Aug 07, 2013
The theme for the 2013 Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) meeting is “No Boundaries”. This year’s show focused on how technology makes the travel industry a truly global market player.  And that theme was certainly present with more than 50 countries represented in the 7,000 attendees at the conference. This year’s show, held Aug. 4-7 at the San Diego Convention Center, provided a solid platform for the industry to meet, learn and share.  “There were more than 400 exhibitors covering about 130,000 square feet of exhibit space and representing… more
Aug 06, 2013
Have you ever wondered where you could go to see a ton of different videos and other content related to not only your work, but also your career and life? bxb Online recently launched BOB.tv – Best of Business, an online learning destination for business professionals, at a press conference held Aug. 5 at the American Society of Association Executives Annual Meeting & Exposition in Atlanta. Tony Lorenz, founder of bxb Online, said the plan to develop BOB.tv was first announced at the Professional Convention Management Association’s Convening Leaders annual meeting 18 months… more
Aug 05, 2013
Six months after Cygnus Business Media put its agriculture-related portfolio up for sale, the American Farm Bureau Federation, a nonprofit that supports farmers and is based in Washington, D.C., bought it for an undisclosed sum. The purchase included five trade shows: Minnesota Farmfest, Dakotafest, Amarillo Farm and Ranch Show, Northern Illinois Farm Show and the IDEAg-branded Interconnectivity Conference. In addition to the events, the buy also encompassed FEED & GRAIN magazine and Case IH Farm Forum magazine, as well as associated digital content properties. The events and… more
Aug 05, 2013
The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), in collaboration with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) and Chamber of Commerce of the Philippine Islands (CCPI), recently signed a memorandum of understanding to further improve and expand trade promotion and MICE industries between the two countries. Speaking at the MOU Signing Ceremony on behalf of an official Thai counterpart,Nopparat Maythaveekulchai, TCEB’s President said, "... Thailand's MICE sector has been growing strongly in recent years. In 2012 we welcomed 895,224 MICE visitors,exceeding our… more
Aug 05, 2013
The 24th HKTDC Hong Kong Book Fair drew more than 980,000 visitors, setting an all-time attendance record for the week-long event, according to the organizer, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC). “The Hong Kong Book Fair is a significant cultural event in the Asia-Pacific region,” said HKTDC Deputy Executive Director Benjamin Chau. He added, “The nearly 10 percent increase in visitor attendance this year can be attributed to the Art Gallery and the sumptuous line-up of fascinating cultural events, which added traffic, and drew tourists to Hong Kong.” The… more
Aug 05, 2013
U.K.-based Reed Exhibitions and China-based CPIT Shanghai recently signed a memorandum of understanding that will enable them to work more closely together on projects.  The MOU was endorsed after successful talks between Wang Lie, vice chairman of the Council for the Promotion of International Trade Shanghai (CPIT Shanghai), and Nat Wong, president of Reed Exhibitions Greater China. As part of the agreement, Reed and CPIT Shanghai will establish mechanisms through which critical experience and information are disseminated, long-term projects are investigated and opinions on key… more
Aug 04, 2013
The summer months haven’t slowed down the busy hiring pace by show management and supplier companies, with two new leaders being named at CVBs and a host of other people news in the past month. Milton Segarra was named the new president and CEO of the Puerto Rico Convention Bureau. Segarra previously was executive director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company and served as Secretary of the Department of Economic Development and Commerce. He also has held various sales, marketing and C-level management positions with some of Puerto Rico’s top international hotel brands, including… more
Aug 04, 2013
Atlanta pulled out all the stops to show off the city to more than 5,000 association executives, suppliers, spouses and guests at the 2013 American Society of Association Executives’ Annual Meeting & Exposition Aug. 4-6. The number of association executives grew this year, with nearly 3,000 attending, the second highest amount since 3,124 attended in 2008 in San Diego. John Graham, president and CEO of ASAE, said cities often make a lot of promises when they bid on the meeting. “Atlanta lived up to and exceeded the promises and commitments (they) made,” he added.… more
Aug 01, 2013
Less than a day after members of Local Eight of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, who work at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, went on strike and threatened a 10,000-attendee medical meeting set to come into the center, the crisis was averted. Union officials for all six unions that work in the building and the Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority, which oversees it, signed one year collective bargaining agreement extensions. “I am very optimistic about the dialogue between the center, SMG, and the Labor Unions that emerged during… more
Aug 01, 2013
The city of Louisville, Ky., has reason to celebrate, with the booking of the world’s largest helicopter show – HELI-EXPO - March 1-3, 2016, at the Kentucky Exposition Center. The show, owned by the Helicopter Association International, attracts more than 20,000 exhibitors and attendees from around the world, including helicopter manufacturers, owners and operators, government agencies and helicopter industry products. “We know from experience that the people who attend HELI-EXPO stay for multiple nights, so it’s important for us that the host city has the room… 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.