Feb 03, 2014
The estimated economic impact of U.S. Travel Association’s IPW, formerly known as International Pow Wow, is four times that of the Super Bowl.
Bringing 6,000 travel buyers, suppliers and media to a host city for three days filled with upwards of 90,000 one-on-one business appointments, the three-day event packs an economic wallop that extends far into the future.
A comparison of the economic impact of the 2013 IPW event held in Las Vegas with a similar study of the 2012 Super Bowl in Indianapolis shows that, while the Super Bowl attracted more attendees and visitors, the… more
Feb 03, 2014
Robert Gates, former Secretary of Defense for President Barack Obama and President George W. Bush and author of the newly-published book “Duty: Memoirs of A Secretary at War”, will be the keynote speaker at the 2014 AAHOA (Asian American Hotel Owners Association) Annual Convention and Trade Show on tap March 19 - 22 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia.
“AAHOA prides itself on providing information to our members as well as to our industry that is timely and relevant,” said Mehul Patel, AAHOA chairman. “The appearance by Robert Gates… more
Feb 02, 2014
Already partnered with a few other shows to cross-promote attendance and other marketing, Advanstar Communications’ Licensing Expo partnered with one of the company’s other shows, MAGIC Market Week, on a similar initiative.
MAGIC Market Week biannually connects more than 5,000 fashion brands with more than 65,000 visitors, across 1 million square feet of exhibit space.
Licensing Expo, which represents the $230 billion licensing and brand extension market, draws more than 5,000 fashion, character, entertainment, art and consumer brands from 420 exhibitors and more than 15,000… more
Feb 02, 2014
From marble to bamboo, flooring materials of every kind took center stage at the International Surfaces Event that took place Jan. 28-30 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas.
The trade show unites SURFACES, StonExpo/Marmomacc America and a new TileExpo, and is produced by Hanley Wood Exhibitions. Turning the corner after the recession, it’s all set for growth with new additions and alliances.
“The show feels reenergized,” said Amie Gilmore, associate show director of SURFACES. “We went into this year with big goals, and we met them all. Next year… more
Jan 30, 2014
Hanley Wood Exhibitions’ World of Concrete just wrapped up in Las Vegas and not only did the show fare well, but also the mobile game app made specifically for it – Rig Racin’ – scored a whopping 100,000-plus downloads.
Game players had the opportunity to steer mixer trucks through three action-packed, challenging game-play environments.
Players had to deliver their cement load on time to receive in-game rewards and to advance to more challenging levels throughout the game.
The better the player, the more in-game cash the player could earn to purchase new themes for… more
Jan 30, 2014
Atlanta-based Shepard Exposition Services has acquired US Expo & Convention Services, which has offices in Phoenix and Tucson, Ariz.
"US Expo's reputation as an above-and-beyond service-provider is a perfect cultural fit for our organization and our Blue Diamond Customer Service Program,” said Carl Mitchell, Shepard's president.
He added, “Also, it will strengthen our existing national operations network by adding these key markets to our growing western operations.”
US Expo’s operations will be integrated into Shepard’s within the next 30… more
Jan 29, 2014
Kicking off the beginning of the year, several companies snagged new or renewed business contracts.
Global Experience Specialists signed a multi-year agreement with the Los Angeles Auto Show as its official services and electrical provider. GES also was selected to provide audio visual services.
“After an extensive competitive review, we are excited to continue our growing business partnership with GES as the Show’s official services provider,” said General Manager of the LA Auto Show Terri Toennies.
She added, “We look forward to strengthening our existing… more
Jan 28, 2014
Continuing its rapid expansion further into the home show market, Marketplace Events will launch another one in New Orleans next year.
The NOLA Home Show will take place Jan 16-18 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.
Marketplace Events already recently rolled out a new fall home show in Birmingham, Ala., in September 2013, as well as they are planning for the upcoming launch of the Cleveland Home + Remodeling Expo in March at the newly renovated Cleveland Convention Center.
“We’ve had great recent success in launching new home shows in North American markets of strategic… more
Jan 28, 2014
Two wintertime shows heated up the trade show industry, with both the PGA Merchandise Show and the NAMM Show seeing an increase in professional attendance, compared with their events held last year.
The PGA Merchandise Show, produced by Reed Exhibitions, was held Jan. 22-24 and covered 1 million square feet of the Orange County Convention Center, including some 483,000 square feet of interactive exhibit and demonstration areas.
PGA Professional attendance grew by five percent, while overall industry attendance dipped slightly (by 5 percent) to total more than 41,000 PGA Professionals,… more
Jan 27, 2014
Louisville Convention & Visitors Bureau’s President and CEO Jim Wood resigned from the top post, effective immediately, and Karen Williams will take his place in the interim, beginning Jan. 29.
Woods has been at the bureau for 11 years, and his resignation was accepted by the Commission of the Louisville Convention & Visitors Bureau at a board meeting.
Williams previously held the post as executive vice president at the Louisville CVB, but had retired in 2012 after 23 years at the bureau.
“Jim Wood has brought Louisville unparalleled success when it comes to… 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.