News

Jan 20, 2012
With a fun play on some of Hollywood's biggest films, the Society of Independent Show Organizers' SISO CEO Summit and Film Festival, on tap March 25-28 at San Diego's The Grand Del Mar luxury resort, will kick off with an opening night reception, followed by two days of education and networking events. The Grand Del Mar, the location of the summit that is attended by for-profit C-level show organizers, has won several accolades, including being distinguished by TripAdvisor's 10th Annual Travelers' Choice Awards as the Best Luxury (4 and 5-Star) Hotel in the United States. The Grand Del… more
Jan 18, 2012
UFI, the Global Association for the Exhibition Industry’s latest crisis barometer report indicates that companies worldwide are pulling back their expectations of growth based on a still fragile worldwide economic situation, according to survey results. When the economic crisis started to take hold in 2008, UFI began compiling a series of Global Exhibition Barometer Survey to track the impact on shows in different regions. The 8th edition of this series of reports showed that, compared with previous results in 2010 and 2011, in the Americas and Asia/Pacific region, seven to eight… more
Jan 17, 2012
In a continued commitment to the AmericasMart Atlanta’s January Atlanta International Area Rug Market, the Oriental Rug Importers Association recently signed a three-year sponsorship agreement for the event. In conjunction with the Atlanta Rug Market, ORIA holds the National Oriental Rug Show (NORS), a show for importers and manufacturers of hand-made, machine-made and antique rugs. “The ORIA - AmericasMart partnership creates an important global platform for the area rug industry,” said Jeffrey DeSantis, ORIA president. He added, “Our membership… more
Jan 17, 2012
Both Philadelphia and Atlanta wrapped up 2011 on a high note and are looking forward to strong bookings going into 2012 and the future. Atlanta’s 2011 fourth quarter was marked by eight large shows that accounted for 111,599 additional hotel rooms bookings and brought estimated 54,000 people to the city. “We finished the year on a high note on the sales side and Atlanta is positioned for another strong year in 2012,” said William Pate, president and CEO of Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau. Atlanta’s calendar also looks bright into the future, with the… more
Jan 15, 2012
If the opening day energy and bustle on the showfloor at Epoc Messe Frankfurt’s Intersec event, Jan. 15-17 at the Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre, was any indication, then the safety and security industry in the Middle East is healthy and growing. The showfloor posted 15-percent growth in exhibitors, from 817 exhibitors at last year’s event to 910 exhibitors this year, who showed off their products in four main sections focusing on commercial and information security, fire and rescue, homeland and policing and safety and health. The actual size of the… more
Jan 12, 2012
When it comes to top-notch industry education, there was something for everyone at the Professional Convention Management Association’s annual meeting, Convening Leaders. Held Jan. 8-11 at the San Diego Convention Center, the 56th annual event for meeting planners and suppliers offered mpre than 60 education sessions for a wide range of experience levels, industry segments and categories, including workshop-style classes, panel discussions, informal group discussions and two general sessions following a TED Conference-style format. Fine-tuning its meetings industry education to… more
Jan 12, 2012
Renewed optimism and enthusiasm appeared to be the overall tenor at the Professional Convention Management Association’s annual meeting, Convening Leaders. Held at the San Diego Convention Center Jan. 8-11, the 56th annual event for meeting professionals and industry suppliers drew an all-time high in participation, with attendance expected to meet or exceed last year’s figure of 3,743, according to PCMA officials. The event kicked off Sunday evening at the festive Welcome Reception, held at the Manchester Grand Hyatt. Throngs of planners, suppliers and students enjoyed… more
Jan 12, 2012
Performance Art is a collaborative art form that came into favor in the 1960s and 1970s as a fusion of several artistic media; dance, music, video, painting, film, video, drama, and/or sculpture. As a performance presented to an audience, it can be either scripted or unscripted and include a variety of levels of audience participation. The action can be live or via media, or a mix of both.  Performance Art can be presented anywhere, in any venue or setting and for any length of time. It is never “the same old / same old” and often challenges the orthodox and cultural… more
Jan 11, 2012
In order to support small businesses looking to exhibit overseas, Hannover Fairs USA, a subsidiary of Germany-based Deutsche Messe, has partnered with the State of California to offera series of financial State Trade and Export Promotion (STEP) grants. These grants are geared toward product export and international marketing services to all small businesses in the state’s information technology and manufacturing sectors in hopes to increase exports or export initiatives, according to HFUSA officials. The STEP program is rolling out through other states as well, and HFUSA will be… more
Jan 09, 2012
Thailand-based Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre will host several new MICE events in 2012, with a focus on specialized trade fairs, meetings and world congresses that have never been held in the country before. “Since the beginning of the year 2012 till second quarter, BITEC has many new trade fairs, meetings and congress(es) at BITEC,” said Sarnit Karunyavanij, business development director of Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre. He added, “Starting with the consumer fair of Thailand Game Show 2012, the only fair for all true gamers… 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.