Aug 06, 2014
Even though the Georgia World Congress Center is one of the country’s largest convention center venues with 1.3-plus million square feet of exhibit space, the building is used for much more than just hosting meetings, conventions and trade shows.  Through unique partnerships in the community, the venue not only has two education centers tucked into converted meeting room space, but also the College Football Hall of Fame will be opening in August on the venue’s campus.  For local students looking for a career in the trade show industry, the GWCC offers an invaluable opportunity… more
Aug 05, 2014
Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI) celebrated its 100th anniversary with record attendance of 1,400 delegates, as well as the launch of its Hall of Fame and presentation of a landmark study during its 2014 Annual Convention that took place July 21-23 at Aria Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. “Our organization is delivering some of the most advanced research and insights shared in its 100-year history and opening new opportunities for DMOs to continue nurturing their business and their communities,” said Michael Gehrisch, president and CEO of DMAI. Earlier this year, the… more
Aug 05, 2014
Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI) celebrated its 100th anniversary with record attendance of 1,400 delegates, as well as the launch of its Hall of Fame and presentation of a landmark study during its 2014 Annual Convention that took place July 21-23 at Aria Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. “Our organization is delivering some of the most advanced research and insights shared in its 100-year history and opening new opportunities for DMOs to continue nurturing their business and their communities,” said Michael Gehrisch, president and CEO of DMAI. Earlier this year, the… more
Aug 05, 2014
The American Bus Association (ABA) has chosen Cleveland as the will host of the ABA’s annual Marketplace, scheduled Jan. 14-17, 2017, at the Cleveland Convention Center. The ABA’s Marketplace is the motorcoach, travel and tourism industry’s top event "The American Bus Association is thrilled when we can bring new cities into the ABA Marketplace family,” said President and CEO Peter J. Pantuso, CTIS. He added, “Cleveland will be a fantastic host city. We know our members will have a great time, visiting the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the city’s many other attractions, and, of… more
Jul 31, 2014
The Global Business Travel Association Convention (GBTA) focused this year on Business In Motion.  Having the show at the Los Angeles Convention Center kept in line with that theme, and nearly 7,000 attendees interacted with more than 400 exhibitors.  The attendance set another record year.The show ran July 26-30 and hit the ground running with educational sessions that addressed the current industry trends.  “Business isn't just moving – it's accelerating. People traverse the globe more quickly than ever before, letting new ideas and knowledge propel them past yesterday's… more
Jul 30, 2014
Built a decade ago, the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center just received a huge boost, with Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick signing off on a massive 1.3 million square foot expansion of the facility.“The expansion and enhancement of the BCEC is an investment in our future that will allow Boston and Massachusetts to continue to grow its share of the meetings and conventions industry; an industry that contributes significantly to our economy by generating billions of dollars in economic impact, while creating and sustaining thousands of jobs,” said James E. Rooney, executive director of… more
Jul 30, 2014
Adjusted for biennial exhibitions and acquisitions, Tarsus Group saw in the first half of 2014 a like-for-like revenue increase of 9 percent to £23.1 million ($39.1 million). During the same period in 2013, Tarsus had revenues of £26 million ($44 million).Despite shows such as the biennial Dubai Air Show not being in the mix this year, the company’s revenues have shown positive growth.Driving those results are the “emerging markets - Dubai (GESS in particular) and our Hope business in China. In Europe, our Labels and French business both produced good numbers,” according to Douglas Emslie,… more
Jul 29, 2014
This summer hasn’t slowed down at all, with plenty of new business contracts taking place between suppliers and shows.CompuSystems continues to grow its client base by adding Randall-Reilly, a marketing solutions company and organizer of the Great American Trucking Show (GATS). CompuSystems will provide registration and lead retrieval services for the 2014 and 2015 Great American Trucking Show. Access Intelligence has selected Convention Data Services (CDS), a registration and lead management company, as their new registration partner. Under the agreement, CDS will provide registration… more
Jul 29, 2014
London-based Informa bought Phoenix-based Virgo, which has six trade shows and conferences and will become part of the company’s Global Exhibitions Group.Financial details of the transaction have not been disclosed.The acquisition gives Informa a foothold into the U.S. market in which Informa primarily only had conferences and learning.The largest trade show on the Virgo portfolio is SupplySide West, serving the health and nutrition markets. The show was ranked No. 140 on the 2013 TSNN Top 250 Trade Show list and was held at the Sands Expo & Convention Center in Las Vegas.Supplyside… more
Jul 28, 2014
When the Society of Independent Show Organizers’ Executive Conference kicks off Aug. 11-13 in Atlantic City, N.J., at the Revel Casino Hotel, attendees will have the opportunity to examine the event experience through the eyes of attendees and exhibitors alike.On the first full day of the conference, one of the first sessions on tap – “The Attendee Experience: What Works? What Doesn't?” – led by Tom Mitchell, president of Messe Dusseldorf, and David Adler, founder and CEO of BizBash Media, will take a look at what’s being done to keep events fresh and engaging.Instead of just speaking from… 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.