News

Nov 23, 2014
Held last week in Las Vegas, DEMA Show not only had a sold-out showfloor, but also saw attendance numbers trending 8 percent higher, compared with 2012, when it was last held in the city. Final attendance numbers are not yet available.  The show, held Nov. 19-22 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, spanned 145,790 net square feet with 644 companies, representing 5.6-percent growth, compared with the last show cycle. "DEMA is a great client, and they continue to bring fresh ideas that add value to their show each year," said Andrew Ortale, National Trade Productions' executive vice… more
Nov 23, 2014
For the people who already utilize Salesforce to sell sponsorships and exhibit sales, life just got a whole lot easier with the launch of ShowCycle - the first standalone CRM (Customer Relationship Management) software platform built exclusively for trade show and conference sales teams. The new product will debut at the International Association of Exhibitions & Events’ Expo! Expo! Annual Meeting & Exhibition Dec. 9-11 at the Los Angeles Convention Center and also has been selected to be a part of the event’s New Product Showcase. "Until now, there has always been a… more
Nov 23, 2014
For the people who already utilize Salesforce to sell sponsorships and exhibit sales, life just got a whole lot easier with the launch of ShowCycle - the first standalone CRM (Customer Relationship Management) software platform built exclusively for trade show and conference sales teams. The new product will debut at the International Association of Exhibitions & Events’ Expo! Expo! Annual Meeting & Exhibition Dec. 9-11 at the Los Angeles Convention Center and also has been selected to be a part of the event’s New Product Showcase. "Until now, there has always been a… more
Nov 19, 2014
How do attendees of the first-ever Niche EventFest get to a networking party? They have a traditional second line parade down the middle of Poydras Street in New Orleans accompanied by a brass band and a police escort. Niche EventFest, held Nov. 3-5, is the creation of Carl Landau, self-proclaimed Grand Poobah of Niche Media and believer that fun and conferences go well together. This isn’t Landau’s first rodeo though. Niche Media is the producer of Niche Media Conference, Niche Digital Conference and Niche CEO Summit. Landau said the idea for Niche EventFest came from the obvious interest in… more
Nov 18, 2014
The Professional Convention Management Association has selected the 2015 class for their 20 in their twenties program, which is designed is designed to engage the best and brightest young professionals in the meetings industry by recognizing emerging leaders.  “We are privileged to once again have the opportunity to strategically partner with PCMA, the PCMA Education Foundation and their 20 in their Twenties initiative,” said Bob Lander, President and CEO of the Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau, the program’s sponsor. He added, "As an inaugural partner, we were thrilled to… more
Nov 18, 2014
Irving, Texas-based Hanley Wood, a multimedia company serving the residential, commercial design and construction industries, has sold its Hanley Wood Exhibitions business to Informa PLC, a U.K.-based publishing and events company that operates in more than 40 countries.  The $375 million sale is subject to customary regulatory review and is expected to close by the end of 2014. Upon the closing of the transaction, the exhibitions business will be rebranded Informa Exhibitions US and will maintain its headquarters in Irving, Texas. Rick McConnell will continue to lead the company as… more
Nov 18, 2014
SACEOS, the Singapore Association of Conventions, Exhibitions and Suppliers and SISO, the Society of Independent Show Organizers, have jointly signed an agreement to share knowledge and information among their respective exhibition industry members. "This agreement will offer our members an unprecedented opportunity to grow their respective brands in and around the Singapore area as we recognize Singapore as central to the entire ASEAN market base,” Rick McConnell, Chairman of SISO, said. SISO, established in 1990, has more than 160 members globally, but with its largest number of members… more
Nov 18, 2014
A new show that will explore the business of space - the Space Commerce Conference and Exposition (SpaceCom) – is set to launch Nov. 17-19 at the George R. Brown Convention Center. Supported by NASA's Johnson Space Center, SpaceCom is designed to catalyze the economic development of space, the creation of new business models to support that development and the application of space technologies across important industry sectors of the global economy, according to show organizers. "The impact of space commerce is already being felt across the economy… more
Nov 17, 2014
The National Society of Genetic Counselors Annual Education Conference was named the overall fastest-growing show in net square footage and UBM's Medical Design & Manufacturing (MD&M) Minneapolis and MinnPack snagged the overall fastest-growing show in attendance at the 2014 TSNN Awards, held Nov. 14-16 in Cleveland. “It’s been a fantastic weekend and Cleveland is a phenomenal city,” said Laura Pabst, who oversees the NSGC show for SmithBucklin. “NSGC is very grateful for this and will be back next year!” Other big winners celebrated during the gala celebration on Saturday night at… more
Nov 16, 2014
In a research study published recently, researchers demonstrated that a variety of visual factors, such as the color and balance of the elements on a plate, can influence a diner’s perception of, and response to, food. They found that subjects willingly paid higher-than-normal price for a salad that was presented to resemble a famous abstract painting by the artist Kandinsky. Diners also reported enjoying it more than another salad with the same ingredients but plated in a more ordinary manner. Clearly, we have an in-built penchant for experiences carefully designed to please our visual… 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.