Association Show News

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Jul 13, 2017
Destination Marketing Association International has been renamed, officially becoming Destinations International, effective July 13. The new name was unveiled this week during the association’s Annual Convention in Montreal, Canada. Several other announcements, including a partnership with the James Beard Foundation, Canadian engagement initiatives and the results from the Defining the Impact of the Weaponization of Travel and DestinationNEXT studies also were made. “Our new name, Destinations International, reflects the new reality that we are so much more than just marketers of our… more
Jun 27, 2017
UFI - The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry has named Artexis Easyfairs as winner of the 2017 UFI Education Award. The theme for this year’s UFI Education Award was employee retention. Retaining talented individuals and helping them to continue to develop their skills is an important area of focus for all Human Resource departments. This year’s award was designed to recognize those companies that have developed an effective HR strategy that aims to recognize talented employees, and encourage them to continue to develop their skills whilst remaining engaged as key members of the… more
Jun 19, 2017
A fifth new trade show will collocate with United FreshMKT Expo, United FreshTEC Expo, International Floriculture Expo and Global Cold Chain Expo in June 2018 at McCormick Place in Chicago. Dedicated to the exploding category of healthy foods, SmartFood Expo is designed to provide retail and foodservice buyers with a one-stop shop for learning about the newest products, trends and opportunities to increase their share of the “better-for-you-foods” business. Launched by the United Fresh Produce Association, EnsembleIQ and Progressive Grocer, the new expo will feature a wide variety of consumer… more
Jun 12, 2017
The Consumer Technology Association will feature Smart Cities as a new area of focus at CES®, which will include a dedicated Marketplace (exhibit area) and a full schedule of related conference programming. Owned and produced by CTA, CES 2018 is the world's gathering place for all who thrive on the business of consumer technologies. "We are thrilled to announce our new Smart Cities Marketplace and conference at CES 2018. Connected and smart technologies are making our cities more efficient, sustainable and responsive through the use of data to enable better processes and decision making,"… more
Jun 12, 2017
UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has unveiled Fira Barcelona as the winner of its annual Sustainable Development Award. The theme of this year’s  competition, “Best destination approach to implementing sustainability”, was chosen in order to recognize initiatives that combine the efforts of a destination, in partnership with a professional exhibition operator, to implement sustainability around an individual exhibition or a series of events. The award jury was composed of Members of the UFI Sustainable Development Committee and Dianne Young, Chair of the UFI… more
Jun 10, 2017
For the fourth year in a row, the International Association of Exhibitions and Events spearheaded #ExhibitionsDay, held June 6-7 in Washington, D.C., at which 112 trade show professionals had more than 100 face-to-face meetings with congressional representatives on Capitol Hill. "The 4th Annual Exhibitions Day was a tremendous success, as we realized a 30-percent increase in participation of IAEE members who joined us in Washington, D.C., to make important calls on Congressional staff,” said IAEE President and CEO David DuBois, CMP, CAE, CTA, FASAE He added, “This year's issues were very… more
Jun 08, 2017
Urban Expositions scooped up the U.S. Coffee Fest event portfolio from Lifestyle Events,  which includes the 2017 Coffee Fest Chicago and Portland events, along with the 2018 Baltimore and Denver shows.  Coffee Fest trade shows launched 25 years ago and focus on the coffee, tea and beverage industry. “We are pursuing strategic opportunities to grow our business, and specifically our foodservice and hospitality sector.  These shows perfectly align with the profile and growth potential we were hoping to add to this portfolio,” said Craig Dooley, president and CEO, Urban… more
Jun 05, 2017
The trade show industry was back on the positive side after slipping in the final quarter of 2016, with a year-over-year 1.6-percent uptick in growth to kick off the first quarter of this year, according to the Center for Exhibition Industry Research’s Index Report. However, the industry has continued to underperform the macroeconomy. "The increase in the first quarter validates our prediction that economic fundamentals still point to moderate growth for the exhibition industry," said CEIR Economist Allen Shaw, Ph.D., chief economist for Global Economic Consulting Associates, Inc. The … more
Jun 01, 2017
In an effort to create more meaningful meetings for their attendees, guests and exhibitors, several national and international dental organizations will be joining forces to combine three major dental conventions in 2019 and two in 2020.   The American Dental Association (ADA), FDI World Dental Federation (FDI), California Dental Association (CDA) and San Francisco Dental Society (SFDS) will be partnering up to host a joint 2019 meeting in San Francisco. In addition, the ADA and Florida Dental Association (FDA) will be consolidating their 2020 meetings in Orlando while the ADA explores… more
May 31, 2017
More keynote speakers have been unveiled for the 2017 Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI) Annual Convention in Montréal, Canada July 11‐14. “We are thrilled to have assembled such a diverse and respected group of speakers for the Annual Convention,” said DMAI President and CEO Don Welsh. He added, “We look forward to inspiring and equipping our members with education sessions as well as giving them the unique opportunity to connect with industry peers in Montréal.” Here are a few of the new keynotes: Evita Turquoise Robinson Since her first taste of Europe at the age of 21… 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.