Oct 02, 2019
Freeman, a provider of live events and brand experiences, has acquired Convention Data Services (CDS), an event registration, business intelligence and lead management company.
Combined with its acquisition of Info Salons in 2018, Freeman significantly has added to its global event registration and digital services offerings.
“Show organizers are asking for simple, unified and effective ways to create a better experience for their teams and attendees around the world,” said Bob Priest-Heck, CEO of Freeman.
He added, “The addition of CDS to Freeman’s suite of digital tools and services… more
Oct 01, 2019
Venue management companies AEG Facilities and SMG have completed their merger to create ASM Global, a new, stand-alone global facility management and venue services company that now operates more than 300 arenas, stadiums, convention centers and performing arts centers across five continents.
The completion of this transaction comes eight months after the companies announced the proposed merger. Onex, of which SMG is a portfolio company, and AEG’s subsidiary are now equal co-owners of ASM, according to ASM officials.
Headquartered in Los Angeles, with key operations based in the… more
Sep 30, 2019
A conference with several thousand people sounds like an unlikely place to zen out. Yet the organizers of IMEX America and one major hotel company, understanding the immense benefits of meditation, helped conference goers do exactly that at this year’s event, held Sept. 10-12 in Las Vegas.
The IMEX Be Well Lounge
The event organizers behind IMEX America chose Las Vegas-based Lee Papa as the wellness expert to lead the mindfulness exercises inside its Be Well Lounge. Throughout four days (including Smart Monday), she led 25 guided meditations, ranging from 15 to 30 minutes each. It was a… more
Sep 27, 2019
While things are starting to cool off in some areas of North America, that doesn’t seem to be the case with the trade show industry. This fall is a busy one — check out all these trade show and event service providers forging new deals and renewing existing partnerships.
NTP Events
The Air Force Association has extended its contract with NTP Events through 2021. Under the terms of the deal, NTP will manage booth sales, exhibitor marketing and exhibitor operations for the association’s Air, Space & Cyber Conference, known as a leading event for defense and aerospace professionals.
“We’… more
Sep 27, 2019
Technology, diversity, the economy and customer expectations (among other factors) are pushing members of the trade show industry to be more proficient, creative and open-minded than in the past.
Join our next #Expochat on Wednesday, Oct. 2 at 1 p.m. ET, when moderator Michelle Bruno will help us explore what workers in the exhibition industry need to know and how the industry can build a future-proof workforce.
Here are some questions we’ll be addressing:
1. What are the biggest issues impacting exhibition industry workers today?
2. What do exhibition workers need to know today… more
Sep 25, 2019
International Association of Exhibitions and Events is heading to the Middle East. The world’s leading trade association for exhibitions management announced this week that it will launch Expo! Expo! MENA in Abu Dhabi, UAE, in fall 2020.
"By bringing the IAEE Expo! Expo! brand to the MENA region, we are filling a much-needed gap in this region by providing a trade show and conference that brings buyers and sellers together to conduct business and learn best practices in exhibition management," said IAEE President and CEO David DuBois.
MENA, which will build off the Expo! Expo! IAEE annual… more
Sep 23, 2019
The Labelexpo Global Series of trade shows for the label and package printing industry is launching a new major show serving the Latin American market: Labelexpo Mexico, set for June 23-25, 2021, at World Trade Center Mexico City.
Labelexpo Mexico joins a portfolio of other successful Labelexpo trade shows, including Label Summit Latin America, which rotates among three locations; and Labelexpo Americas, which takes place biennially at Donald E. Stephens Convention Center outside Chicago. Launching a show in Mexico was a logical next step, according to company officials.
“At Labelexpo… more
Sep 20, 2019
The Boston Convention and Exhibition Center is getting ready to grow. On Sept. 19, the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority board of directors accepted a proposal announced by Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito on Sept. 16 that includes expanding BCEC and selling Hynes Convention Center to fund the project.
According to Governor Baker, the expansion plan will make Boston’s convention space more efficient by consolidating the city’s major convention business in one central location. It will also maximize new economic opportunities in both the Seaport and Back Bay… more
Sep 19, 2019
Trade Show News Network has selected the 10 finalists for our 2019 TSNN “Best of Show” awards. The TSNN Awards’ is celebrating this 10thAnniversary this year and marketing it with record-breaking nominations for the “Best of Show” category!
We asked show organizers to tell us why they believed their show was “best,” and the shows listed below are ones that we believe exemplify true innovation in the trade show industry. Now, we need all of YOU to vote for the show that you think deserves to be named the Best of Show.
The two overall winners will be announced at the TSNN Awards, which… more
Sep 19, 2019
Last year, Cori Dossett, president of Conferences Designed based in Dallas, spent two weeks in New Zealand. It was meant to be a holiday, but despite being 7,500 miles from home, it didn’t feel like one.
“I literally worked half the vacation — some days I did not leave my hotel room,” recalls Dossett. “It was unfortunate and sad in so many ways.”
This meeting planner’s experience is relatable on many levels. It’s hard to take time away from work in this industry, and even more so when you’re the boss. As a self-employed small business owner, Dossett says she has freedom to take as much… 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.