News

Jun 27, 2024
After leading New York City’s Javits Center for 12 years, Alan Steel will step down as president and CEO at the end of March 2025. A search for his replacement is already underway, according to the New York Convention Center Operating Corp. (NYCCOC), which operates and manages the facility,  Backstory: Leaving behind an indelible legacy of innovation, resilience, and sustainable growth, Steel’s journey with the Javits Center spans 38 years, including 12 years at the helm and 26 years as a customer. He was already a 30-year veteran of the trade show industry when he was appointed its leader… more
Jun 27, 2024
Exclusively sponsored by Honeycomb Strategies. Creating beautiful events requires a lot of materials, but the costs of sourcing and disposing of these can impact both the budget and the environment. For eco-conscious planners, aiming for zero waste is a popular goal, with certifications like TRUE Zero Waste rewarding sustainable efforts.  One useful tool for reducing event waste is the Zero Waste Hierarchy from the Zero Waste International Alliance. This chart classifies waste from most to least desirable, considering the entire lifecycle of items. It’s beneficial for individuals,… more
Jun 26, 2024
With “Love” as this year’s theme, the annual JCK trade show and conference is one of the largest and most important B2B gatherings for jewelry industry professionals and serves as a global launchpad for jewelry trends, products and brands.  Operated by RX and collocated with ultra-curated sister show Luxury, which celebrated its 25th edition this year, the massive event draws in thousands of industry professionals from all facets of the global jewelry industry to Las Vegas for a week of product sourcing, education and networking. This year's JCK continued to be a hub for fun and inspiring… more
Jun 25, 2024
A deluge of trade show-related organizations have been focused on growing their leadership teams and welcoming staff as they forge new business opportunities and position themselves for growth this year and beyond. MHI MHI, an international trade association representing the material handling, logistics and supply chain industry, promoted 32-year trade show industry veteran Daniel McKinnon from executive vice president of exhibitions to chief exhibitions officer. He is responsible for developing and implementing strategic plans for MODEX and ProMat, as well as managing relationships with… more
Jun 24, 2024
Released on June 21, the latest trading update highlights from Informa reveals continued momentum and growth across its business units, driven by strategic focus, financial discipline and technological integration.  What they’re saying: “The Informa Group has changed gears and we are now delivering 10%+ growth,” said Informa Group Chief Executive Stephen A. Carter. “Our strategy to focus on specialist markets, unique content and internationalization is delivering double-digit underlying revenue growth, margin expansion and increasing profits and cash flows.” Context: Informa employs more… more
Jun 21, 2024
In honor of Juneteenth, we want to celebrate and highlight the efforts of African American leaders and organizations in the business events industry. Designated a U.S. federal holiday in 2021, Juneteenth commemorates the day on June 19, 1865 when a Union general read orders in Galveston, Texas, stating all enslaved people in the state were free according to federal law. Back in 1983, the National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals (NCBMP) was officially established by six founding members. Forty-one years later, the non-profit boasts 1,500 members and is led by CEO Jason Dunn, who… more
Jun 20, 2024
Google’s annual developer conference, dubbed Google I/O (or just “I/O”), took place for two days beginning on May 14. The first day, its long-awaited, buzzed-about “keynote day,” is touted as being one of the tech industry’s biggest events of the year. It’s when Google unveils what it’s working on, plus new products and features, as well as what it’s focusing on in the future.  Similar to years past, I/O 2024 took place for a small live audience from the Shoreline Amphitheater just down the road from its Mountain View, Calif., headquarters, with the lion’s share of attendees tuning in via… more
Jun 19, 2024
After not gathering together for six years, NPE2024: The Plastics Show returned with more than 51,000 leaders from more than 130 countries representing every industry—from automotive and healthcare to consumer products to construction. Produced by the Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS), the triennial trade show showcased the newest and most innovative plastics products and solutions across more than 1 million net square feet of exhibit space, including six technology zones, keynotes, workshops, and opportunities to network and build partnerships.  Related: 10 Things To Do at NPE2024… more
Jun 18, 2024
Reaching $480 billion, the U.S. wellness market is growing at 5 to 10% per year, according to research by global management consulting firm McKinsey & Company. In fact, 82% of U.S. consumers consider wellness a priority in their everyday lives. As wellness trends up on the consumer side, how can business events incorporate healthy activities and food and beverage into their packed conference, networking and trade show schedules? To find out, more than 120 industry professionals — including meeting planners, press and Caesars Entertainment staff — gathered at the inaugural Global… more
Jun 17, 2024
A new spring edition of a burgeoning trade show and conference for the outdoor industry is making its debut in Nashville next year. Set for June 16-18, 2025, at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, Switchback Spring is the new sister show of Switchback, a business and education gathering owned and operated by international media company Diversified Communications. Launched in 2022 as a specialty outdoor showcase and held each fall in conjunction with run and outdoor specialty retail conference and trade show The Running Event (TRE), Switchback offers forward-looking education… 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.