News

Nov 20, 2018
The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) concluded its IAAPA Attractions Expo 2018 on a high note by shattering its own attendance records and boasting the largest trade show floor in the event’s history.  A record 42,000 global attractions industry professionals from around the world converged Nov. 12-16 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando to learn, buy and network at the annual Expo, which doubled as IAAPA’s centennial celebration. “There is no better way to celebrate IAAPA’s centennial anniversary than with a remarkable and record-breaking… more
Nov 19, 2018
As part of a nearly $9 million marketing plan following Hurricane Michael and this year’s red tide blooms, VISIT FLORIDA has relaunched Florida Now, a landing page that provides real-time information from destinations across the state and is designed to encourage the continuation of tourism and event bookings to Florida.  Relaunched Nov. 1, the new landing page features a collection of Hurricane Michael recovery information and updates including an interactive map with photos, videos, twitter feeds and webcams.  “Following Hurricane Michael, VISIT FLORIDA has been working with both the… more
Nov 19, 2018
Last week, an overwhelming majority of voters from the City of Miami Beach approved the lease of public land for a privately-funded convention headquarter hotel that will be connected to the newly renovated and reimagined $620 million Miami Beach Convention Center.  The yes vote on ballot item No. 388 sets the completion of Greater Miami’s convention center district in motion, according to City officials.  “The City of Miami Beach residents have spoken loud and clear,” said City of Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber. “A super majority of nearly 64 percent is no easy feat and this is a huge… more
Nov 19, 2018
The Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) announced today the release of the fifth report in the Attendee ROI Playbook series, Generational Differences and Similarities. “This document is more than a fact sheet,” said CEIR Senior Research Director, Nancy Drapeau, PRC. “It summarizes all aspects in this study, pinpointing how the value proposition for attending varies and is the same generationally. Career-stage needs, information source preferences and influence of the experiential aspect of attending from a generational perspective are discussed. Results signal the high importance… more
Nov 15, 2018
Matthews Southwest Hospitality, a national hospitality industry developer based in Dallas, released an initial conceptual design of the proposed headquarters hotel that would be attached to the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, giving the public a first glimpse at the proposed exterior of the $558 million addition to the city’s hospitality inventory.  In addition to Matthews, the project team includes Preston Hollow Capital, Provident Resources Group, The Convention District Development Associates and Omni Hotels & Resorts.  “The design of the new convention center… more
Nov 15, 2018
Event management technology provider, Hubb, has raised a $6.3 million Series B funding round, which was led by Five Elms Capital and includes follow-on investment from Oregon Venture Fund and Elevate Capital. This latest round brings the tech startup company’s total funding to $10 million, with Joe Onofrio from Five Elms Capital joining the board as part of this round. Hubb, which develops event management solutions and business intelligence tools designed to bring innovation and data-driven decision-making to the events industry, boasts key clients including Microsoft, Atlassian, Tableau… more
Nov 15, 2018
ISACA, the leading global association for IT audit, risk, governance and security professionals, and Infosecurity Group, Europe’s leading information security event, are partnering to produce the most progressive information security event in North America. Infosecurity ISACA North America Expo and Conference will debut Nov. 20-21 in New York City’s Javits Convention Center 20-21. The event will leverage ISACA’s Cybersecurity Nexus (CSX) community and solutions with Infosecurity Group, Reed Exhibition’s immersive event series staged worldwide for the infosecurity industry. ISACA will bring… more
Nov 13, 2018
In a unique move, Keystone Events has engaged Corporate Solutions to represent the public sale of the company. There are several events in the portfolio in the cryptocurrency and blockchain sectors. North American Bitcoin Conference - Miami World Blockchain Forum – Dubai World Blockchain Forum – New York World Blockchain Forum – London The success of the 2017 and 2018 conferences brought together all the major players of the industry, launched some hugely successful businesses, and proved that the world of ICOs (Initial Coin Offerings) & STO’s (Security Token Offerings) is… more
Nov 13, 2018
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events unveiled this year’s recipients of its awards program, which recognizes IAEE members and member companies who have made outstanding contributions to the exhibitions and events industry. Along with the Woman of Achievement and International Excellence award winners, which were announced earlier this year, these award recipients will be honored during Expo! Expo! IAEE’s Annual Meeting & Exhibition on tap Dec. 11-13 in New Orleans. The 2018 IAEE Award Winners were selected after careful consideration and review by the IAEE Awards… more
Nov 12, 2018
For the fourth year in a row, the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) will be featuring its Tech Startup Pavilion and Competition at Expo! Expo! IAEE’s Annual Meeting & Exhibition, set for Dec. 11-13 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans. This year, the Pavilion will be sponsored by Visit Austin and the Austin Convention Center. “It’s a privilege for Austin to sponsor this highly impressive competition activated on the floor of Expo! Expo! 2018,” said Steve Genovesi, vice president of Visit Austin. He continued, “New technology and startups… 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.