Nov 02, 2016
As the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, UFI serves around 50,000 employees of exhibition organizers, venues, service providers and industry associations in close to 90 countries around the world.
To deliver and improve the growing roster of events, committee activities, and other industry initiatives, the association is bringing on board two new hires: Nicolette Elia-Beissel, and Jana Hofmann.
Nicolette Elia-Beissel is joining UFI as program manager. She became part of the exhibition industry when she joined RAI Exhibitions and Events (now known as Thebe Reed Events &… more
Oct 29, 2016
Trade show industry veteran Ken McAvoy was named to a new position, executive vice president, Corporate Development of Global Exhibitions Division of Informa.
In that role, McAvoy will have responsibility for corporate development, operations and procurement, including venue/hotel selection and negotiations and other vendor management, with a particular focus on North America.
“Ken is a proven leader in our industry and his capabilities will further strengthen and broaden our senior management team as we accelerate growth in North America and globally,” said Charlie McCurdy, president… more
Oct 18, 2016
Moving into the last quarter of 2016, bringing on new employees and promoting from within, especially in the executive ranks, still is occurring at a swift pace in companies from several trade show sectors.
U.K.-based Tarsus Group has appointed Mark Temple-Smith as CEO Asia. Temple-Smith has more than 20 years’ experience in the global exhibitions industry and has led and developed successful businesses in Europe, Africa and Asia.
He will be joining Tarsus from ITE Group plc, where he is regional director for Asia. During the past four and a half years, Temple-Smith has grown ITE’s… more
Jul 26, 2016
Summertime hiring has been brisk, with a lot of companies bringing on new employees before the busy season gets into full gear again.
IMN Solutions has appointed Claudia Maurer, CEM as the new vice president of Strategic Accounts. IMN Solutions is a global, full-service association, meeting and event management company located in the Washington, D.C., area.
In this role, Maurer will oversee division project teams to ensure successful delivery of client goals and objectives.
Additionally, she will lead business development initiatives and collaborate with key division stakeholders for the… more
Jun 23, 2016
Summer’s kicking off with lots of new hires and promotions across the board in every kind of company, ranging from event apps to show management companies to convention and visitors bureaus.
ASIS International has named Shannon Burch, CEM, as the new vice president of Events and Business Development.
Burch, who previously served as director of exhibits, now oversees the entirety of the ASIS International Annual Seminar and Exhibits, as well as overall business development. ASIS is the leading organization for security management professionals worldwide.
Burch has been with ASIS for 24 years… more
Jun 20, 2016
In the midst of UFI’s Open Seminar in Basel, Switzerland, the association’s board of directors has selected Corrado Peraboni, CEO of Fiera Milano, as the president of UFI for 2018.
As a result, the UFI Presidential Trio for the 2016-17 term will comprise Andreas Gruchow, (Deutsche Messe AG), president 2016-2017; Corrado Peraboni (Fiera Milano, Italy), incoming president; Sergey Alexeev (ExpoForum-International Ltd., Russian Federation), outgoing president.
This decision will become effective at the conclusion of the 83rd UFI Annual Congress, which will run Nov. 9-12 in Shanghai.
“I am… more
Jun 07, 2016
Convention and visitors bureau veteran David Whitaker was named by Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Choose Chicago Board Chair Desiree Rogers as the new president and CEO of the Windy City’s bureau.
"David Whitaker is a tourism champion with the vision and leadership required to steer Chicago's visitor industry to new heights," Mayor Emanuel said.
He added, "Over the past five years, Chicago's tourism industry has strengthened our city's economy and provided more than 15,000 jobs. With more than 25 years in the industry, David Whitaker has the experience and expertise to build on this… more
May 18, 2016
People hirings and promotions seemed to be happening at warp speed as winter turned into spring, with suppliers and show management companies strengthening their ranks.
Ungerboeck Software International’s Manish Chandak, who was CTO of the company, was named president and CEO.
“Manish possesses the unique ability to translate vision and strategy into world-class execution,” said Ungerboeck founder and chairman of the board, Dieter Ungerboeck. “This will move us forward with the speed required to capitalize on the opportunities in front of us.”
Prior to joining Ungerboeck, Chandak… more
May 09, 2016
Mark Shashoua, who currently is CEO of London-based i2i Events Group, now will be stepping back into a familiar place, as CEO of ITE Group, also based in London. Shashoua was one of the original founders of ITE Group in the early 1990’s.
Shashoua will succeed Russell Taylor, who will stand down Sept. 1 from the Board and as the Group’s CEO, following thirteen years at the company.
“On behalf of the Board and all of our employees I would like to welcome Mark Shashoua to ITE. Mark has been a key figure in the international events industry for over 20 years and inherits a robust platform,” said… more
Apr 18, 2016
Industry Veteran Larry Luteran has been brought on my parent company Freeman to Freeman Audio Visual, as the company continues to grow its global presence.
Named chief sales officer, Luteran will be responsible for the revenue performance of Freeman Audio Visual, Freeman Audio Visual Canada and Encore Event Technologies.
During the past six years, Freeman has broadened its Audio Visual presence by expanding its AV technology division through organic growth and acquisitions around the world.
“We’re building a strong leadership team with a focus on extending the company’s reach, with expanded… 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.