Sep 15, 2011
While some trade shows limp along in this economic climate, those representing high growth industries are walking tall – and wagging their tails. Case in point is SuperZoo, an annual trade show and conference for the $46 billion pet industry. Held Sept. 13-15 at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, the event boasted a 15 percent increase in attendance, with 13,000 attendees and 795 exhibitors spanning 137,000 square feet of exhibit space, according to show officials. In 2010, SuperZoo drew over 10,000 attendees and 690 exhibitors occupying 120,000 sq. ft. So why is… more
Sep 14, 2011
Steven Hacker, president of the International Association of Exhibitions and Events, will leave his long-time post when his contract ends Sept. 30, 2012. "Having served IAEE since 1992 has been a remarkably rewarding experience,” Hacker said. “IAEE's leadership will now turn its attention to the very important task of finding a staff leader for the next phase of IAEEs' future.” He added, “Allowing a full year for the process assures members that a very deliberative process will take place, that there will be no disruption to operations and that an… more
Sep 12, 2011
David Audrain, president and CEO of the U.S. division of Germany-based Messe Frankfurt, will step down from his post when his contract expires Dec. 31. “The last six years here in Atlanta have been a tremendous experience for me, building a remarkable team here that has delivered outstanding results in a most challenging economic climate,” Audrain said. He added, “We have launched many new successful shows and built a portfolio that in 2012 will deliver the best year in Messe Frankfurt’s history in North America.” Audrain said he does not have another… more
Sep 11, 2011
The 2nd Annual TSNN Event Excellence Awards (T-awards) three-day weekend will kick off Nov. 4-6 at the Omni Shoreham Hotel and, besides a C-level conference and a gala awards dinner, the first ever “Best of Show” award will be presented! The deadline for the awards has been extended until Sept. 23. Also, early registration for the awards has been extended until Sept. 23. Please register at T-awards. For the “Best of Show” award we are leaving it up to YOU to tell us why you think your show is the BEST. What made your event so outstanding? Did an exhibitor at your show break a record and… more
Sep 09, 2011
Just a mere 30 years ago, Cancun – on the tip of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico -  was an area of virgin forests with few inhabitants, but now, it’s not only been transformed into one of the biggest resort cities in the country, it’s also on the cusp of becoming a go-to place for trade shows. In order to highlight what Cancun - primarily known for its corporate, meeting and incentive business - has to offer the exhibition market, MTO Signature Tours, a division of Tarsus Advon, recently arranged for a group of show organizers to visit the thriving city. Show… more
Sep 06, 2011
Trade Show News Network, a division of Tarsus Advon, is pleased to announce the Top 40 Fastest-growing Trade Shows in Attendance and Net Square Footage Growth that will be honored during the 2nd Annual TSNN Event Excellence Awards Nov. 4-6 at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C. "These trade shows have been selected for grow and innovation by demonstrating an ability to excel beyond the standards of the marketplace,” said Stephen Nold, president of Tarsus Advon. “I am excited to celebrate with the winners as we recognize their achievements." The winners in… more
Aug 22, 2011
Private equity firm Providence Equity Partners has acquired George Little Management for $173 million from the Daily Mail and General Trust, parent company of dmg world media. The acquisition will be made through a new holding company headed by Charles G. McCurdy, who previously was CEO of Canon Communications. The Jordan, Edmiston Group, Inc. handled the sale for DMGT, and the sale is expected to close by the end of September, pending customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals. “GLM has a proven track record in exceeding the expectations of exhibitors and attendees… more
Aug 19, 2011
For the “Best of Show” award we are leaving it up to you to tell us why you think your show is the BEST. This is the first year for this special award that will debut at the 2011 TSNN Event Excellence Awards Nov. 4-6 at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C. There is no specific criterion for the award. Be creative! What made your event so outstanding? Did an exhibitor at your show break a record and obtain the most leads ever? Did you have the best sessions, games, music, food or networking environment? Was your show filled with best dressed or friendliest… more
Aug 10, 2011
This year’s Society of Independent Show Organizers’ Executive Conference - “Digital Declaration” - wrapped up Aug. 11 after not only covering various aspects of technology impacting the trade show industry, but also drawing more attendees. In all, 180 show organizers and suppliers came to the event held at Philadelphia’s newly expanded Pennsylvania Convention Center, compared with 150 attendees at last year’s conference in Boston. The event kicked off Tuesday night with a reception at the Franklin Institute, and Jack Ferguson, president and CEO of the… more
Aug 07, 2011
The American Society of Association Executives’ Annual Meeting & Exposition, on tap Aug. 6-9 in St. Louis, attracted 5,400 total participants, which was slightly more than the 5,270 participants that came to last year’s event in Los Angeles. “We surpassed Los Angeles last year, and we’re really excited about that,” said Kathleen “Kitty” Ratcliffe, president of the St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission, at a press conference on the meeting’s third day. There also were 672 booths and 400 companies on the showfloor at America… 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.