It Was All About Connections at 2017 IAEE’s Expo! Expo! in San Antonio

Getting together face-to-face was the primary goal of the 2017 IAEE Expo! Expo! Annual Meeting and Exhibition, which took place Nov. 28–30 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas.

The show focused on making connections, both with fellow attendees and with education sessions that ran on three tracks: researched-informed, data-guided and experience-designed.

Deborah Sexton Stepping Down from Professional Convention Management Association

After more than 12 years, President and CEO Deborah Sexton has decided to move on from the Professional Convention Management Association and will step down after the upcoming Convening Leaders event in January in Nashville.

Sexton shared her decision with the Board of Directors at the September meeting. The Board voted unanimously to approve COO Sherrif Karamat as the new CEO.

This follows careful succession planning at PCMA, where Sexton and Karamat have worked closely together since 2005.

Human Resources Management Association of Chicago Selects SmithBucklin for Management

The Human Resources Management Association of Chicago (HRMAC) has selected SmithBucklin, an association management and services company, to provide full-service association management. Elizabeth Summy, CAE, serves as HRMAC’s chief executive officer, and its headquarters is at 330 N. Wabash, Chicago.

IAAPA Attractions Expo 2017 Shatters Attendance Record

The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions had a record 39,000 registered attractions industry professionals gather in Orlando to learn, buy and network at IAAPA Attractions Expo 2017.

"The success of this year's show is a true testament to the continued growth and strength of attractions around the world," said Paul Noland, IAAPA president and CEO.

PCMA Education Foundation Names 2018 Officers and Trustees

The PCMA Education Foundation Leadership Committee reviewed an extraordinary group of candidates for the 2018 Board of Trustees. Following committee deliberations and approval by the current Board of Trustees, the slate was deemed elected. Officers and Trustees will immediately take office Jan. 11 following the PCMA annual meeting, Convening Leaders in Nashville, Tenn.

2017 SLATE OF TRUSTEES

84th UFI Annual Congress Focuses on ‘Pressures & Profits' Nov. 1-4 in Johannesburg, South Africa

Kicking off with an opening night reception Nov. 1 at the Johannesburg, South Africa-based Sandton Convention Centre, the 84th UFI Global Congress is set to gather hundreds of exhibition organizers and suppliers from all over the world to take a deep dive into “Raising the Odds: Pressures and Profits in the Exhibition Industry.”

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.