News
Apr 15, 2016
Fifty years ago, about 2,000 attendees and 80 exhibitors gathered under the grandstands at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles for the first Speed Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA) trade show.
The exhibits that year consisted mainly of racing equipment and products that enhanced the performance and safety of high-performance competition automobiles. The show was managed by automotive publisher Petersen Publishing and a 10’x10’ exhibit space cost $200.
The next year, the show moved to the Anaheim Convention Center, before relocating to Las Vegas in 1977. Now known as the Specialty… more
Apr 15, 2016
Las Vegas top meetings and convention experts came together April 14 to celebrate the first Global Meetings Industry Day (GMID) at the newly opened T-Mobile Arena.
The event marked the expansion of North American Meetings Industry Day, held earlier this year and was spearheaded by the Meetings Mean Business Coalition and Convention Industry Council.
It had special significance to Las Vegas, where meetings, conventions and tradeshows bring over $9.3 billion in economic impact and support more than 66,000 jobs. It’s also home to the largest 54 tradeshows in North America, as ranked by the 2015… more
Apr 14, 2016
Hannover Fairs USA, a subsidiary of Germany-Based Deutsche Messe AG, will launch the North American Commercial Vehicle Show Sept. 25-29, 2017, in Atlanta.
The 300,000 square feet of planned exhibit space will allow suppliers, commercial vehicle OEMs and the supply chain to meet with and address the needs of the North American commercial vehicle industry audience, according to show organizers.
“The new North American Commercial Vehicle Show is a perfect fit with Deutsche Messe’s commercial vehicle events portfolio,” said HFUSA President and CEO of Larry Turner.
He added, “HFUSA and Newcom are… more
Apr 13, 2016
Two months after Marketplace Events was acquired by Sentinel Capital Partners, the show organizer scooped up Calgary Homexpo from the nonprofit CHBA-UDI Calgary Region.
The company also announced the launch of six new shows in the 2016-17 show season, including shows at the new U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minn., and Music City Center in Nashville, Tenn.
"It’s a very exciting time for Marketplace Events," said Tom Baugh, Marketplace Events' CEO. "We are well positioned for growth, and under Sentinel’s ownership, we are able to be more aggressive in acquiring and… more
Apr 12, 2016
The Biotechnology Innovation Organization’s BIO International Convention and Living in Digital Times’ Digital Health Summer Summit plan to collocate to bring together the biotech, pharma and digital health industries under one roof.
Both conferences will be held June 6-9 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco.
“Teaming up with BIO will give Digital Health Summer Summit attendees unprecedented access to decision-makers at biotech and pharmaceutical companies who attend the BIO International Convention,” said Jill Gilbert of Living in Digital Times, producer of the DHSS.
She added, “Our… more
Apr 12, 2016
Chicago’s newest neighborhood, McCormick Square, has been unveiled by the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority.
In her remarks at a luncheon held to present the new destination, MPEA CEO Lori Healey, detailed the current developments underway at McCormick Square.
“The addition of the Event Center and the Marriott Marquis Chicago, coupled with the Hyatt Regency, McCormick Place, and the exciting tourist attractions planned nearby, McCormick Square is becoming a destination rather than just a building,” Healey said.
These enhancements continue to build upon the current offerings on campus… more
Apr 10, 2016
Successful branding differentiates a company from the competition, builds customer loyalty, and generates revenue.
Meeting and event professionals are also recognizing the importance of branding as a tool to achieve these goals.
This webinar will focus on the benefits of developing a strong event brand as well as strategies and tips on how you can re-ignite your own event’s brand for improved performance and results! Association marketing executives will present case study examples of event branding strategies.
Please join us Thursday, April 14 at 1 p.m. ET – Complimentary registration HERE.… more
Apr 10, 2016
More than 260 for-profit show organizer CEOs, trade show industry suppliers, association leaders and guests gathered for the Society of Independent Show Organizers’ CEO Summit, held April 3-5 at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar in San Diego, to not only take in high-level educational sessions, but also do plenty of networking.
David Audrain, who stepped into the role of SISO executive director earlier this year, said there were two main goals that the organization had for attendees coming to the event.
“Our first goal always for the SISO CEO Summit is to provide an event where the … more
Apr 10, 2016
At a recent workshop for our clients, we asked attendees what impact mobile devices have had on their exhibits sales processes.
In response, many of them mentioned how having an online contract for their events, specifically one that is responsive to multiple device platforms, has helped sales executives to process transactions anytime and anywhere.
Some show organizers have roaming teams that walk the show floor on the last day of the event, to visit exhibitors that missed their booth selection appointment. With the contract already pre-populated in the system, all that an exhibitor needs to… more
Apr 10, 2016
At a recent workshop for our clients, we asked attendees what impact mobile devices have had on their exhibits sales processes.
In response, many of them mentioned how having an online contract for their events, specifically one that is responsive to multiple device platforms, has helped sales executives to process transactions anytime and anywhere.
Some show organizers have roaming teams that walk the show floor on the last day of the event, to visit exhibitors that missed their booth selection appointment. With the contract already pre-populated in the system, all that an exhibitor needs to… 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.