News

Nov 15, 2011
For the fourth time since its founding in 1925, UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry headed to Valencia, Spain, for its annual Congress. As a founding member of UFI in 1925, Feria Valencia hosted UFI’s annual Congress in 1933, 1949, 1992 and most recently Nov. 9-12. This year’s theme, “Bridging Continents – Linking People” brought together almost 400 delegates from 52 countries, which breaks the record for an UFI Congress in Europe, to examine key industry issues from a global point of view, as well as from an in-depth perspective,… more
Nov 15, 2011
The Canadian Manufacturing Technology Show, owned by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers and held Oct. 17-20 in Toronto, not only scored a 10-percent increase in attendance, compared with its 2009 event, but it also debuted a larger showfloor, sold out its conference and had 80 percent renewals for the next show. All of these successes reflect the growing optimism of the Canadian manufacturing industry in general, according to CMTS show organizers. “We took some big steps this year, using the latest in social media to create a more personalized experience for delegates, while… more
Nov 15, 2011
The Food Processing Suppliers Association’s 2011 Process Expo closed its show, which ran Nov. 1-4 at Chicago’s McCormick Place, with not only a 14-percent attendance uptick in international attendance, compared with the 2010 show, but also a record-breaker. The largest overseas delegations came from Canada, Mexico, Colombia, Venezuela and Germany. It wasn’t just international attendance that saw a spike though, the overall number of attendees and exhibit floor also grew, according to FPSA officials. "We're very happy with the strong turnout at this year'… more
Nov 15, 2011
After 30 years serving as the head of the Religious Conference Management Association, Dr. DeWayne Woodring has announced his departure as the organization’s executive director, effective Dec. 31. The RCMA board unanimously appointed its vice president of the board, Rev. Harry Schmidt, as the new executive director. Schmidt has served as president of Christian Life College, Mt. Prospect, Ill., for almost two decades. Replacing Schmidt as RCMA board vice president is Melvin Tennant, president and CEO of Meet Minneapolis, Official Convention and Visitors Association, marking the… more
Nov 10, 2011
In a little over one year, West Conshohocken, Pa.-based SMG has won its fourth public bid to manage the Jekyll Island Convention Center on the Georgia Coast, which is set to open in the second quarter of 2012, giving the management firm more than 14 million square feet of prime space it now oversees. The newest win was from the Jekyll Island Authority that selected SMG among three respondents to a request for proposals for management. Earlier this year, SMG was selected to manage Chicago’s McCormick Place Complex, the largest convention center in North America, as well as the… more
Nov 10, 2011
In a little over one year, West Conshohocken, Pa.-based SMG has won its fourth public bid to manage the Jekyll Island Convention Center on the Georgia Coast, which is set to open in the second quarter of 2012, giving the management firm more than 14 million square feet of prime space it now oversees. The newest win was from the Jekyll Island Authority that selected SMG among three respondents to a request for proposals for management. Earlier this year, SMG was selected to manage Chicago’s McCormick Place Complex, the largest convention center in North America, as well as the… more
Nov 08, 2011
Trade Show News Network is pleased to announce the debut release of the TSNN Top 50 Canadian Trade Shows list of rankings. Culled from show management and data supplied to TSNN, the list represents the top 50 trade shows held last year in ranked by net square footage in Canada. The full list can be found at http://www.tsnn.com/datasite-cdn. Snagging the No. 1 spot was Regina Exhibition Association’s Western Canada Farm Progress Show, with a whopping 1,189,783 net square foot showfloor. Despite overall negative economic trends, the showfloor grew in 2010 from 969,783 sq. ft. at the… more
Nov 07, 2011
In the year leading up to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2011 Leaders’ Meeting, which  kicks off Nov. 12-13 at the Hawai‘i Convention Center in Honolulu, the venue will have hosted nine major international events. The nine events collectively drew more than 50,000 attendees, including medical professionals, science and technology experts, environmental policy makers and cultural scholars from more than 100 countries. “The Hawai‘i Convention Center works proactively with meeting organizers to ensure that they are effectively able to reach global… more
Nov 07, 2011
UBM Asia has opened an office in Shenzhen, which will focus on sales and marketing functions for UBM Asia’s jewelry portfolio comprising exhibitions, publications and Web sites. China has a fast-growing jewelry market and in Shenzhen has become a center for manufacturing, especially in Shuibei, Luohu District, which houses over 1,500 jewelry companies. "We have 14 jewelry fairs: three in mainland China including one in Shenzhen, five in Hong Kong and the rest are in Japan, India and Turkey,” said Jimé Essink, president and CEO of UBM Asia. He added, “Our… more
Nov 07, 2011
More than 2,100 exhibitors from 31 countries and regions – a new exhibitor record at the show – took part in the Hong Kong Trade Development Council’s Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Autumn Edition), which ran Oct. 27-30 October at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre. Exhibitors from the Cayman Islands, Finland and Sweden participated for the first time, according to HHKTDC officials.  The fair also welcomed more than 70 buying missions from 60 countries and regions, representing more than 5,530 buyers and companies such as Colinter… 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.