Feb 05, 2013
The Association of Equipment Manufacturers’ biennial AG Connect Expo & Summit not only nearly doubled its attendance, but it also set records for exhibit space, number of exhibitor and education tickets. The 2013 show attracted nearly 11,000 registrants, compared with 5,800 registrants in 2011. (The 2011 collocated American Farm Bureau Federation had an additional 5,500 registrants.) The 2013 event was held Jan. 29-31 at the Kansas City Convention Center in Kansas City, Mo. AG CONNECT Expo & Summit also had nearly 400 exhibitors and more than 220,000 net square feet of exhibit… more
Feb 05, 2013
In its latest report, the Center for Exhibition Industry Research updated a study first released 10 years ago that took a look at attempting to answer the age-old question on everyone’s minds: “What Attendees Want from Exhibitions.” The first part of the series of reports on this subject will focus on what attendees want from exhibitions and how well their needs are being met at events. Respondents were asked to rate the importance of 22 possible reasons for attending, ranging from the seminars and speakers to finding a solution for an existing product. Two overall reasons for attending an… more
Feb 04, 2013
Even though the launch of the show was announced just seven months ago, PMMI’s debut edition of EXPO PACK Guadalajara already has sold out when it’s set to run Feb. 27-March 1. “In December, we were happy to see 90 percent of the exhibit space was sold,” said Enrique Guzman, director of PMMI’s Latin America office. He added, “But now, less than a month later, we are even more pleased to report that 100 percent of available booth space is taken.” EXPO PACK Guadalajara 2013 will feature more than 300 exhibitors from 18 countries and cover more than 3,… more
Feb 04, 2013
The 2013 International Production & Processing Expo attracted more than 25,000 attendees Jan. 29-Jan. 31 to the Georgia World Congress Center, exceeding the goal established by the three associations that run the show, according to show management. In addition, IPPE had 1,189 exhibitors with more than 430,000 net square feet of exhibit space. The show was sponsored by the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association, the American Feed Industry Association and the American Meat Institute. "We are extremely pleased with the number of exhibitors and attendees on the exhibit floor for IPPE,… more
Feb 03, 2013
Phoenix-based Viad – Global Experience Specialist’s parent company – reached $1 billion in revenue for 2012, an increase of $82.9 million, or 8.8 percent from 2011, although full-year earnings dropped from $8.8 million in 2011 to $5.3 million in 2012. “We achieved strong growth in 2012, hitting more than $1 billion in revenue,” said ,” said Paul B. Dykstra, Viad’s chairman, president and CEO. He added, “Both business units delivered solid results consistent with guidance for the year.” The Marketing & Events Group performed well, with… more
Feb 01, 2013
It’s hard to keep from taking photos of ripe oranges in the middle of the winter along Anaheim’s newest gem – the Grand Plaza that opened in January in front of the Anaheim Convention Center. This is, after all, Orange County. With fountains and palm trees, the 100,000-square-foot pedestrian esplanade is the place to dig into a gourmet burger from a food truck, soak in the Cali sun between sessions and dance the night away at an outdoor concert. Soon the Anaheim Convention Center campus also will welcome a $160 million expansion that will feature 250,000 sq. ft. of… more
Jan 31, 2013
The trade show industry continues to see more and more people flocking to exhibit halls, with three recent shows from completely divergent industries all scoring strong attendee numbers. AHR Expo, the top heating, air-conditioning and refrigerating show in the United States that was held Jan. 28-30 at the Dallas Convention Center, established four new all-time records for a show held in the Southwest.  More than 52,000 attendees, 35,000 of them visitors, filled the aisles to see the latest products and technologies on display from 1,951 exhibiting companies covering 397,000 square feet… more
Jan 30, 2013
George Armando Aguel was named president and CEO of Visit Orlando, filling the open position after its prior leader, Gary Sain, passed away suddenly last year. “George is an incredibly accomplished industry leader, with extensive experience in both leisure and business travel,” said Paul Mears III, chair of the Visit Orlando board of directors. He added, “His knowledge of the meetings and conventions industry, as well as his relationships throughout the travel and tourism segment, matches perfectly with the criteria that our search committee identified as priorities.”… more
Jan 29, 2013
Messe Frankfurt’s Texworld USA nearly doubled its exhibitor base by 47 percent to 238, compared to last year’s event during the same time frame, when it ran Jan. 14-16 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center of New York. There also was an 8-percent increase in attendance, compared with the 2012 January event as well. A total of 3,627 verified attendees visited the three-day event. Visitors came from 48 countries including Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Japan, Mexico and the United States, to name a few. First-time exhibitors from Belarus, Turkey and Taiwan and returning exhibitors… more
Jan 29, 2013
George Little Management’s US Antiques Shows portfolio just grew a little bigger, with the recent acquisition of the Miami National Antiques Show and Sale from Dolphin Promotions. "The acquisition of the Miami National Antiques Show and Sale further strengthens US Antique Shows' unique position to deliver well-timed and ideally located shows to support the southeast Florida antiques marketplace,” said Dan Darby, GLM vice president and US Antique Shows group director. The Miami National Antiques Show features 150 exhibitors annually, presenting a wide range of antique… 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.