Nov 14, 2022
Understanding how to design events that are welcoming and inclusive for attendees with disabilities has become essential for today’s event planners. According to Forbes Magazine, the disability community is larger than the size of China, with 1.85 billion people, and if you add in their friends, family and caregivers, that adds up to an additional 3.4 billion people.
But creating in-person or virtual experiences that are inviting and accessible for everyone can be a challenge for many event organizers, planners and producers, who may lack the knowledge, tools and strategies to do… more
Nov 11, 2022
Trade Show News Network (TSNN) celebrated achievement, innovation and leadership in trade shows with the 12th Annual TSNN Awards and education conference, held Nov. 8-9 at host venue Caesars Forum in Las Vegas.
The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) rolled out the red carpet with a spectacular opening party at Nobu Hotel Villa that represented Las Vegas at its best.
“The 2022 TSNN Awards was an incredible celebration of the best of the best people and shows in our great industry,” said TSNN President Rachel Wimberly. “Caesars Entertainment went above and beyond to create… more
Nov 10, 2022
The latest edition of The ASSEMBLY Show celebrated its 10th anniversary by providing manufacturing professionals with everything they need to adapt to new challenges, expand into new markets and streamline their businesses for growth.
Held Oct. 25-27 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Ill., and produced by BNP Media, the annual trade show and conference provided more than 5,000 manufacturing professionals with a robust expo, cutting-edge industry education, award programs and myriad networking opportunities.
“Assembly technology is changing at an incredible pace, and… more
Nov 08, 2022
Karen Chupka, chief strategy officer at the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), is departing the organization to launch her own consulting practice, and CTA will be her first client.
Chupka had a prolific tenure at CTA and is widely recognized for visualizing and producing the association’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES), the most influential technology event in the world and one of the biggest trade shows in the U.S.
“I’m thankful for the 33 years at CTA/CES,” Chupka told Trade Show News Network (TSNN). “I worked with a world-class team, I got to travel the globe and meet talented… more
Nov 04, 2022
NY NOW, the leading national gift and home wholesale trade show owned by Emerald Holding, will unveil a new dedicated toy destination, PLAY USA, to its market, beginning with the 2023 winter edition. PLAY USA at NY NOW will be the first national destination in 2023 for retailers, wholesalers and distributors to source the latest and greatest toy and trend merchandise.
Taking place Feb. 5-8 at the Jacob K. Javits Center in New York, NY NOW 2023 Winter Market’s PLAY USA will showcase toys, games and trend merchandise and will capture the spirit of discovery, whimsy and joy that the products on… more
Nov 04, 2022
LightFair, North America’s largest architectural and commercial lighting trade show and conference, is transitioning to a biennial schedule beginning with the 2023 event, scheduled for May 21-25 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York. As the major player in this vibrant space, LightFair’s updated schedule aims to better serve the industry’s manufacturing cycle, product marketplace and the overall needs of lighting professionals.
Keeping the best interest of its robust community of lighting professionals in mind, LightFair is excited for its brighter biennial future,… more
Oct 31, 2022
With mainstream media overflowing with negative news, it’s refreshing to focus on the positive—in this case, how the trade show industry is giving back to host communities and lending a helping hand to vulnerable populations. Read on to learn how two trade shows and one leading venue management organization are making a positive difference in the lives of those who need it most.
Florida Restaurant & Lodging Show
When Hurricane Ian hit Florida in late September, hundreds of restaurants and hotels were destroyed by the catastrophic storm and severe flooding. This impact was felt… more
Oct 28, 2022
Despite news this year that has portrayed trade show attendance as being down overall, some events are clearly beating the odds. Three recent record-breakers—PACK EXPO International, PRINTING United Expo and Equip Exposition—are sending a message of overwhelming positivity for the event industry’s future, with attendance surpassing pre-pandemic levels and business booming on the show floor.
PACK EXPO International 2022
Held in person Oct. 23-26 at McCormick Place in Chicago for the first time in four years, PACK EXPO International, the packaging industry’s most important show, drew more… more
Oct 27, 2022
As inflation soars across the world, making staples such as food, energy, clothing and household items more expensive, U.S. trade show organizers are also facing their fair share of price challenges. Costs for event aspects such as transportation, hotels, venues, food and beverage, speakers and labor, to name a few, are rising nationwide and globally.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, in September, the consumer price index (CPI) rose 8.2% over the prior 12 months, and in July, the CPI was the highest it had been in four decades, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.… more
Oct 25, 2022
When it comes to achieving diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), the global events industry has a lot of work to do, according to the Events Industry Council’s (EIC) 2022 Equity Benchmarking Study. Released on Oct. 11 in partnership with EIC’s global Equity Task Force, created in 2020 to address systemic racism and all forms of discrimination in the business events and hospitality industry, the study signifies the critical first phase of EIC’s Equity Acceleration Plan.
While there is an ever-growing awareness and commitment toward equity in the industry, survey scores reveal widespread DEI… 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.