Association Show News

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Jul 08, 2016
The 2016 Summer Fancy Food Show was the largest in exhibit space since it was established in 1954. More than 2,670 exhibitors filled the halls of Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York, with the latest in specialty food and beverages from across the U.S. and 55 countries. Owned and produced by the Specialty Food Association, the show ran June 26-28. More than 47,000 specialty food professionals were in the exhibit halls, which spanned the equivalent of six football fields. "The show is the place to be to discover the latest in specialty food and what's next for stores and restaurants… more
Jul 07, 2016
The plastics industry was still in its infancy when the first National Plastics Exposition (NPE) opened its doors in April 1946 at the Grand Central Palace in New York. The Society of the Plastics Industry (SPI) was founded in 1937. Organizers realized industry professionals needed a place to meet face-to-face and discover the latest technology in real-life machinery, materials, and processed goods all in one place at one time. So once World War II ended, the opportunity to demonstrate equipment operating in front of an audience of thousands became a reality. Plastics were a… more
Jul 06, 2016
The International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM) has selected Brad Mayne as its new president and CEO, effective July 19. Mayne also will serve as the president and CEO of the IAVM Foundation. “Throughout his career, Brad has garnered respect from every facet of our industry,” said Karen Totaro, CFE, IAVM chair. “He has worked across sectors in various leadership roles, including within IAVM, which have earned him awards and praise. We are excited to have him take over the helm of IAVM.” IAVM represents public assembly venues from around the globe. IAVM's active members include managers… more
Jul 05, 2016
By Elizabeth Johnson In a 1996 article published in the Harvard Business Review, “The Future of Interactive Marketing”, the authors noted, “Clearly, marketing’s tool kit is experiencing unsettling amounts of innovation today. The boom in direct and database marketing, the dawning of electronic commerce, new ways to automate sales force management, and the sudden blossoming of the World Wide Web all suggest that the discipline is under pressure to reshape.” In honor of TSNN’s 20th anniversary, we’re taking a look at some of the marketing tactics events used in 1996 and comparing them to today… more
Jun 29, 2016
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) has opened the 2016 Art of the Show Competition and entries are being accepted through Sept. 30. The IAEE Art of the Show Competition recognizes excellence in the development of promotional and marketing materials for exhibitions and events. This year, IAEE has expanded the competition to include a new category: Social Media Campaign. The remaining category descriptions have been significantly expanded which in turn brings clarity to the judging criteria. “It is always exciting to see the innovative ways in which our… more
Jun 29, 2016
“I can’t thank you enough for this opportunity,” and similar sentiments from SHOT Show exhibitors were repeatedly exchanged with National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) staff at the conclusion of the 3rd annual SHOT Show Exhibitor Academy. This year’s Academy was held June 20-22 at the Sands Expo  Convention Center and was attended by more than 100 SHOT Show exhibitors. The Exhibitor Academy is the brainchild of ConvExx, the show management firm who won the bid to manage SHOT Show beginning in 2014. ConvExx created their first Exhibitor Academy for the SEMA show during the height of… more
Jun 27, 2016
At the 2016 Professional Convention Management Association’s Education Conference in St. Louis. Mo., the planning committee did some quick thinking after the U.K. voted to leave the European Union last Thursday. The committee included on the event’s schedule a live-streaming and in-person session with representatives from three global companies to talk about the possible impact of the U.K. vote on the meetings industry. Moderated by PCMA’s Michelle Crowley, the three panelists were Oscar Cerezales, COO - APAC, MCI Group, Ben Hainsworth, executive director, K.I.T. Group GmbH and Simon Hughes,… more
Jun 24, 2016
Despite polls indicating that the opposite result would be achieved, Britain has voted to leave the European Union, which it has been a member of since the mid-1970s. The vote’s impact on the British pound and stock markets worldwide was swift, with the U.K. currency dropping to a 30-year low and the FTSE 100 also seeing steep declines. As a strong backer of the ‘Remain’ campaign, British Prime Minister David Cameron also announced that he would be stepping down from his post in the next few months as a result of the ‘Leave’ campaign winning the vote. The exhibition industry is a global one,… more
Jun 21, 2016
The summer months have not slowed down business in the event industry, with several companies signing new contracts and renewing existing ones to kick off the sunny season. SEMI, producer of SEMICON West, has renewed their contract for another three years with Convention Data Services (CDS), its registration partner for the past nine years. Under the agreement, CDS will provide complete registration management and technology, a full-service customer care center and exhibitor services. SEMICON West is the flagship trade and technology event for the global micro- and nano-electronics industries… more
Jun 21, 2016
Based on preliminary results, Asian Attractions Expo (AAE) 2016 attracted a record-breaking 11,500 total participants, including 8,100 buyers; and for the sixth consecutive year broke records for the size of the trade show floor and number of exhibitors; delivered information-packed education programs; and featured sold-out networking events at Shanghai-area attractions, including the new Shanghai Disney Resort.  Asian Attractions Expo, which is organized by the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (… 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.