
“Ken is a proven leader in our industry and his capabilities will further strengthen and broaden our senior management team as we accelerate growth in North America and globally,” said Charlie McCurdy, president… more
Oct 27, 2016
More than 100 show organizers and their guests, as well as a bevy of industry suppliers and association executives all are heading Oct. 28-30 to Atlantic City, N.J., to celebrate the fastest-growing shows in the U.S. at the 2016 TSNN Awards.
“We are thrilled to be able to celebrate the success of these amazing shows, as well as The Show Manager of the Year Awards and TSNN Industry Icon Honoree David Loechner who heads Emerald Expositions,” said TSNN President and Editor-in-Chief Rachel Wimberly.
She added, “Meet AC and their local partners, including the Sheraton Atlantic City Convention… more
Oct 26, 2016
Manufacturing has contributed $99.8 billion to Ohio's Gross Domestic Product and is the largest of the 20 sectors in the state's economy.
Building on this growth, UBM, which has a large portfolio of advanced manufacturing shows such as MD&M West and EastPack, will launch Advanced Design & Manufacturing (ADM) Cleveland March 29-30 at the Cleveland Convention Center.
"Our goal is to give our attendees the best opportunity possible to be exposed to the latest technology within their industry, learn from one another, develop new ideas, and connect… more
Oct 26, 2016
Las Vegas is geared up to welcome thousands of trade show attendees for Fall 2016, with meetings and conventions expected to bring in more than $300 million in direct visitor spending.
“Las Vegas has been the No. 1 trade show destination in North America for 22 consecutive years. We host nearly 22,000 meetings and conventions annually, proving that Las Vegas is a versatile destination for serious business,” said Rossi Ralenkotter, president/CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.
He added, “The fall conventions maintain Las Vegas’ place on the forefront of business and product… more
Oct 25, 2016
Aimed at filling a void and helping smaller, more entrepreneurial organizers, trade show industry veteran Britton Jones, who recently sold not only Business Journals Inc, but also LeftField Media, is back in the business again with the launch of a new event production and digital content company – NXT Events Media Group.
“I have never been more excited about a career opportunity,” Britton Jones said. “I look forward to helping to fill a real void in the industry. Up until the launch of NXT Events Media Group, owners of smaller show production companies have primarily had only the industry’s… more
Oct 25, 2016
The International Association of Venue Managers has named Ronald Melton as the organization’s new COO/CFO.
“We are thrilled to have Ron leading vital teams inside our organization.” said Brad Mayne, CFE, IAVM President and CEO.
He added, “Ron’s background in our industry, coupled with his operational expertise, gives our members a strong proponent in professional growth and greater success as an association. I personally look forward to working with Ron as we look for new ways to bring more value to our members.”
Melton will be joining the staff mid-November and oversee all operational and… more
Oct 25, 2016
In a room last week at IMEX America in Las Vegas, 135 people gathered to learn about the official launch of the Exhibitions and Meetings Safety and Security Initiative (EMSSI), which was founded to address safety and security concerns at venues around the United States.
“Everywhere we go in (the trade show and meetings industry), safety and security keeps us up at night,” said International Association of Exhibitions and Events President and CEO David DuBois.
The initiative is a joint effort between IAEE, International Association of Venue Managers, and the Exhibition Services &… more
Oct 24, 2016
October is set to be the busiest MICE month at Marina Bay Sands as the integrated resort welcomes 17 major tradeshows and key conferences.
It is the highest number of tradeshows and conferences to be held at Marina Bay Sands in a single month since its opening in 2010.
More than half of these events at Sands Expo and Convention Centre are repeat shows and they include notable names such as ITB Asia, Singapore International Energy Week and Franchising & Licensing Asia.
The biggest airline passenger experience trade show in Asia, comprising Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX)… 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.