May 08, 2016
In April 1951, a couple dozen exhibitors and about 200 attendees gathered in Columbus, Ohio, for the first table-top show of the Produce PrePackaging Association (now known as the Produce Marketing Association).
Because many women were joining the workforce in those post-war years, the demand for packaged fruits and vegetables was rising. Self-service supermarkets were spreading across the country and frozen foods were
gaining popularity.
“The suppliers of fresh produce realized they had to up their game to improve the quality of packaged produce – especially delicate items like… more
May 06, 2016
With a couple of decades in the trade show industry, Philip McKay definitely has learned a lot of things along the way.
McKay currently is the founder and CEO of nGage Events, which owns or partners with the industry’s leading publications in 10 annual hosted buyer events in cutting-edge markets such as; Enterprise Mobility, IoT, Enterprise HPC, Big Data, InkJet Printing, Digital Packaging, Design in Healthcare and Education.
These invitation-only events host the true decision-makers in each market, where the content is provided by the leading analysts in the globe.
Before founding… more
May 06, 2016
Revenues for the Marketing & Events Division of Viad, which is Global Experience Specialists, dipped 8.1 percent in the first quarter of 2016 to $236.1 million, compared with $256.9 million during the same period in 2015.
“We saw lower year-over-year revenues during Q1 from corporate clients and short-term event bookings,” said Steve Moster, Viad’s president and CEO. “This was really due to a shift in timing, as we’re seeing stronger activity in the back half of 2016. “
Some of the decrease in revenues was a result of a few large shows that were in an off year, such as Promat in the… more
May 05, 2016
In a move to expand its reach even more, Dallas-based Freeman has acquired Red Bank, N.J.-based events industry research firm Exhibit Surveys.
The acquisition supports Freeman’s goal to continue to grow its resources to support strategy, design and digital by adding an experienced group of researchers with a deep understanding of data and measurement, according to Freeman officials.
“By expanding our research, data and analytics expertise, we will continue to support our clients as they optimize their event investments and prove out the immense value that brand experiences deliver in… more
May 04, 2016
Exposition Development Company (ExpoDevCo) and Progressive Business Media (PBM) have teamed up for the launch of the Home Furnishings Manufacturing Solutions Expo (HFMSE), a trade show showcasing solutions for home furnishings manufacturers.
HFMSE, on tap June 7-8, 2017, at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, will be the only trade show of its kind in the U.S. serving the $150 billion home furnishings industry, according to show organizers.
The Expo will provide attendees with innovative and timely solutions for their home furnishings business including manufacturing equipment and… more
May 03, 2016
For the first time in the event’s history, the Exhibition & Convention Executives Forum has sold out several weeks before it is set to run June 1 in Washington, D.C.
“ECEF has a waiting list for the first time in 15 years,” said Sam Lippman, president of Lippman Connects, producer of ECEF.
“In recent years, ECEF has consistently sold out, but not anywhere as early as this year,” he added. “I talk to industry executives every day, and my impression is they are more aggressively reaching out for new business opportunities. And that includes attending ECEF for presentations by the… more
May 03, 2016
This year, in the sunny city of Orlando, E2MA’s annual meeting, the Red Diamond Congress, came together with several other conferences (Engagement University, the Loyalty Academy and Rewards & Recognition Expo) under the umbrella of Engagement World.
The conference took place April 25-28, 2016, with over 350 attendees gathered under this new platform. “
We wanted to bring together areas that affect enterprise-wide engagement, and see how we can share education and networking,” said Jim Wurm, executive director, Exhibit and Event Marketers Association. “This was our inaugural… more
May 03, 2016
By Elizabeth Johnson
After several years working with other host cities, TRANSACT, powered by the Electronic Transaction Association (ETA), returned to Las Vegas for the first of four annual events. TRANSACT 16 drew the highest number of participants for the show in Las Vegas to date.
The show, held April 19-21 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, had 65 new exhibitors on the floor and more than 700 first-time attendees. It also had a record number of countries represented at the show.
TRANSACT 16 represents the world of payments technology; an industry that is growing and evolving on a… more
Apr 28, 2016
After more than 40 years as an event for association professionals and industry suppliers, the ASAE Springtime Expo will no longer be held, replaced instead with what is being called the Xperience Design Project
The Xperience Design Project is a two-day, business-focused experience for associations and industry partners at which participants will co-create solutions to shared challenges, as well as build meaningful, mutually beneficial relationships.
There won’t be a traditional showfloor, with attendees and industry suppliers having the opportunity to meet one-on-one in a Business Exchange… more
Apr 28, 2016
Healthcare Convention & Exhibitors Picks Tom Norton for HCEAConnect Keynote
The Healthcare Convention & Exhibitors Association (HCEA) has unveiled its keynote speaker for the opening session of HCEAConnect, the association’s annual educational and networking event, Aug. 14-17 in Savannah, Ga.
Tom Norton, Principal at NHD Smart Communications of Illinois, Inc. will speak on “What Impact Will the November Elections Have on the American Healthcare Industry?”
Norton is an experienced healthcare executive specializing in public affairs/public policy communications.
In his extensive… 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.