Jan 09, 2015
Going into the end of last year and starting 2015, companies have continued to add to their ranks by adding board members, promoting from within or hiring a veteran in the field. Lew Shomer, chairman of 5NET4 and ABILITIES EXPO, said that Charlie McCurdy, CEO of Apprise Media, will join the Board of Directors of 5NET4. McCurdy’s role will be to help Abilities Expo extend their brand through spin-offs, additional launches and acquisitions. David Korse, president and CEO of 5NET4, said, "As 5NET4 continues to make an impact on the disability community and, through its Abilities Expo, has an… more
Dec 20, 2014
The holidays brought good cheer for companies looking to hire or promote from within throughout the end of 2014. The International Association Exhibitions and Events appointed Cathy Breden, CAE, CMP as the organization's executive vice president.  In this role, she will oversee additional strategic planning and operational responsibilities. "Cathy has been an integral member of the IAEE team for many years and has worked tirelessly to promote IAEE's strategic plan and initiatives," said David DuBois, president and CEO of IAEE. "She has earned respect and appreciation from our staff,… more
Dec 04, 2014
Steve Moster, president of Global Experience Specialists, also has been named president and CEO of its parent company, Viad, effective immediately. In addition, Moster has become a member of the board and replaces Paul Dykstra, who resigned as chairman, president and CEO of Viad. “I am honored to have the opportunity to lead Viad at this important time,” Moster said. He added, “Viad has a long history of innovation and customer service, and all Viad companies share a common goal – to create high-quality memorable experiences. I’m also happy to continue executing GES’ vision of serving our… more
Dec 03, 2014
As part of an ongoing series, TSNN Reporter Traci Browne has been profiling trade show executives and asking them probing questions like if time travel were possible, where would you go and why? For this interview we’re lucky enough to chat with Denise Capello with Amsterdam RAI. I met Denise a few years ago at SISO and not only is she brilliant, but she’s also fun to hang out with. Denise Capello Business Acquisition Manager Amsterdam RAI Years in the industry: 12 Traci Browne: Where did you grow up? What was your adolescent experience like?  Denise Capello: I grew up in Curacao, a… more
Nov 12, 2014
Autumn brought a busy time with companies adding sales, marketing, operations and executive positions to their employee rosters. Shepard Exposition Services added of two new national sales managers to help support its expanding business in the Orlando and Las Vegas markets. Alex Shelton will be based in Shepard’s Las Vegas branch and Tony Diehl in their Orlando branch. Richard Maples, Shepard’s executive vice president of sales, said, “As we continue to grow our business, it’s critical that we maintain our focus on providing the best customer service, experience and success in the industry.… more
Oct 14, 2014
Margaret Edgell Core has been tapped as vice president of industry events by the Food Marketing Institute to oversee its annual event – FMI Connect, The Global Food Retail Experience. “Margaret brings the experience, enthusiasm and inspirational leadership we need to help FMI achieve the vision we have for ensuring our premier events become game-changing experiences for the food retail industry.” said FMI President and CEO Leslie G. Sarasin. “FMI members, staff and leadership look forward to Margaret’s guidance as together we help FMI Connect reach its potential as the pivotal industry… more
Sep 07, 2014
This month on Interview With A Trade Show Exec we’ll be getting to know a bit more about another one of our industry’s rock stars – 32-year veteran Robbi Lycett, senior vice president, Conventions & Conferences, Biotechnology Industry Organization, which owns and runs the BIO International Convention. While it may not have the Gothic setting of an Anne Rice novel, I think these main characters are just as complicated and deep as Lestat de Lioncourt and Louis de Pointe du Lac, but without all that brooding undead thing going on. Where did you grow up? What was your adolescent experience… more
Aug 27, 2014
Reed Exhibitions North America has continued to grow its business into the U.S. and Mexico and leading that charge has been Nancy Walsh, executive vice president for North American Tradeshows Effective immediately, Walsh, who has been with Reed for 29 years, was promoted to president, Reed Exhibitions North America.   “Nancy is uniquely prepared and qualified to lead the North American business,” said Chet Burchett, President, Americas, for Reed Exhibitions.  “Her commitment has been unwavering and her contributions to our customers and our business have… more
Aug 22, 2014
There really wasn’t a slowdown in hiring this summer; in fact, August saw plenty of new hires for suppliers and trade show organizers. Cygnus Business Media appointed Brian Cassell as group show manager for Firehouse events. Brian will be responsible for the overall performance of Firehouse Expo in Baltimore, Md, and Firehouse World, in San Diego. Cassell is a 20-year fire service veteran, serving on the marketing team for fire apparatus manufacturer KME for 10 years and as a volunteer firefighter with the Tamaqua, Penn., Fire Department. In addition to his experience both as a manufacturer… more
Jul 02, 2014
June marked a month filled with people news that included long-time industry veterans announcing they were retiring, other trade show professionals being promoted and new hires into some companies. Tom Mobley, who has served as Global Spectrum senior vice president of Convention Centers since January of 2006, has retired, effective June 30.   Before joining Global Spectrum, Mobley served as general manager and CEO of the Washington Convention Center Authority in Washington, D.C. He also spent 11 years as general manager of the largest convention center in the U.S., the McCormick… 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.