Association Show News
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Jun 09, 2020
As the trade show industry continues to be held in limbo in states that lack clarity around if and when shows could reopen, one of the biggest shows in the U.S. – IMTS 2020 (International Manufacturing Technology Show) – was forced to cancel its September show at McCormick Place.
In Illinois, trade shows were slated to open in the state’s final phase, which would require the availability of a vaccine for the COVID-19 virus or a highly effective treatment protocol.
“The show has been held uninterrupted for more than 80 years, but now the global coronavirus health crisis requires the… more
Jun 09, 2020
ASAE has scheduled a virtual American Associations Week 2020 for June 15-18 to build support for much-needed legislative assistance for America’s trade and professional associations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
American Associations Week will engage the association community in a collective response designed to educate legislators and Capitol Hill staff about the plight of America’s 501(c)(6) associations, the myriad ways they are assisting struggling industries and professions during the pandemic, and the urgent need for Congress to include them in the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) in… more
Jun 05, 2020
Even a pandemic couldn’t stop the exhibitions and events industry from gathering to observe the seventh annual Exhibitions Day, held virtually for the first time on June 3. Instead of a 100-person delegation of event colleagues traveling to Washington, D.C. to meet with legislators and policy influencers, the online day of action drew in more than 1,600 participants.
Produced by IAEE and the Exhibitions Mean Business campaign, the one-day event is designed to mobilize industry professionals to raise awareness with elected officials of the $101 billion industry’s impact on local, national and… more
Jun 03, 2020
Connect, the Atlanta-based producer of live events for meeting planners and the travel and tourism industry, has stepped out as a leader in creating contingency plans to meet the industry’s needs as it recovers from the COVID-19 crisis. The company’s latest announcements include robust health and safety protocols as the launch of a new digital platform — Connect Express — for suppliers unable to attend Connect Marketplace 2020, which is set for Aug. 17-19 at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans.
Due to travel restrictions, budget concerns and other challenges facing many event… more
Jun 02, 2020
A bill introduced on May 26 by Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), a senior member of the House Financial Services Committee, to create the Pandemic Risk Insurance Program — a system of shared public and private compensation for business interruption losses resulting from future pandemics or public health emergencies — is gaining support from the meetings and events industry.
Among the supporters is ASAE. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused severe financial strain on America’s associations resulting from cancelled meetings, conventions and trade shows not covered in existing insurance policies, and… more
May 13, 2020
Global Exhibitions Day (GED) 2020 is only three weeks away - June 3. This year, the focus of our industry’s global day of awareness and advocacy is the critical role exhibitions play in getting business and economies back on track.
The theme for GED 2020 is “exhibition are key to rebuilding economies.” The 5th annual edition of GED is actively supported and promoted by 41 partner associations, UFI, and members of these associations, throughout the world.
GED 2020 is a unification of the industry, an occasion to share hope and optimism, and a focus on the important role of exhibitions in… more
May 12, 2020
ASAE has canceled its face-to-face 100thAnnual Meeting & Exposition, originally set for Aug. 8-11 at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. A virtual version of the show will take place instead.
The association will deliver its first-ever Virtual Annual Meeting & Exposition the week of Aug. 10 and is working with scheduled speakers, sponsors and industry partners to create a reimagined digital experience.
Registration information, exact dates and industry partner opportunities will be announced to the ASAE community by the first week of June, while the ASAE Board of… more
May 11, 2020
With many events pivoting to virtual right now, event planners are working overtime to make sure their digital event programming is packed with premium educational content. But what about those valuable extras that attendees come to an event to experience, such as high-profile speakers and entertainers? As with live events, quality keynote presentations can help transform virtual events into unforgettable experiences, too. However, working with speakers for a digital event is, in some ways, different than a live talk on stage.
TSNN talked with two speakers’ bureau executives – Corey Shapoff… more
May 06, 2020
The show known as ICUEE, the industry-leading event for utility professionals and construction contractors, will have a new name and look in 2021. Now dubbed The Utility Expo, the biennial trade show known for its equipment test drives and interactive product demonstrations will take place in Louisville, Kentucky, next year from Sept. 28-30.
According to officials with the Association of Equipment Managers (who own and produce the show), this all-inclusive name better reflects The Utility Expo experience: an event that introduces professionals from all utility sectors to the new equipment,… more
May 05, 2020
While this year’s IMEX flagship Frankfurt event was canceled back in March, members of the IMEX community will still have opportunities to come together virtually over the next several months. The virtual PlanetIMEX platform aims to keep the spirit of IMEX alive by allowing visitors to explore content, reconnect, talk about future business and continue learning in the company of friends and colleagues.
Designed in collaboration with Cvent, PlanetIMEX will feature three 3-D, interactive “islands” as destinations within the platform. Each island will have its own theme (community, education… 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.