Aug 18, 2013
The Center for Exhibition Industry Research’s latest Index Report for the second quarter was just released, and the good news is for the 12th consecutive quarter, the trade show industry continues to grow, though that growth has slowed. Year-over-year growth increased 1.2 percent overall, which is down slightly, 0.3 percent, compared with the second quarter of last year. The growth also lagged behind that of the GDP numbers in the second quarter that saw a 1.4 percent increase. "Overall, the second-quarter results continue on a positive upswing, and they confirm that the… more
Aug 18, 2013
Thousands of independent pharmacists converged Aug. 7-10 in Seattle for Cardinal Health's annual Retail Business Conference, with the theme Discover New Horizons for improving their businesses and for delivering quality, personalized care to patients. "RBC is the industry's best opportunity to celebrate independent pharmacy and to encourage owners to discover new opportunities to move their businesses forward," said Steve Lawrence, senior vice president of Retail Independent Sales for Cardinal Health.  He added, "This event is one of the largest gatherings of… more
Aug 14, 2013
Atlanta-based Urban Expositions has further expanded into the restaurant and foodservice industries by scooping up three shows from Reed Exhibitions and one more from the New York State Restaurant Association. The Reed shows are the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Show, Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo and Expo Comida Latina, as well as the association’s International Restaurant & Foodservice Show, which was managed by Reed. "We have been searching for strategic opportunities to grow our retail/hospitality sector and these shows perfectly reflect the profile and… more
Aug 13, 2013
After a 15-year run as the telecom provider for the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority, which oversees the Las Vegas Convention Center and the Cashman Center, Smart City Networks lost the lucrative contract to Cox Nevada Telcom, following a 14-1 vote by the LVCVA board on Aug. 13. Smart City came in second, followed by A&T. According to LVCVA board meeting notes, Cox Nevada Telcom was awarded a seven-year contract, with the option of a three-year extension, and will subcontract with showNets to provide on-site services to show management, exhibitors and attendees. “The… more
Aug 13, 2013
Trade Show News Network is pleased to announce that Henry S. Givray, president and CEO of SmithBucklin, has not only been named the TSNN Awards Industry Icon honoree, but also he will be speaking on leadership at the awards’ weekend executive conference. Givray leads the world’s largest association management and professional services company, providing full-service management and high-impact specialized services to more than 420 trade and professional associations, corporations and government institutes. “Being named the TSNN Industry Icon Award recipient for 2013 is a… more
Aug 12, 2013
The packaging industry just keeps growing and, as a result, so does one of the big shows that represent it - PMMI’s biennial PACK EXPO Las Vegas - which is trending to be its largest ever. Scheduled Sept. 23-25 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Pack Expo Las Vegas show organizers have needed to expand the showfloor once again because of the demand for space. “With just two months before show time, PACK EXPO is still growing,” said PMMI President and CEO Charles D. Yuska. “After expanding the show floor to accommodate supplier demand, we plan to add yet more exhibit… more
Aug 12, 2013
Nineteen destination marketing organizations (DMOs) have recently been accredited under Destination Marketing Association International's (DMAI) Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP). "Congratulations to these nineteen destinations for receiving their DMAP accreditation," commented Shelly Green, Chair of DMAP and president and CEO of the Durham (N.C.) CVB. She added, "The DMAP process is a comprehensive review of a DMO's business procedures and accountability. These DMOs have shown their dedication to continually providing customers with superior service… more
Aug 11, 2013
Less than a week after New York Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced the annual Progressive Insurance New York Boat Show not only signed a new contract at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City through 2019, but also was being switched to a mid- to late-January timeframe, which will displace several other trade shows, Lew Shomer, executive director for the Society of Independent Show Organizers, sent a letter to the governor rebuking the decision. “For a government official to interfere with such policies is unconventional and sets a terrible precedent that effectively… more
Aug 11, 2013
The German messes are launching more and more shows in North America, with the latest being the Residential Construction and Remodeling Expo, owned by NürnbergMesse North America. The show will be held Oct. 7-9 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta and geared toward suppliers wanting to reach home builders, architects, designers and remodelers on the East Coast of the U.S., according to show organizers. “We are bringing together the very best talent in all areas of show management, residential building, remodeling and education serving this industry,” said Dirk… more
Aug 08, 2013
Emerald Expositions’ Outdoor Retailer Summer Market continues to defy the odds of being seemingly maxed out for space in Salt Lake City, Utah, and managed to still grow the show to its largest ever. With the Salt Palace Convention Center completely filled, the show had a total of 516,000 net square feet (92,000 in three, temporary pavilion structures), which is 2.5-percent larger than 2012. With stricter attendance qualifications, especially for drive-in and non-exhibitor attendees, approximately 27,000 visitors checked out all of the products displayed by 1,300 exhibitors, which was… 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.