Aug 28, 2019
There’s nothing like hosting a big event to celebrate the expansion of a convention center, and that’s exactly what Kalahari Resorts and Conventions did earlier this month.
Following the completion of a $35 million expansion to its now 212,000 square feet of meeting space, Kalahari Wisconsin Dells hosted THAT Conference as the first event in the new space from Aug. 5-8.
The family-friendly, technology-focused conference — dubbed “Summer Camp for Geeks” — showed off Kalahari’s convention space and amenities to more than 1,700 attendees, spouses and children, who took part in more than 200… more
Aug 27, 2019
Destinations International’s latest in-depth report, the 2019 DestinationNEXT Futures Study, identifies major opportunities and trends forecasted to shape the future of the global industry for destination organization leaders.
The study is funded by the Destinations International Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering destinations throughout the world by providing education, research, advocacy and leadership development. Built on the 2014 and 2017 Futures Studies, the 2019 report determines the updated trends and strategies needed to keep destination organizations… more
Aug 26, 2019
Around 4,000 industry professionals will converge in Louisville, Kentucky, this week for Connect Marketplace, a trade show and conference for those who work in meetings, events, travel and tourism,
Set for Aug. 26-28 at Kentucky International Convention Center — around the one-year anniversary of the facility’s renovation and re-opening — the annual hosted-buyer event will present an array of engaging content, lively networking opportunities. The signature reverse-style trade show portion of the event will connect planners with suppliers from CVBs, hotels, convention centers and technology… more
Aug 22, 2019
Outdoor Retailer will not produce Winter Market, slated for Nov. 5-7, instead uniting the show with Snow Show to create one winter trade show in January. Called the Outdoor + Snow Show, the new show will be held Jan. 29-31 at Colorado Convention Center in Denver.
The news has been well received by Outdoor Retailer’s audience, who will now only have to mark their calendars for one show this winter. This is a return to the original format for Outdoor Retailer shows, which included one market in the winter and one during summer (the next Summer Market is scheduled for June 23-25, 2020, also in… more
Aug 21, 2019
This year’s SISO Event Innovation Battlefield, featuring five event tech companies, was a fierce competition, but the audience of more than 200 trade show executives ultimately handed the grand prize to Resiada and its room block management software.
Best described as a cross between “American Idol” and “Shark Tank,” the seventh annual presentation and competition took place on the last day of the annual SISO Leadership Conference, held Aug. 13-15 at Detroit’s Cobo Center.
Designed to redefine the meeting and event housing management experience, Resiada’s integrated software streamlines… more
Aug 20, 2019
Mary Pat Heftman, who has overseen the National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show for two decades, will be honored as the 2019 TSNN Awards Industry Icon honoree, on tap Nov. 15-17 in Dallas.
“I am honored to be receiving the TSNN Industry Icon Award, and I am grateful for the support, mentoring and inspiration of my family and so many leaders and colleagues throughout my career,” Heftman said.
She added, “I continue to be motivated by the power of tradeshows and the economic and social impact they have on our communities and all industries. Looking forward, I remain… more
Aug 20, 2019
The fashion industry is evolving fast, and the biannual MAGICfashion trade show is keeping up, with everything from on-trend iridescent signage to mobile app registration to sustainability practices.
For the first time in more than 10 years, all the shows comprising this massive marketplace – dubbed “One MAGIC” – were held together at the Las Vegas Convention Center Aug. 11-14, eliminating the need for buyers to hop between venues as they had in the past.
“The timing is right for us to move the entire fashion community together and I think we’ve accomplished that,” said Tom Nastos, chief… more
Aug 14, 2019
Everyone who works within the trade show and meetings industry recognizes the value that events — and all the individuals involved with helping to make them successful — bring to the table. But sometimes, those outside the industry don’t understand this quite as well. To remedy that, Event Service Professionals Association has launched a guide that showcases the expertise that event service professionals provide.
Consider “ROI of the Event Service Professional: ESPA’s Guide to Showcasing the Impact and Value of Event Service” the latest tool in your arsenal for demonstrating the value of, as… more
Aug 14, 2019
Center for Exhibition Industry Research has released two new reports focused on the trade show industry’s latest best practices.
A must-read for first-time exhibitors looking to better understand material handling, Unraveling the Myths About Material Handling provides a comprehensive overview of what material handling is, along with details about what expenses and factors impact charges. It also shares advice on how to plan and send shipments cost-effectively.
Written by Aaron Bludworth, president and CEO of Fern (with contributions by Neil McMullin, senior vice president of Shared Services… more
Aug 13, 2019
International Association of Exhibitions and Events has released an update to its Guidelines for Display Rules and Regulations. The guidelines are designed to promote continuity and consistency among U.S. exhibitions and events.
IAEE recommends that event organizers use the guidelines to create consistent and fair exhibiting standards based on the individual features of their specific exhibition or event. Show managers also often include a copy in exhibitor kits or prospectuses as a helpful reference tool for event managers responsible for booth design.
IAEE display guidelines include… more
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.