CompuSystems Outage Impacts Registration for Major Trade Shows
October 2, 2024
CompuSystems, a registration and lead-retrieval provider for a number of the largest U.S. trade show organizers, has taken its systems offline in response to a network disruption, impacting major trade shows like SEMA, AAPEX, and PRI. These show organizers alerted their exhibitors and attendees about the outage via their websites.
CompuSystems acknowledged the disruption on its website: “We have identified a network disruption that is affecting some of our systems.”
We reached out to CompuSystems with several questions about when the disruption started, what shows are impacted and when the issue might be resolved, and a CompuSystems spokesperson told us the following:
“CompuSystems recently discovered a cybersecurity incident that affected a limited number of our systems. Upon discovery, we enacted our response protocols, proactively took the relevant systems offline to safeguard our data and our clients’ data, working with third-party cybersecurity experts, [and] launched a comprehensive investigation to determine the nature and scope of the incident. Law enforcement has also been notified.
“We are working around the clock to restore our operations as safely and efficiently as possible. Though our investigation is active and ongoing, we are confident the incident has been contained and remediated. We continue to closely monitor our systems for any unusual activity.
“We take this event and the security of the information in our care very seriously. We appreciate the patience and understanding of our customers, staff and partners during this time.”
Organizers alert customers
PRI, scheduled for Dec. 12-14 in Indianapolis, acknowledged the CompuSystems issue on its website: “PRI Show management is aware of a CompuSystems issue preventing PRI Show registration. PRI is working with the vendor to resolve the situation as soon as possible. Badge mailing deadlines will not be affected by this outage.”
"We appreciate your patience as we resolve this matter and will provide updates as they become available," said PRI Show management.
SEMA pushed back a price increase for its trade show, scheduled for Nov. 5-8 in Las Vegas. “SEMA is working with the vendor to resolve the situation as soon as possible and will extend the price deadline to accommodate those who did not register before the previously announced badge price increase deadline. The domestic badge mailing process will not be affected by this outage,” according to an alert on the SEMA website.
AAPEX extended the registration deadline for its annual trade show scheduled for Nov. 5-7 at the Venetian Expo and Caesars Forum in Las Vegas. “The price deadline will be extended to accommodate those who have yet to register prior to the price increase,” according to a post on the AAPEX website.
Registration set to open Friday for CHEST
Another CompuSystems client, the American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) is getting ready to host its Annual Meeting from Oct. 6 to 9 in Boston. In 2023, the association’s annual meeting was in Hawaiʻi and drew nearly 6,000 medical professionals, making it the second-highest attendance for an in-person CHEST Annual Meeting, according to CHEST’s annual report.
There is no mention of the service disruption on the association’s website or social channels, but advance registration is already closed for the event at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center. Onsite registration is scheduled to open at 12 p.m. ET on Friday, Oct. 4, at three locations—the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center and two satellite venues, including the Omni Boston Hotel Seaport and The Westin Boston Seaport District.
We reached out to CHEST for a comment, and they told us: “We are aware of the situation and are making sure the outage does not impact the quality of the meeting or the experience of attendees.”
Big picture
“[This incident] highlights the potential exposure to data security issues within our industry,” said one registration provider. “Many registration providers are small business owners, not major Fortune 500 companies with extensive security on the backend.”
CompuSystems works with a number of trade show organizers, including Informa, CloserStill, INFOCOMM, NBAA, Cosmoprof, the American Library Association and the American Urological Association—to name a few listed on the CompuSystems website.
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.
Add new comment