News

Mar 11, 2022
The 2022 Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade Show(SHOT Show), owned and operated by the National Sports Shooting Foundation (NSSF) made a strong return to Las Vegas, drawing more than 2,400 exhibitors and more than 43,000 attendees from 100 countries and featuring its largest floor plan in history. Held Jan. 18-21 at Caesars Forum and The Venetian Expo, the 44th SHOT Show brought the firearm industry together in-person again after holding it’s 2021 edition virtually. As the fifth-largest trade show in Las Vegas, the SHOT Show provides an estimated $88 million in non-gaming revenue to the… more
Mar 10, 2022
Growing up, Cathy Breden thought she would one day pursue a career in medicine, an aspiration her father hoped she would one day fulfill. But while putting herself through college, the Tampa, Florida native realized her life was meant to take a different path, one she would shape through trial and error. “I did not have the stereotypical college experience many students have because I was focused on keeping my head above water,” Breden says. “My grades reflected how stretched I was. I was carrying a full load of classes [at Florida State University] and working part-time at the Florida… more
Mar 08, 2022
The city of Dallas, Texas, will soon have the ability to attract even larger trade shows and other events to its destination. According to Visit Dallas officials, the Dallas city council approved plans last month for a new 2.5-million-square-foot convention center that will be constructed adjacent to the current Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas (KBHCCD). Once construction is complete, all or most of the KBHCCD will then be demolished.  The new $2 billion center, which is expected to break ground in 2024 and open in 2028, will feature 800,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space; 300,000 sq… more
Mar 07, 2022
As the trade show industry continues to regain its footing, event-related organizations across the country are moving full steam ahead in appointing new executives, promoting hard-working team members and welcoming new staff. Check them out! Aria Technology Solutions Aria Technology Solutions LLC (Aria AV), providers of audio-visual rental equipment including digital signage, full-service LED video walls and display equipment for the live event industry, recently appointed award-winning sales leader Vishal Goyal to Chief Revenue Officer.  Bringing extensive experience in the audio-visual… more
Mar 04, 2022
From an early age, Sarah Soliman has been inspired to lead and driven to succeed. “I am a results-driven person, so when I see how my passion can inspire others, it ignites the fire in me to do more,” Soliman said, before describing a time that flame truly burned bright—in high school, when she created a petition after the principal of her school cancelled “seniors week.”  Soliman, along with other classmates, thought it was unfair to take away such an important experience for reasons the students had no control over, so she went from class to class collecting signatures, organized a… more
Mar 03, 2022
According to a Marketing General Incorporated benchmarking report, 50% of associations reported that members do not renew their membership due to a lack of engagement. That’s why membership engagement has always been one of the top priorities for the leadership in associations. It’s important to recognize that different members prefer to engage in different ways, and their pattern of content consumption may vary. To help better align your engagement strategy across the multitudes of channels your members might prefer, we’d like to offer up 20 ways to boost your membership engagement across… more
Mar 03, 2022
6Connex, a provider of in-person, virtual and hybrid event solutions, and BizBash, a trade media platform, recently conducted a survey of event professionals that sought to gauge how events will take place in 2022 and beyond, with virtual and hybrid formats holding steady as go-to options. The survey, which took place in Q4 2021 before the full impact of the Delta and Omicron variants of COVID-19 were known, indicated that more than 75% of respondents will host at least a portion of their events virtually in 2022, while 51% expect most of their 2022 events to be produced in a hybrid format… more
Mar 02, 2022
A growing number of events industry organizations are condemning the acts of aggression on Ukraine, with some suspending business activities with Russia.  IMEX Group, Messe Frankfurt, Messe Düsseldorf, Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) and Events Industry Council (EIC) are among the entities that have issued statements on the conflict showing support for the people of Ukraine and denouncing the Russian invasion. IMEX Group IMEX Group suspended Russian businesses from attending its IMEX Frankfurt show, which is scheduled for May 31-June 2.   “Sadly, we have taken the… more
Mar 01, 2022
Attention global exhibition industry professionals! Are you passionate about the industry and want to be part of its evolution? Do you want to take your career development to the next level? Put your best talent forward by applying for the UFI Next Generation Leadership Grant (NGL Grant) program, now accepting applications through March 28, 2022. Developed by UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, this prestigious talent accelerator program is currently looking for five outstanding, high-potential industry professionals to participate in an eight-month-long project… more
Feb 28, 2022
Leading trade show organizers Emerald and Questex have teamed up to launch the inaugural Las Vegas Food & Beverage Industry Week, featuring four premier food and beverage trade shows taking place concurrently at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC). Running March 21-24, SIAL America, Bar & Restaurant Expo (formerly known as Nightclub & Bar Show), International Pizza Expo and World Tea Conference + Expo will unite decision-makers from all sectors of the recovering $1.5 trillion food and beverage industry under one roof at the 4.6-million-square-foot facility.  “We’re excited to… more
Partner Voices
  MGM Resorts is renowned for its exceptional service and diverse venue options across Las Vegas, Detroit, Springfield, National Harbor, Biloxi, and Atlantic City, providing flexible spaces for meetings of any size. Beyond these offerings, MGM Resorts distinguishes itself through a strong commitment to social responsibility and sustainability, making it an ideal choice for your next meeting.  At the core of MGM Resorts' company values is its platform, "Focused on What Matters," dedicated to meeting customer needs while advancing socially responsible practices. This commitment is evident in several key areas:  Protecting Natural Resources  MGM Resorts is home to industry-leading recycling, renewable electricity and water conservation programs. Some highlights include a cogeneration power plant at ARIA, producing ultra-efficient electricity; one of America’s largest contiguous rooftop solar arrays atop the convention center at Mandalay Bay; and onsite wells that provide water for the celebrated Fountains of Bellagio, avoiding reliance on precious Colorado River water. These efforts and many more save on natural resources while boosting attendee satisfaction.  Committed to Community  Always striving to be good neighbors, MGM Resorts works to avoid food waste and combat food insecurity with the Feeding Forward program. In partnership with local food banks, they safely divert unserved food to food insecure members of the community. Since 2016, over 5 million meals have been provided, highlighting MGM Resorts' commitment to minimizing food waste and addressing community needs.  MGM Resorts supports clients in their responsible-meetings efforts, not only with efficient venues but also waste-reducing décor and signage; sustainable food and beverage options; and outreach to help planners communicate sustainability efforts to attendees. What’s more, they offer a Mindful Meetings series that puts attendee wellness first—through fitness and mindfulness activities, and in give-back events with local charity organizations.   Fostering Diversity & Inclusion  To MGM Resorts, a diverse and talented workforce is essential to success. By cultivating innovative strategies that consider multiple perspectives and viewpoints, the company creates an inclusive workplace culture that benefits its employees and community. MGM Resorts takes pride in being a welcoming home for veterans, individuals with disabilities, people from diverse backgrounds, LGBTQ+ community members, and more. This commitment to inclusion is reflected in the company's recruitment and hiring practices and its social responsibility initiatives. From the workplace to the community, MGM Resorts' commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion remains unwavering, and its efforts continue to create a more equitable and sustainable world for all.  MGM Resorts offers unparalleled service and venue options while standing out for its proactive approach to sustainability and community engagement. Choosing MGM Resorts for your next meeting means aligning with a company that values social responsibility, efficiency, and attendee satisfaction, ensuring a meaningful and impactful event experience.