Jun 25, 2020
While this summer’s hiring news isn’t as busy as in other years, companies in the events industry are expanding where they can to help gain a cutting edge for events as they begin to return. Here’s the latest news.
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On June 22, Meet AC, Atlantic City’s group sales and marketing organization, named industry veteran Larry Sieg as its new president and CEO. He replaces Jim Wood, who departed the agency at the end of 2019. Bringing nearly three decades of tourism, sales and hospitality experience to his new role, Sieg will officially take the reins on July 13.
"Being someone who lives… more
Jun 23, 2020
As a meeting planner for more than 15 years and co-founder of the Association for Women in Events (AWE), Carrie Abernathy understands the importance of diversity and inclusion in the events industry. She is currently the lead meeting planner for Altria Group Distribution Company and has served in a variety of leadership roles in the industry.
Abernathy recently started a weekly half-hour “talkcast” with fellow planner and PCMA board member Derrick Johnson called “Events: From Black to White” — and launched a new website called A Woman With Drive. Here, she shares more about these projects… more
Jun 08, 2020
The unjust killing of Black American George Floyd in Minneapolis on May 25 by a police officer has sparked nationwide protests over civil injustice. Amid a time when the events industry was already struggling with great change, due to forced event cancellations and reorganization of many companies during the COVID-19 pandemic, organizations are now also questioning their own approach to diversity. Few are more qualified to speak to this important topic than Jason Dunn, chairman of the National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals and an industry diversity leader as group vice president of… more
May 26, 2020
Typically, TSNN would write a straightforward news article on a long-time member of our industry’s passing - Gerald G. "Jerry" Kallman, Sr. – Jan. 10, 1931 - May 20, 2020 (age 89.)
In these times we are in, and because of the person Jerry was overall, I wanted to write something a bit more personal.
I have been incredibly lucky to have some great mentors in this industry during the years – Jerry was one of them.
Early on, he opened my eyes and taught me quite a bit about the international trade show industry. He was a trailblazer in areas all around the world for exhibitions.
Here is… more
May 26, 2020
GES Executive Vice President of Industry Development John “Jack” Patronski will retire from the Las Vegas-based global experiential marketing company, effective June 30.
During his 44-year career in the industry, Patronski has dedicated hundreds of volunteer hours working toward its continued success. He has been active in improving labor and exhibitor rights in Chicago; and served as chairman of the board for Choose Chicago from 2007-2009 and as chairman of the board for the PCMA Foundation in 2006. He also served on the boards of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce and PCMA, and was a… more
May 21, 2020
Recent job reports from the Bureau of Labor Statistics are dismal, yet the good news is that some companies within the events industry are still making hires and promotions. Check out the latest news from this month.
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Royce Chwin was appointed president and CEO of Tourism Vancouver on May 15, following the 117-year-old organization’s extensive global search to fill this role. He was most recently CEO of Travel Alberta, and has also held roles with Destination Canada and Starbucks
“Royce’s unique understanding of the tourism industry and proven track record of leading passionate and… more
May 12, 2020
The Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau has appointed Gregg Caren to the position of president and CEO.
Caren most recently served as the executive vice president of sales and strategic business development for ASM Global (formerly SMG), operator of more than 350 venues worldwide.
He also served in various senior leadership positions while with SMG for 20-plus years. Caren has more than three decades of industry experience and will join the PHLCVB on June 8.
“Gregg brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership from many facets of our industry, including prior sales, marketing and… more
May 01, 2020
Announcements of new hires and promotions are coming back slowly but surely in the events industry. Here’s a roundup of the latest People moves since mid-April.
Jerad Bachar was hired as new CEO for VisitPITTSBURGH, following a nationwide search for new leadership that began in January. Bachar had been serving as interim CEO, and Bryan Iams, chairman of the CVB’s board of directors, said that though their search produced some extremely qualified candidates, “[Bachar’s] exceptional leadership during these unprecedented times really made him stand out.” Bachar has more than three decades of… more
Apr 30, 2020
Depending on what U.S. state we live in, many of us are still sitting out the pandemic in the safety of our homes. While this is an unnatural predicament for our social species, it’s nice to know that we’re not alone in all this uncertainty.
We talked to five trade show industry leaders to see how they’re coping with the “new normal,” including Leonard Hoops, CEO of Visit Indy; Megan Tanel, senior vice president, construction sector for AEM; Aaron Bludworth, president and CEO of Fern Exposition & Event Services; Cathy Breden, executive vice president and COO of IAEE and CEO of the CEIR… more
Apr 13, 2020
Talk about baptism by fire. Mark Tester had only been at the helm of the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando for three weeks when disaster struck in the form of the COVID-19 pandemic. Luckily, the new executive director of the country’s second-largest convention center was undaunted. As a 26-year industry veteran who previously served as director of the Austin Convention Center Department and on the Executive Committee of Visit Austin in Austin, Texas for 12 years, Tester understands the art of staying flexible and making quick, level-minded decisions on the fly. TSNN talked with… 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.