One to Watch: Emerald EVP Karalynn Sprouse

While many successful executive leaders may tout impressive track records for driving revenue growth and operational efficiency at their organizations, not all can boast a talent for connecting with teams, inspiring loyalty, and motivating individuals to excel out of a genuine commitment to that leader’s vision. This unusual talent for cultivating a positive, collaborative, and inclusive work environment that inspires professionals to take risks, innovate, and grow is what sets a transformative leader such as Karalynn Sprouse apart from the C-suite pack. 

Why Are We Making Exhibiting So Hard (and What’s Behind Our High Exhibitor Churn)?

Submitted by lpsavas@tsnn.com on Wed, 02/12/2025 - 10:51

Any business owner knows that retaining business is much easier (and more cost-efficient) than winning new clients. Despite this widely acknowledged truth, the expo industry seems to be working against itself by adding unnecessary hurdles for customers. The numbers speak volumes, particularly in terms of exhibitor churn. 

TSNN Trade Show Recap: Record-Breaking VMX 2025 Celebrates the ‘HeArt’ of Veterinary Medicine

Showcasing groundbreaking innovations, education, and thought leadership in animal health, VMX 2025, one of the largest veterinary education conferences representing the $60 billion animal health care industry, once again took over the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) in Orlando, Fla. with record-breaking attendance, robust exhibitor participation, and an expanded trade show floor. 

How the 2025 Bar & Restaurant Expo is Evolving in Response to Attendee Preferences

Las Vegas is more than just a mecca for gambling, gaming and, more recently, sports. It’s also a food capital of the world with over-the-top hotel buffets—such as the iconic Bacchanal Buffet at Caesars Palace—and restaurants opened by famed chefs like Bazaar Meat by José Andrés and Amalfi by Bobby Flay, and no shortage of concepts from celebrities (think: Pinky’s by Vanderpump). Thus, it only makes sense that the Bar & Restaurant Expo descends on Sin City each year. 

E3 Organizers Set to Launch Invite-Only Event in Las Vegas

After officially announcing the once glorious E3 Show dead in December 2023, the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) has unveiled the launch of the Interactive Innovation Conference (iicon), an invitation-only event designed to bring together visionaries, thought leaders, and innovators across industries that intersect with interactive entertainment. 

Trade Show Moves: Monthly Recap of Who’s Working Where Now

In January, the U.S. trade show industry kicked off 2025 with a bang as organizations far and wide reported a plethora of new hires, promotions, and executive appointments.  

TSNN’s Take on the biggest move in the last month: Nineteen Group appointed 25-year event industry veteran Mary Larkin as president of its Americas division as the company enters its next phase of its growth in the continent. 

Enhancing Event Experiences: PCMA Partners with Zenus on Sentiment Analysis

Unless attendees were looking, they probably didn’t notice more than 70 sensors that were placed in and around about 50 activations in The District at PCMA’s annual convention held in January. The sensors allowed for comprehensive data collection on audience engagement metrics, such as traffic flow, dwell times, and even attendee emotions via facial recognition analytics. 

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.