New Business Contracts: SMG, Eventsphere, Convention Data Services Ink Deals
April 13, 2017
The trade show industry continues to be alive and well, with several suppliers inking new deals with to manage venues, oversee housing and take care of registration.
Aberdeen City Council has named SMG to manage the existing AECC (Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre in Scotland) ahead of a move to its newly built home near Aberdeen International Airport in 2019.
The partnership follows last year’s announcement that SMG was awarded preferred bidder status to manage, operate and program the new $416 million complex.
The new state-of-the art venue will include a 12,500 seat arena with a moveable stage, hospitality boxes and club lounge, 538,000 sq. ft of flexible exhibition space, conference centre, three hotels and its very own energy centre.
“SMG is exceedingly pleased to have been named to manage this prestigious facility,” said SMG president and CEO Wes Westley. “It is a terrific addition to our growing network of international facilities. We look forward to working with the Council and the Community for the success of these facilities.”
Outdoor Retailer is partnering with EventSphere to handle hotel reservations for Outdoor Retailer Summer Market and beyond.
Outdoor Retailer incorporated industry feedback to ensure that exhibitors, retailers, independent reps and working media experience an easy process for securing accommodations.
EventSphere will be in place when housing officially opens this week for retailers, reps and media. Exhibitor housing opens the end of April.
“Our first priority is to listen to the industry and make positive changes to the show format and supporting services to ensure Outdoor Retailer remains the optimal venue to conduct business,” shared Marisa Nicholson, Outdoor Retailer Show Director.
She added, “EventSphere’s integrated software provides a seamless experience that is easy to use, enabling attendees to find accommodations within the existing housing block. They are one hundred percent committed to supporting our needs.”
IEEE PES Transmission & Distribution Conference and Exposition has renewed their contract through the year 2020 with Convention Data Services (CDS), their registration partner for full registration and lead management services.
The IEEE PES T&D Conference and Exposition is the largest and most progressive conference and exposition in the electric power industry.
Thousands of professionals from more than 80 countries attend to create an unprecedented opportunity for networking, learning about emerging technologies and furthering their advanced professional education.
"The entire CDS team has been a pleasure to work with and continually exceeded our expectations on this last show! Their professionalism, attention to detail and proactive approach are examples of their excellence and why we happily chose to extend our partnership," said Gail Sparks-Riegel, Registration Chair.
“Our CDS team is pleased to continue our partnership with the IEEE PES T&D Conference and Exposition,” said David Lawton, executive vice president of Sales, Convention Data Services.
He added, “We are committed to providing the event with hands-on customer service and new ideas and tools to further their event goals. Our focus is to help create an enhanced overall experience for their exhibitors and attendees through a streamlined registration process, onsite service and comprehensive support from our experienced event team.”
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.
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