Apr 04, 2013
After a busy end to 2012, this year started off a little slower in the M&A exhibitions and conferences market, with 16 deals valued at $168 million in the first quarter, compared with 15 deals valued at $263 million during Q1 last year, signaling a 38-percent drop in value. The overall media, information, marketing services and technology sectors also tracked down in Q1 this year to 353 deals valued at $7.5 billion, compared with 374 deals valued at $12.2 billion in the first quarter of 2012, also a 38-percent decrease, according to The Jordan, Edmiston Group, Inc.’s M&A… more
Apr 01, 2013
Until now, there hasn’t been a trade show to serve the explosive growth of the multibillion dollar craft beverage industry. Next year, though, a new event produced by VP International, the Craft Beverage Expo, will launch May 6-8 at the San Jose (Calif.) McEnery Convention Center for an industry that encompasses boutique wineries, craft breweries, craft distilleries and other producers of small batch hand-made alcoholic beverages. “We want to give a voice to the craft beverage producers whose needs are very different from traditional large-scale producers,” said Kellie… more
Apr 01, 2013
It doesn’t come as a surprise that the No. 1 reason attendees decide to go to a specific show is through someone they know or by word of mouth, according to the Center for Exhibition Industry Research report “Attracting Attendees”. "This report provides very important, current insights to help organizers and exhibitors align their marketing approaches with current attendee behaviors and preferences,” said CEIR Research Director Nancy Drapeau. She added, “Some longstanding practices still work today, while other practices are not apt to be as effective as… more
Apr 01, 2013
How to work with introverts and make decisions not based on personal biases are just two of the topics that will be tackled by keynote speakers at the American Society of Association Executives’ 2013 Annual Meeting & Exposition Aug. 3-6 in Atlanta. ASAE’s opening general speaker Susan Cain, author of “Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can’t Stop Talking”, will give advice on how to develop leaders, manage teams, make smart hires, and stimulate innovation, as well as how to structure an organization so the best ideas dominate, rather than those… more
Mar 31, 2013
After 33 years with Diversified Communications, the company’s president and CEO, Nancy Hasselback, will be retiring June 28. Ted Wirth, Diversified’s vice president of Business Development, will assume Hasselback’s role. “For many years, Nancy has been at the heart of Diversified Business Communications’ expansion from the U.S. to a truly global business as well as being responsible for diversification into new industries,” said Daniel Hildreth, chairperson of the board. He added, “Though perhaps the most important legacy Nancy leaves is from her… more
Mar 30, 2013
If last year’s SISO CEO Summit is any indication, with a 17-percent attendance jump from the year before, then this year’s event, on tap April 8-11 at The Sanctuary Kiawah Island Golf Resort South Carolina, is shaping up to be the place to be for the who’s who of the for-profit trade show industry.   Several hundred C-level executives, as well as suppliers and invited guests, will take part in not only two days of education sessions, but also several networking events, including dinners, golf tournament and more. “With so many new members and so many that are… more
Mar 30, 2013
A decrease in dealers across the United States directly impacted the showfloor at Advanstar Communications’ Dealernews International Powersports Dealer Expo, with a 30-percent drop in attendance to 10,904, compared with last year’s show, and a 27 percent drop from the 2011 event. Excluding exhibitor personnel, verified attendees totaled 5,452, with approximately 3,700 verified as traditional franchised and independent retailer buyers. The overall industry has seen a 36-percent decrease in the number of dealers operating in the U.S. since 2009. Even so, show organizers said the… more
Mar 27, 2013
Dallas-based Freeman, a provider of marketing solutions for live events in North America, has acquired U.K.-based general service contractor SO Group. “For 86 years, Freeman has focused its business on responding to the specific needs of each client,” said Joe Popolo, CEO of Freeman. He added, “Our customers are increasingly looking for strategic partnerships that provide seamless service beyond North America, and this acquisition positions us to answer that call. We are extremely excited to bring these two businesses together.” As of today, the business and assets… more
Mar 26, 2013
From digital sketching to wall projection to social media inspiration, finding new and meaningful ways to connect brands with attendees was at the top of the priority list for many at EXHIBITOR 2013, held March 17-21 at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino. “Everything that’s here is meant to facilitate face-to-face interaction,” said Brian Baker, creative director at MC2. “That’s what’s precious about a trade show.” Baker noted that to create the right experience, it’s important to start with the brand’s goals and only then move to strategy… more
Mar 25, 2013
The U.S. News & World Report will launch the Hospital of Tomorrow conference, focusing on critical challenges facing the future of the hospital industry, which will be held Nov. 4-6 in Washington, D.C. Medical experts, healthcare visionaries and hospital executives  will have several issues to discuss, including uncertainty that surrounds the Affordable Care Act, a shifting patient population, soaring costs, increasing payer and regulatory demands, and the impact of rapidly expanding technological innovation, to cite a few. "The US News Health team is the ideal group to lead… 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.