Jun 20, 2015
The 2015 BIO International Convention, for global biotech community, recently was held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia and hosted 29,279 partnering meetings, a new record for the event.  Organized by the Biotechnology Industry Organization, which changed its name to the Biotechnology Innovation Organization, the event drew 15,858 industry leaders from 69 countries and 47 states, as well as the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. “This year’s BIO International Convention was a tremendous success, bringing to Philadelphia leaders in industry, government and… more
Jun 19, 2015
The Board of Directors for the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCCA) voted to appoint Fred Peterson as its interim executive director, replacing the current director, James E. Rooney, who will be leaving the authority at the end of the month to become the next president and CEO of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce. Peterson will assume the Interim role, effective July 1. “On behalf of the entire board, we are pleased to have a candidate with Fred’s qualifications take the lead as our Interim Executive Director,” said John McDonnell, board chair of the MCCA and managing… more
Jun 18, 2015
Global Gaming Expo 2015, for the casino gaming industry, is broadening its scope by launching the “Integrated Resort Experience at G2E,” presenting innovative non-gaming technology, products and services as guests would experience them in a gaming-resort setting. This new effort will deliver a complete “end-to-end” solution to help casinos attract more guests, encourage them to stay and play longer, and increase revenue per visitor, according to show organizers. Led by the American Gaming Association and Global Gaming Expo, the Integrated Resort Experience will be collocated with G2E,… more
Jun 18, 2015
When the recent United Fresh 2015 annual convention and expo wrapped up at Chicago’s McCormick Place, United Fresh donated 39,019 lbs. of produce and 207 lbs. of assorted dry food to the Greater Chicago Food Depository. Volunteers helped collect donations from the convention floor, which is filled with fresh produce companies, to benefit those in need serviced by Greater Chicago Food Depository partner agencies such as food pantries, soup kitchen, and other emergency feeding centers. "United Fresh and exhibitors at the show are proud to support the Feeding America network of food banks," said… more
Jun 16, 2015
The American Society of Association Executives’ (ASAE) 2015 Marketing, Membership, & Communications Conference (MMCC), held June 1—2, at the Walter E. Washington (D.C.) Convention Center, recorded the highest number of participants in its history, With more than 1,000 attendees and more than 60 exhibiting companies.  “We had another great MMCC conference this year. Along with its record breaking attendance, participants were energized and found ideas and solutions to questions they were seeking because of the high-level content, opening and closing general speakers, and… more
Jun 16, 2015
Sustainability in the trade show industry is moving to the forefront again after it stalled during the recession, and Global Experience Specialists recently took a big leap forward to become the first general service contractor to be certified to an international sustainability standard for the meetings and event industry. GES exceeded Level One and achieved Level Two certification to the Accepted Practices EXchange/American Society for Testing and Materials (APEX /ASTM) Environmentally Sustainable Event Standards pertaining to the Evaluation and Selection of Exhibits for Environmentally… more
Jun 15, 2015
UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry named Kai Hattendorf as its new managing director to replace Paul Woodward, who will be stepping down in November. The announcement was made on the opening day of the UFI Open Seminar in Europe, June 15-17 in Istanbul, Turkey. Hattendorf currently is vice president, Digital Business & Entertainment at Messe Frankfurt and was selected in a in a process led by the UFI president, Andrés Lopez-Valderrama and his Executive Committee, and supported by the international search firm, Heidrick & Struggles. “I am personally very pleased… more
Jun 15, 2015
Las Vegas will once again host the largest travel trade show in North America in 2020, the U.S. Travel Association’s IPW. IPW is the travel industry’s premier international marketplace and the largest generator of travel to the U.S.   "IPW is a tremendous opportunity to showcase Las Vegas to the world and there is always something new to experience," said Lawrence Weekly, Clark County Commissioner and Chairman of the LVCVA Board of Directors. He added. "Since the show was last here just two years ago, we’ve seen new resorts open like the SLS Las Vegas, The Cromwell and The Delano, new… more
Jun 15, 2015
E.J. Krause & Associates launch The Builder Remodeler Expo Southeast March 8-9 at the Cobb Galleria. The trade show and conference will encompass builders, designers, remodelers, and all those who sell and service the residential building industry. “Atlanta is the ideal market to develop BRE into a major platform to serve the Southeast’s residential building and remodeling industry,” said Ned Krause, president and CEO, E.J. Krause. He added, “BRE has already received considerable support from major manufacturers and distributors, as well as industry backing. We are looking forward to a… more
Jun 11, 2015
Hospitality design is booming, with the Emerald Expositions’ HD Expo, held May 13-15 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, drawing a record crowd and exhibitors. There were 10,260 registered attendees at the show, which is produced by Hospitality Design magazine, marking a 10-percent increase from last year. The showfloor had 255,200 square feet of booth space, which was also an increase from 2014. “HD Expo continues to be at the forefront of the industry as we uniquely provide the ultimate platform to bring together and provide access to the world’s leading hospitality design… 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.