Association Show News

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May 30, 2018
Destinations International Foundation Chair Stephanie Pace Brown and President and CEO of Explore Asheville and Destinations International President and CEO Don Welsh unveiled the 2018 30 Under 30 class, which will convene for the first time at the association’s 2018 Annual Convention in Anaheim July 10-13. The 30 individuals, 30 years of age and under, will have the opportunity to engage in professional development opportunities throughout 2018 and beyond. “The 30 Under 30 program recognizes the up and coming talent of destination organizations nationwide,” Brown said. “The Foundation… more
May 30, 2018
The Ascent CEO Promise to create more inclusive workplaces and events will have 100 signatures by the end of May, PCMA President and CEO Sherrif Karamat said today. More than 50 senior executives have made the commitment since the pledge was unveiled last week at IMEX in Frankfurt by PCMA (Professional Convention Management Association). Ascent is an initiative by PCMA-Convene to promote inclusion and diversity across the business events industry.  “The momentum tells us that industry leaders understand that there is work to do, and that they’re ready to do it,’’ Karamat said. “Greater… more
May 22, 2018
The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) recently concluded its largest NPE2018: The Plastics Show, known as the top plastics industry event in North America.  The triennial trade show and conference, which took place May 7-11 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, attracted approximately 65,000 attendees and more than 2,180 exhibiting companies covering more than 1.2 million square feet of exhibit space.  In addition, more than 11,000 international attendees from 110 countries participated in the event.  At its 2015 edition, held March 23-27 at the OCCC, NPE boasted 65,810… more
May 18, 2018
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) has chosen The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies (PMMI) as this year’s recipient of the 2018 IAEE International Excellence Award. The award recognizes an individual or organization that has made exceptional strides in creating, launching and managing an event in the exhibitions and events industry on an international scale. PMMI was honored at the IMEX Gala Dinner & Award, which took place at IMEX Frankfurt, held May 15-17 at Messe Frankfurt Germany. Krista DeBrosse, PMMI’s international trade show… more
May 15, 2018
In the wake of movements such as #MeToo and #TimesUp, every industry must act to end sexual harassment and create positive, lasting change. The exhibitions and meetings industries are no exception. A new coalition recently was formed to eradicate sexual harassment in the events industry and workplace; a task force that will identify tools and develop new resources to assist in educating individuals and the events industry about sexual harassment.  Comprising leaders and executives from organizations including the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE); Association for Women in… more
May 09, 2018
The Association of Equipment Manufacturers’ Megan Tanel has been named the 2018 TSNN Awards Industry Icon Honoree and will be celebrated at an awards gala held during the Aug. 10-12 weekend in Louisville, Ky. “I am beyond humbled to be receiving the TSNN Industry Icon Award,” Tanel said. She added, “I look to each day to continue to learn more about myself and how I can continue to improve and be relevant while advocating for my members, our services and events in general. I am thankful for the opportunities I've had and continue to have at work and at home.” Tanel has more than 20 years… more
May 07, 2018
Last week’s IAEE Women's Leadership Forum, held at the InterContinental Hotel in Washington, D.C., drew a sold-out crowd of more than 220 attendees to hear several dynamic speakers talk about topics that ranged on how to not get burnt out trying to manage the elusive work/life balance to permitting yourself to ‘ask outrageously’ for something you want. The event kicked off with two sessions the day before – one that focused on How to “Negotiate Your Life – Tips for Quintastic (those who believe 50 is the new 30) Women in the Workplace” and the other was about “Projecting Your UV (Unique… more
May 03, 2018
If popular new features and satisfied exhibitors were any indication, the third edition of PACK EXPO East proved to be its most comprehensive and successful yet. Held April 16-18 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, the show attracted more than 6,000 attendees and 400 exhibiting companies spanning nearly 100,000 net square feet of expo space. Launched in 2015 to provide Northeast packing and processing professionals with the opportunity to experience the latest in technology and innovative solutions; exchange ideas with leading industry suppliers; access cutting-edge… more
May 02, 2018
The UFI Board of Directors has elected Diversified Business Communications’ Mary Larkin as president of UFI for 2020. This decision was made at the board meeting during the UFI European Conference in Verona, Italy, and becomes effective at the conclusion of the 85th UFI Global Congress, which runs from Oct. 31- Nov. 3 in St. Petersburg. Corrado Peraboni, UFI’s current president, welcomed the election of Larkin, saying: “I congratulate Mary Larkin for being elected as the new UFI incoming President. It will be a great privilege for me to be part of the presidential trio, together with… more
May 01, 2018
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events celebrates another successful Women’s Leadership Forum April 30-May 1 at the InterContinental Washington, D.C. – The Wharf in Washington, D.C. More than 220 attendees sold out this year’s event, which featured education sessions for women at all stages of their career. The 2018 IAEE Woman of Achievement Award was presented to Jennifer Hoff, CEM, president, Taffy Event Strategies during the forum. “Jen took a leap of faith when she launched Taffy Event Strategies. She knew she had the knowledge, skills, and a bit of courage to be… 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.