Jan 20, 2021
Roger Shashoua, the founder of U.K.-based ITE Group - now called Hyve Group and run my Roger’s son Mark – has passed away. Hyve Group released the following statement about Roger’s passing: “Roger was a titan of our industry. The pioneering work he did throughout his lifetime not only helped to shape this business and the wider exhibition industry, but also marked some of the first steps towards a more connected world as the 70s presented a turning point for globalisation.” “As markets began to open, he spotted an opportunity to create a series of businesses in emerging economies, starting… more
Jan 12, 2021
Las Vegas Sands Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Sheldon G. Adelson passed away Monday evening after a two-year battle with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. He was 87. Known as one of the most successful luxury resort developers and transformational figures in Las Vegas history, Adelson founded Las Vegas Sands Corp in 1988. Under his leadership, the company innovated the successful integrated resort and convention center development model that has since become a staple in the Las Vegas resort industry, and one that has been replicated in other leading destinations. Said his wife, Dr. Miriam… more
Jan 07, 2021
As the trade show industry rings in a new year, several event and event-related organizations have made big promotions and added new team members as they prepare for brighter and busier 2021.  The Greater Oklahoma City Chamber has named Zac Craig president of the Oklahoma City Convention and Visitors Bureau. Craig comes to the position after more than 11 years with Omni Hotels & Resorts, where he most recently served as area director of sales and marketing and was based in Atlanta.  Craig replaces Mike Carrier, who retired Sept. 30, 2020. He will begin his new position in February. “… more
Dec 14, 2020
How do you build a consummate event industry professional? Take an endless curiosity and a passion for learning and innovative thinking, sprinkle in an affinity for building relationships, bind it all together with more than 20 years of hard work and experience, and you end up with Liz Irving.  As executive vice president – head of marketing, technology and customer experience at Clarion Events North America, Irving oversees the strategic direction and integration of marketing and technology across the company’s North American trade show portfolio, including digital and virtual platform… more
Dec 07, 2020
As the trade show industry moves into the holiday season and sets its sights on the year ahead, several event-related organizations and companies are preparing for a strong recovery by making key promotions and growing their teams. Take a look:  Charles Harris has taken the helm of the Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority. In his new role as president and CEO, which he assumed on Nov. 16, Harris is responsible for all activities associated with the operations of RSCVA’s operations and its facilities. He will report directly to the RSCVA board of directors, which selected him in… more
Nov 29, 2020
According to colleagues who have known him for years, Ed Nichols is a force for making things happen in the trade show industry. As vice president of events for Hannover Fairs USA, this 24-year industry veteran says he not only loves the challenge of launching, acquiring and growing events to meet the needs of exhibitors and attendees, but also the incredible people who comprise this dynamic industry. TSNN sat down with Nichols to learn how he and his teams have been fairing during the COVID era, what he expects for the industry going forward and why he can’t imagine doing anything… more
Nov 18, 2020
From presidents and board of directors to fine-cuisine-minded appointments in the Midwest, here’s the latest news about professionals in the trade show industry that you need to know. Fernando Fischer was named president of Reed Exhibitions Americas on Nov. 11. Previously CEO of Reed Exhibitions Brazil for three years, he had joined Reed Exhibitions as U.S. president in January this year. In his new role, Fernando continues to directly lead the company's operation in the United States and adds Latin America under his regional management, where he has Claudio Della Nina, managing director of… more
Nov 13, 2020
Hervé Sedky is leaving Reed Exhibitions, where he is president of the Americas and ReedPop divisions, and stepping into a new leadership position as president and CEO of Emerald. Sedky will assume his new role on Jan. 5, 2021. Brian Field, Emerald’s Interim president and CEO, will continue to serve as the Emerald’s COO. “We are thrilled to have Hervé join the Emerald team,” said Kosty Gilis, chairman of Emerald’s board of directors. He added, “His long and successful career in leadership roles serving the business travel and events markets, along with his strategic acumen, transformative… more
Nov 09, 2020
Claude Molinari, general manager of TCF Center, has been chosen as the new president and CEO of the Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau, effective Jan. 1, 2021. He will succeed current president and CEO Larry Alexander, who is retiring at the end of 2020 after leading the DMCVB for 22 years. In this role, Molinari will be responsible for developing the DMCVB’s strategic direction and overseeing its operations, providing the necessary leadership and direction to enable the organization to attract meetings and conventions, leisure and business visitors to metropolitan Detroit and… more
Nov 09, 2020
If you missed Weeks 1, 2 or 3, start here to learn why event professionals need a personal brand in the first place. Then, read this to discover how to build your brand foundation and go here to learn what should be on your website. Last week, Natasa Djukanovic briefly mentioned the value of being consistent and service-focused in your content strategy. Today, we’ll dive in deeper on the topic of creating content for your personal brand with Hannah Nieves, principal and founder of her eponymous New York-based consulting firm for marketing, branding and PR. A key point to keep in mind: When… 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.