News
Dec 21, 2014
A good trade show organizer can probably rattle off the top of their head 10 to 20 influencers in the industry they serve. These are often people who serve as keynote speakers, contribute content and are well connected.
But every industry has more than just 10 or 20 influencers. What about the people you don’t yet know, but are the most connected to your desired audience? People who others rely on for the most relevant news.
How do you go about finding these people?
A company out of Portland, Ore., Little Bird is helping organizations find and connect with the right people and discover… more
Dec 21, 2014
A good trade show organizer can probably rattle off the top of their head 10 to 20 influencers in the industry they serve. These are often people who serve as keynote speakers, contribute content and are well connected.
But every industry has more than just 10 or 20 influencers. What about the people you don’t yet know, but are the most connected to your desired audience? People who others rely on for the most relevant news.
How do you go about finding these people?
A company out of Portland, Ore., Little Bird is helping organizations find and connect with the right people and discover… more
Dec 21, 2014
An important high-tech industry exposition and conference is taking place in Dallas, Texas this week. We have taken a snapshot of three busy attendees and their use of the event’s mobile app.
Meet Bob: Sr. Purchasing Manager with a global organization, Running Enthusiast
Bob is at the airport waiting to board his flight to Dallas, TX. He has been touring the company’s plants across the region and hasn’t been able to find the time to plan for his time at the event. He decides to download the event’s mobile app just before the boarding announcement is made. He… more
Dec 20, 2014
The holidays brought good cheer for companies looking to hire or promote from within throughout the end of 2014.
The International Association Exhibitions and Events appointed Cathy Breden, CAE, CMP as the organization's executive vice president. In this role, she will oversee additional strategic planning and operational responsibilities.
"Cathy has been an integral member of the IAEE team for many years and has worked tirelessly to promote IAEE's strategic plan and initiatives," said David DuBois, president and CEO of IAEE. "She has earned respect and appreciation from our staff,… more
Dec 17, 2014
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events’ 2014 Chairperson Jonathan "Skip” Cox passed the gavel to chairperson-elect Megan Tanel, vice president of exhibitions and events at the Association of Equipment Manufacturers, at the Annual Networking Business Luncheon and Awards Ceremony held during Expo! Expo! IAEE's Annual Meeting & Exhibition last week in Los Angeles.
"I look forward to contributing to a robust agenda of advocacy, education development, global expansion and increasing engagement of all members during my term as IAEE Chairperson in 2015," Tanel said… more
Dec 17, 2014
Ours is an industry filled with ingenuity and innovation. Even the shows that have been around for decades find ways to reinvent themselves and bring an exciting and profitable experience to both attendees and exhibitors, making them crave even more next year. Here’re a few ideas tested by shows in 2014 that could bring a new sparkle to your event:
Near Field Communication. Several shows switched this year to Near Field Communication (NFC) technology in attendee badges. In essence, it’s a microchip in the badge encrypted with relevant data about the attendee, such as access to expo, sessions… more
Dec 17, 2014
The Consumer Electronics Association unveiled a series of awards and events for the 2015 International CES, including the new APPNATION IV, Wearable Tech Awards, Hardware Battlefield and Extreme Tech Challenge.
Owned and produced by CEA, the 2015 CES will be haled Jan. 6-9 in several venues around Las Vegas.
“These awards and events at CES celebrate pioneering technology companies and entrepreneurs who are creating innovative products and services that will be all the buzz and ‘must have items’ for consumers in the months and years ahead,” said… more
Dec 16, 2014
After last quarter, which saw slowing growth in the trade show industry, the third quarter bounced back with the 17th consecutive positive quarter showing, a 1.8-percent year-on-year increase overall, according to the Center for Exhibition Industry Research’s Index Report.
Even so, the growth of the exhibition industry index lagged a bit behind GDP growth for the second straight quarter, in contrast to the previous two quarters (2014Q1 and 2013Q4), where exhibitions grew slightly faster than GDP.
"We are very pleased by the third quarter results and confirm our forecast that the exhibition… more
Dec 15, 2014
With Millennials set to command $200 billion in annual purchasing power by 2017, event organizers (many of whom are ‘mature’ Baby Boomers or from Generation X), are making a concerted effort to understand how to pitch their events to the younger, mobile professionals.
They recognize that the unprecedented and extremely rapid evolution of mobile technology has had an indelible impact on the younger generation that has grown up in the last two decades.
According to a feature report published by the American Psychology Association, there are some specific characteristics that define… more
Dec 15, 2014
The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority has begun installation of a $2.6 million wireless infrastructure overhaul at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center.
The state-of-the-art upgrade will increase the number of existing wireless access points from 113 to at least 580, meaning a 413 percent increase in number of access points throughout the BCEC.
The MCCA, the first organization in the meetings industry to offer completely complimentary and reliable wireless Internet service at its facilities, has upgraded the wireless infrastructure at the BCEC four times since 2004.
The… 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.