Association Show News
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Dec 02, 2021
Take a look at the jam-packed schedule of this year’s Expo! Expo! IAEE’s Annual Meeting and Exhibition, and it’s obvious why this annual gathering for trade show and event professionals is dubbed “the show for shows.” But this year, the show will serve as a homecoming for the $101 billion B2B exhibitions industry following two years without an in-person Expo! Expo! to help show organizers forge business connections, access premium learning opportunities and foster valuable peer relationships.
Set for Dec. 7-9 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, the trade show and… more
Nov 29, 2021
After an almost two-year hiatus, the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), the trade association representing the $47.8 billion automotive specialty equipment industry, recently wrapped up a successful 2021 edition of the SEMA Show, the largest North American automotive trade show to take place since the pandemic shut the world down in 2020.
Held Nov. 2-5 in all four halls of the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC), the sprawling event attracted more than 100,000 attendees, exhibitors and media spanning 4.6 million square feet of convention space and an additional 2.2 million sq. ft… more
Nov 24, 2021
The co-chairs of the Meetings Mean Business Coalition (MMBC), an industry-wide coalition created to showcase the undeniable value that business meetings, trade shows, incentive travel, exhibitions, conferences and conventions bring to people, businesses and communities, recently provided an update about next year’s Global Meetings Industry Day. Set for April 7, 2022, GMID is the meeting and event industry’s annual day of advocacy that shines a light on the positive impact that conferences, conventions and trade shows have on people, businesses and the economy.
“For the seventh consecutive… more
Nov 23, 2021
As the trade show industry continues its return to in-person and exhibiting companies look forward to re-emerging at live events next year, some organizations may be taking a hard look at their exhibit properties and how they can make sure that all visitors remain safe and socially distanced. To understand how companies can design eye-catching exhibits that also adhere to the latest health and safety guidelines, TSNN consulted with the experts—in this case, Adam Deming, creative director of exhibit design at Skyline, to find out what exhibitors should be keeping in mind as they prepare to… more
Nov 22, 2021
After more than two years without an in-person show in North America, InfoComm brought the pro audiovisual industry together once again to connect, learn and celebrate the industry’s resilience in the face of adversity.
Held Oct. 22-29 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla., the annual technology trade show and conference welcomed 7,335 in-person attendees, who gathered face-to-face to interact with technology, meet and conduct business, learn about the latest trends and celebrate industry leaders.
“InfoComm is the home for commerce, networking and learning in the AV… more
Nov 19, 2021
In another move aimed at boosting the industry’s recovery through the full return of in-person professional meetings and events, the Meetings Mean Business Coalition (MMBC) and the U.S. Travel Association announced the full integration of the coalition under the U.S. Travel umbrella.
With the assimilation, MMBC will strengthen its critical mission of uniting the meetings and events industry with one strong and powerful voice. The coalition will benefit more directly from U.S. Travel’s robust public affairs resources and advocacy network while providing greater value to coalition members as… more
Nov 16, 2021
Members of the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) have given their full approval of the 2022 Board of Directors and Trustees Slate, which was introduced to PCMA’s membership on Sept. 8. The new Directors and Trustees will assume office immediately following the organization’s signature event, Convening Leaders, set for Jan. 9-12, 2022 at Caesars Forum in Las Vegas or online.
Held annually since 1956, the 2022 event will mark the first gathering of the organization’s more than 8,400 professional and student members in two years.
Effective Jan. 12, the Board’s structure… more
Nov 12, 2021
The Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) has partnered with software company JUNO to offer an enhanced platform for its audiences to experience content and connect with each other year-round.
“This platform enables PCMA to extend our digital strategy beyond events and connect our global community to continue conversation and learning,” said Sherrif Karamat, PCMA’s president and CEO, during the announcement on Nov. 10 at IMEX America in Las Vegas. “We are excited to partner with JUNO to offer an enhanced experience for our audiences to connect and engage with one another.”… more
Nov 12, 2021
New business agreements and acquisitions are starting to pick up speed this fall as the trade show and events industry continues its gradual comeback. Take a look!
Association Services Group Transfers Ownership
LaGrange, Ga.-based association management company Association Services Group (ASG) recently transitioned ownership from Owner and President Charles Hall to existing management partners and veteran association management professionals, Caitlin Hyatt, Samantha Kilgore and Katie Oxford.
Oxford, who began her career in association management in 2013 and most recently served as ASG’s… more
Nov 08, 2021
UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, unveiled plans to hold the 90th UFI Global Congress in Las Vegas, Nov. 1 – 4, 2023. It will be the first time the largest annual gathering of exhibition leaders will take place in the U.S.
The 2023 UFI Global Congress will take place at Aria Resort and Casino and will be hosted by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), exposing Las Vegas to key decision makers in the global exhibition industry and poising the destination for future convention business.
Kai Hattendorf, CEO and managing director of UFI, underscored the… 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.