Association Show News
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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
Oct 17, 2022
The Events Industry Council (EIC) released the findings of its 2022 Q2 Global Business Events Barometer, which revealed a strong increase in its two major indexes: business event request for proposal (RFP) and group hotel room nights.
According to the barometer, which monitors the changes within the market relative to pre-pandemic levels, the Q2 RFP activity index rose to 81% of 2019 levels and the Q2 group hotel room nights index jumped to 83% of 2019 levels.
The barometer points to the fact that RFP activity for events with short lead times has recovered further than requests for events… more
Oct 13, 2022
As Hurricane Ian recovery efforts kick off in Florida, community organizations, including event and hospitality industry entities, are stepping up to the plate to provide assistance to those impacted by the devastating storm. Throughout the state’s response to the hurricane, VISIT FLORIDA has been working closely with authorities and travel brands including Expedia, Airbnb and hoteliers throughout Florida to connect displaced citizens with resources for finding suitable short- and long-term accommodations.
On Oct. 3, the state’s official tourism marketing organization learned of 23 families… more
Oct 07, 2022
Around 100 leaders of the world’s largest business events organizers gathered at the Asia CEO Summit Oct. 5-7 at The Fullerton Hotel in Singapore to reaffirm their commitment in the sustainable growth of the business events and meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) sector in Asia.
Besides exchanging insights on their respective markets’ experience in the resumption of physical business events, it was an opportunity for global industry leaders to do business and build momentum for more business events in the region.
The inaugural Asia CEO Summit brought together the… more
Oct 03, 2022
The full scope of the vision care industry came together to reconnect and do business face-to-face at an energetic Vision Expo West 2022, held Sept. 14–17 at The Venetian Expo & Convention Center in Las Vegas. Presented by co-owners RX and The Vision Council, the annual sister show of Vision Expo East brought together thousands of ophthalmic professionals and hundreds of exhibiting companies for four days of innovative trends, education and plentiful networking opportunities.
“From reconnecting at networking functions and parties to conducting business on the show floor and taking… more
Sep 20, 2022
On Sept. 14, a cross-industry task force of event industry stakeholders released a collaborative research report that identifies key focus areas to support the B2B trade show industry’s transition to a more sustainable and low-carbon economy.
The result of a two-year independent research program, the report, “Finding the Future, Together: Towards a More Sustainable B2B Trade Show Industry in the U.S. and Canada,” details the industry’s most significant environmental impacts and creates a data and knowledge foundation for decision-making, knowledge-sharing and action. It also showcases steps… more
Sep 19, 2022
As interest in plant-based diets and environmentally conscious food choices continues to grow throughout the world, it makes sense that a trade show dedicated to this expanding market segment would find itself growing along with it. Case in point: Plant Based World Expo (PBW), North America’s only 100% plant-based B2B industry event designed exclusively for foodservice professionals, retailers, distributors, investors and manufacturers.
As the official trade show of the Plant Based Foods Association (PBFA), the U.S.’s sole trade association for plant-based food companies, the annual event… more
Sep 14, 2022
As the trade show industry continues full speed ahead into the post-pandemic era, exhibiting companies are making their return to the showfloor, resuming their live marketing programs in an effort to reestablish a brand presence among their competitors. But while many exhibitors may wish to freshen their showfloor image with new or improved trade show booths, intense budget constraints are forcing companies to get uber-creative. One person who knows this well is trade show industry veteran Anthony Floreano, CEO of Skyline Exhibits, who for the past year has led the company through its post-… 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.