Feb 08, 2017
Trade shows dedicated to the poultry, beef and firearms industries have been enjoying extra boosts in attendance recently.  The Cattle Industry Convention and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Trade Show shattered its previous attendance record of 8,200 attendees by attracting 9,331 participants to its most recent event, held Feb.1-3 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, TN. As the largest national trade show for the beef industry, the event drew 359 exhibiting companies spanning 268,000 net square feet of exhibition space. Last year, the show… more
Feb 08, 2017
UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has released the results of its 18th UFI Global Barometer survey. After two years of relatively stable levels of operating profit, majority of interviewed companies indicated that they expect increased turnover in 2017. The survey shows an ongoing expansion in the industry’s business activities globally, both in the survey companies’ home market as well as in new geographical markets. The majority of the companies surveyed plan to develop new activities. About 40% also plan to develop operations in new countries. “Some economists are… more
Feb 08, 2017
Taiwan's first comprehensive agriculture technology exhibition, Asia Agri-Tech Expo & Forum 2017, will take place Sept. 28-30 at Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center. It is being co-organized by the "Council of Agriculture (COA), Executive Yuan of Taiwan government", and UBM Asia Ltd., Taiwan Branch (UBM Taiwan).  Held concurrently with Livestock Taiwan Expo & Forum 2017 and Aquaculture Taiwan Expo & Forum 2017, the event is positioned to be a one-stop comprehensive international B2B trading platform, showcasing innovative, eco-friendly and… more
Feb 07, 2017
Emerald Expositions’ Outdoor Retailer has opened the door to possibly moving its show out of its long-time home at the Calvin L. Rampton Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City. The show recently announced, in cooperation with Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) and Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, that it will solicit proposals for venue locations for shows and events scheduled for November 2018 and beyond. “Outdoor Retailer has always been about ‘Right time, right place, right stuff,’” said Marisa Nicholson, show director for Outdoor Retailer. She added, “We… more
Feb 06, 2017
In response to the retail fashion industry’s growing concern about how President Trump’s administration may impact global trade and apparel manufacturing, SOURCING at MAGIC will be hosting a special educational seminar, “Post Election: Trump and Trade,” at MAGIC, taking place Feb. 21-23 at the Las Vegas Convention Center and Mandalay Bay Convention Center. As one of 13 showfloor categories at the largest biannual U.S. trade show for the global retail fashion industry, SOURCING at MAGIC is dedicated to the global supply chain. With this segment of the fashion industry potentially facing a host… more
RD Whitney
Feb 06, 2017
The brisk hiring trend that kicked off the beginning of the year has continued, with several companies that serve the bustling trade show industry making hires. RD Whitney was appointed as executive vice president of Business Development Tarsus Americas, a division of U.K.-based Tarsus Group, with immediate effect Feb. 1. RD previously was group vice president at Diversified Communications overseeing a growing portfolio of business communities and events. Prior to Diversified, and in just 27 months as a Partner at Greenhaven Partners, RD transformed former BNA (now Bloomberg) publishing… more
Feb 06, 2017
We can talk all day about what the trade show industry and our employers are or are not doing to promote, protect, and compensate women (and we will), but are women doing enough to get the promotions, protections, and compensation that they deserve? Some women will say that we shouldn’t have to do anything, that equality is equality. Others might say that if anything is worth having, it’s worth working toward methodically. There may also be a group of women that is simply happy with where they are and where they’re going. What about you? In this week’s discussion, Michelle Bruno will solicit… more
Feb 03, 2017
Earlier this week, Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Howard Zemsky announced the selection of the design-build team for the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center’s $1.5 billion expansion project. Following a rigorous evaluation process with the help of five groups of technical experts, a blue-ribbon selection panel chose LendLease Turner to coordinate and construct the massive project. The panel’s recommendation was approved by the board of directors of the New York Convention Center Development Corporation, a subsidiary of Empire State Development that owns the convention… more
Feb 02, 2017
By Elizabeth Johnson Meetings and events are not immune to crises. Everything from severe weather/natural disasters to protests to a tragic accident can affect an event and require immediate and confident communication with attendees, the media and other stakeholders. And, while many events and the venues in which they reside have operational crisis plans in place, far fewer have communication strategies prepare ahead of time.  “I found that about half of my clients who hosted larger events (500+ attendees) did not have an adequate crisis communication plan prepared for their events,”… more
Feb 01, 2017
As the largest biannual U.S. trade show for the global retail fashion industry, MAGIC is known for staying ahead of trends, while continually revamping, expanding and refining its showfloor offerings. Its upcoming event, set for Feb. 20-23 at the Las Vegas Convention Center and the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, will be no exception as it unveils a new African Pavilion and a refreshed women’s fashion showcase. Owned and produced by UBM Fashion Group, the massive show attracts tens of thousands of attendees from more than 80 countries to Las Vegas every February and August. In 2015 alone,… 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.