Association Show News

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Mar 09, 2014
The Association of Equipment Manufacturers’ CONEXPO-CON/AGG sprawled over the Las Vegas Convention Center campus March 4 -8 beating even the most optimistic expectations. The triennial event took more than 2.35 million net square feet of exhibit space, featured some 2,400 exhibitors and attracted close to 130,000 attendees. Collocation with IFPE brought the total net square footage to about 2.5 million square feet, securing the event’s space as largest trade show in North America. “These are our largest shows ever,” said Megan Tanel, vice president of… more
Mar 05, 2014
People looking to start their own businesses flocked to Houston recently for Franchise Expo South, with 11,000 attendees checking out 200 different franchise opportunities. Held Feb. 6-8 at the Reliant Center, while most of the attendees came from the local area, potential franchisees came from 38 states and 18 countries. “We were extremely pleased with the record-breaking turnout at the first Franchise Expo South in Houston,” said Tom Portesy, president of MFV Expositions, producers of Franchise Expo South. He added, “Our decision to move the Expo to Houston was a… more
Mar 03, 2014
Destination Marketing Association International awarded 10 new destinations the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP) seal, designed to “illustrate a DMO's commitment to industry excellence and to raising the performance and accountability of DMOs around the world." "DMAP accreditation requires DMOs to demonstrate compliance across 16 disciplines, composed of 53 mandatory standards and is globally recognized by the destination marketing industry as the highest achievement in destination excellence," said Jack Wert, DMAP Board Chair. He added, "We… more
Mar 03, 2014
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events and the Americas Incentive, Business Travel & Meetings Exhibition, on tap June 10-12 in Orlando, renewed their partnership to offer a Hosted Buyer program for IAEE members to attend the event, as well as an education session in the AIBTM Learning Theatre. "Our initial success at AIBTM last year was very promising, and we are once again proud to partner with AIBTM on this industry event," says IAEE President and CEO David DuBois, CMP, CAE, FASAE, CTA. He added, "This renewed collaboration confirms IAEE's… more
Feb 23, 2014
The overall health of the trade show industry received a huge boost in the fourth quarter, according to the Center for Exhibition Industry Research’s Index. The fourth quarter of last year ended on a high note, with an uptick of 3 percent, compared with the much smaller .04 percent growth in the third quarter of 2013 and 0.7 percent growth recorded in the fourth quarter of 2012. Q4 2013 also marks the 14th straight quarter of increases in the trade show industry. In more good news, the latest results also outperformed GDP, which saw 2.7 percent growth in the same quarter. "With… more
Feb 19, 2014
Ice storms, clogged highways, a closed airport and all around chaotic weather last week in Atlanta didn’t stop people from making their way to the biannual Atlanta Shoe Market, held Feb. 13-15 event at the Cobb Galleria. In order to accommodate the approaching weather situation and getting buyers on the floor despite it all, the Cobb Galleria and Southeastern Shoe Travelers Association, who have co-hosted the event for 19 years, opened the doors three days prior to the show opening to accommodate early arrivals, including buyers from Belk, Tops and many others. Exhibitors reported… more
Feb 19, 2014
Trade Show News Network is thrilled to unveil the TSNN Trade Show Venue Directory (http://venuedirectory.tsnn.com/), with more than 400 exhibit halls, convention centers and other facilities with exhibit space listed.  Complimentary to all users, the TSNN Trade Show Venue Directory is a comprehensive guide that is designed to assist trade show organizers, meetings and event planners to find the perfect venue for their events.  “Congratulations to TSNN and the launch of their new venue directory,” said David DuBois, president and CEO of the International Association of… more
Feb 17, 2014
Meeting Professionals International released the first edition of its new Meetings OutlookTM, a quarterly report offering a unique perspective on the future of the meeting and event industry with information provided by more than 5,000 MPI members, including 700 senior meeting professionals on MPI's Business Research Panel. The report covers new trends, as well as innovations on the horizon and replaces the bi-monthly Business Barometer previously published by MPI. Meetings Outlook is available for free for both MPI members and non-members, making it more accessible to the broader… more
Feb 17, 2014
International Carwash Association Unveils New Show in Amsterdam The International Carwash Association, which represents car wash professionals, will launch Car Wash Europe Oct. 5-7 at the RAI Exhibition Center in Amsterdam, The  Netherlands. The new event will held every other year and serve car wash operators and suppliers in the European market. “We’re  incredibly  excited  to  be  launching  Car  Wash  Show  Europe,” said  ICA  CEO  Eric  Wulf.  He added, “While  there are … more
Feb 17, 2014
In an effort to expand collaborations in China, the International Association of Exhibitions and Events™ (IAEE) signed a cooperation agreement Jan. 10 with the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) Chengdu Sub-council at the annual CEFCO event held in Wuxi, China. The strategic agreement encourages participation in exhibitions and events in Chengdu and fosters continued goodwill throughout China. "IAEE is the largest international association representing the exhibitions and events industry in the world, with more than 8,000 members,” said Mu Tao… 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.