Specialty Graphic Imaging Association Buys Graphics of the Americas Show

The Specialty Graphic Imaging Association (SGIA) has purchased the printing trade show Graphics of the Americas (GOA) from the Florida Graphics Alliance (FGA) (formerly the Printing Association of Florida). Following a transition period, GOA will relaunch in February 2020 in Miami Beach, Florida. SGIA acquired the show in August 2018.

SISO and ExpoDevCo Extend Management Agreement

Society of Independent Show Organizers (SISO) and Exposition Development Company (ExpoDevCo) have signed a three-year extension to the management agreement currently in place.

The new agreement runs through the end of 2021.

Services provided by ExpoDevCo include all Association staff, member services, and event management, with David Audrain serving as executive director.

2018 ASAE Annual Meeting & Exposition Breaks Attendance Records in Chicago

A grand total of 6,092 association professionals and industry partners converged Aug. 18-21 in Chicago for the 2018 ASAE Annual Meeting & Exposition, the highest attendance the annual industry event has attracted. 

“This is our largest meeting ever!,” ASAE President and CEO John H. Graham IV told a packed room of journalists earlier this week.

He added, “Probably the only place we could have a larger meeting was to have it in D.C, but that hasn’t happened in 25 years.”

Association of Women in Events Unveils Hall of Fame Inductees First Annual Inductees

The Association for Women in Events (AWE), a not for profit organization supporting gender equality and diversity in the event industry, has announced its 2018 inductees for the Women in Events Hall of Fame Recognition Program, hosted by the AWE Awards Committee.

This Committee was formed with a vision to create an engaged group of elite industry professionals that exemplify AWE values and serve as an ongoing resource for inspiration, guidance and leadership.

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.