News
Feb 22, 2023
More than 200,000 housing and design professionals from across the globe recently descended upon Las Vegas for the 10th annual Design & Construction Week (DCW), the largest annual gathering of residential construction and design industry professionals.
Held Jan. 31-Feb. 2 at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC), the massive event comprised the National Kitchen & Bath Association’s (NKBA) Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS), the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) International Builders’ Show (IBS) and the three co-dated industry shows: the National Hardware Show (NHS… more
Feb 20, 2023
Following an incredibly challenging period of unprecedented, pandemic-inflicted hardships, the hotel industry is making promising strides toward recovery. According to the American Hotel & Lodging Association’s 2023 State of the Hotel Industry Report, this resilient industry is projected to surpass pre-pandemic levels of demand, nominal room revenue and state and local tax revenue this year, while moving closer to other key 2019 performance metrics. However, with economic concerns such as inflation and borrowing costs, and operational challenges such as staffing shortages rising to the… more
Feb 17, 2023
Sodexo Live! is stepping up its innovative new tech offerings with the addition of autonomous store technology by AiFi, a leading artificial intelligence (AI) and shopping solutions provider, at two ASM Global-managed venues in Salt Lake County, Utah: Salt Palace Convention Center and Mountain America Expo Center.
Designed to streamline throughput and ensure a more seamless experience for attendees of trade shows, conventions, meetings and other events, the store has opened as Salt Shaker Grab-and-Go at Salt Palace Convention Center, marking AiFi’s debut in a convention center setting, and… more
Feb 17, 2023
Access Intelligence (AI), a privately held B-to-B -to-b media, events and information company headquartered in Rockville, Md., has promoted Heather Farley from COO to CEO. She succeeds Don Pazour, who has served as CEO since 2000. He will transition to executive chairman. Farley will lead the company’s 200-plus employees, who provide solutions for a dozen key global market sectors.
“After 9 years as COO, I’m excited to succeed Don as CEO,” Farley told TSNN. “AI’s highly-talented team will focus on serving our communities through our world-class event and media brands, innovating to meet the… more
Feb 17, 2023
Denver is readying for a future boost in meetings and conventions business, with vertical construction of the $233 million expansion of the Colorado Convention Center recently culminating in a commemorative “topping out” ceremony, as the project remains on schedule for a late 2023 opening.
“This is a welcome milestone in the progress of the expansion, which will assist us with booking multiple groups simultaneously to maximize capacity,” said Richard W. Scharf, president and CEO of VISIT DENVER. “Ultimately, these improvements will pay huge dividends for years to come by generating new… more
Feb 16, 2023
Julie Pazina, national director of sales for Edlen Electrical Exhibition Services, was formally sworn in as Nevada State Senator on Feb. 6, the first day of the 82nd Session of the Nevada State Legislature. Representing District 12 in southeast Las Vegas, she will chair the Natural Resources Committee and serve on the Commerce and Labor and Growth and Infrastructure committees.Pazina, who has worked at Edlen since 2006, served as president of the Las Vegas Hospitality Association, creating mentorships and internships for students. She brought speakers to high schools, UNLV and the College of… more
Feb 15, 2023
Exclusively Sponsored by MGM Resorts
World class entertainment, dining, and business amenities means wherever an organization is heading, getting there starts with being here.
You’ll find meeting and event spaces other places but what you won’t find is all we offer here at MGM Resorts. For decades MGM has been leading the way by providing world-class experiences across all our destinations. Here we host events that create synergy, meetings that move members, conferences that foster collaboration. Here we create memorable experiences that move business forward. Because no matter where… more
Feb 14, 2023
The trade show industry appears to be demonstrating a positive outlook for the year ahead as event-related organizations across the U.S. announce a slew of new hires and an array of promotions at the executive level. Check them out!
Freeman
Global events leader Freeman recently promoted 25-year team member Chris Schimek to COO, event and exhibit operations, responsible for all event and exhibit operations across North America.
In his new role, Schimek will provide leadership and strategic direction for regional warehouse operations and local event logistics at venues, graphics… more
Feb 13, 2023
The Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) in Orlando, Fla., recently kicked off 2023 with two simultaneous, industry-leading trade shows held Jan. 4-6 that boasted sizable upticks in attendance and strong buying activity.
ASI Show Orlando
As the first promotional products industry show of the year, ASI Show Orlando attracted 4,500 supplier and distributor professionals to a lively show floor packed with more than 700 booths showcasing the leading in-stock products of 2023. Of the nearly 400 exhibiting companies, 65 were new to Orlando this year.
The show also attracted 351 woman-owned… more
Feb 10, 2023
Emerald, in collaboration with Abasto Media, is spicing up its portfolio with the recent acquisition of Cocina Sabrosa Food & Beverage Trade Expo, the only B2B event in the U.S. solely dedicated to the Latin food and beverage sector.
Formerly a regional event in Southern California, Cocina Sabrosa will be enhanced and expanded to create the first U.S.-based, national Latin food and beverage industry event serving restaurateurs, grocers, suppliers and entrepreneurs within the growing business segment. “It’s an honor and privilege to work alongside Abasto to launch this premiere nationwide… 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.