News

Jan 09, 2017
Eco Expo Asia 2016, held Oct. 26-29, closed amid great acclaim with record-breaking exhibitor and visitor numbers. The Expo was jointly organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, and co-organised by the Environment Bureau of the Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The four-day event attracted 325 exhibitors from 19 countries and regions, including 15 overseas and local pavilions and group participation. The growth signifies stronger engagement by the green building, energy efficiency and green transportation sectors driven by the… more
Jan 09, 2017
Freeman, a provider of brand experiences, is integrating several of its creative services across the Asia Pacific region, including China and Singapore, under the company’s agency division, FreemanXP. The move comes after Freeman acquired Staging Connections Group Limited in November 2015. The event services company, with operations in Australia, New Zealand and Fiji, operated in Singapore as The Event Company and in China as ETGSC. “Today’s integration announcement better aligns our teams to address the needs of clients by combining the Freemanagency resources with ETGSC and The Event… more
Jan 09, 2017
Instead of ending on a quiet note, last year finished up with a flurry of new hires and promotions at venues, convention bureaus and other companies. John Gonzalez, the long-time director of event and guest services at the George R. Brown Convention Center, has been promoted to the new vice president position at Houston First Corporation’s downtown convention complex. In his new role, Gonzalez will assist HFC COO Luther Villagomez in the administration of the George R. Brown and its central role in shaping the new Avenida Houston convention and entertainment district. Gonzalez will interface… more
Jan 06, 2017
PCMA Convening Leaders is set to kick off Jan. 8-11 at the Austin Convention Center in Austin, Texas, and that means it’s time to start planning your itinerary as you gear up to join several thousand of your peers in the Live Music Capitol of the World. If you’ve attended the conference in the past, you know what to expect: three jam-packed days of mind-expanding education, a host of inspiring general sessions, plentiful networking opportunities, and fun events in and around the host venue and city. To make the most of your Convening Leaders experience this year, here are a few things you won… more
Jan 06, 2017
Smart data collection, mining and analysis techniques are transforming business operations across the globe today. Results from multiple research initiatives currently being undertaken and published by leading agencies are all pointing to the growing emergence of multi-dimensional data-driven business intelligence and decision making. According to a survey conducted by Honeywell, the insights gained from big data analytics and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) to drive greater manufacturing intelligence and operations performance is considered essential by 68 percent of manufacturers… more
Jan 05, 2017
LIGHTFAIR® International (LFI) has announced it will hold its 2018 trade show and conference at McCormick Place in Chicago. Set for May 6-10, the event will mark LIGHTFAIR’s first staging in the Windy City since 1995. According to Jeffrey L. Portman, Sr., vice chairman, president and COO of LFI managing partner AmericasMart Atlanta, which produces and manages the show, the move is designed to accommodate the show’s continuing growth. Taking the event to Chicago will not only provide the global lighting design community with the accessibility, convenience and service benefits available in the… more
Jan 05, 2017
The 2016 ibtm world conference in Barcelona, Spain, was a good place to be for Orlando-based event software company, Shoflo, which walked away with the event’s coveted Technology and Innovation Watch Award for its event production software. Presented in partnership with EventMB, and regarded as the most significant technology award for the meetings industry, the annual ibtm award recognizes innovators and talented entrepreneurs poised to revolutionize the meetings and events sector. “It’s an absolute honor to receive this award from ibtm world and EventMB,” said… more
Jan 04, 2017
E.J. Krause & Associates ended 2016 on a high note by launching two more trade shows in Mexico: Acquatech Mexico and Intertraffic Mexico. Organized in partnership with RAI Amsterdam, both inaugural events were met with an overwhelmingly positive reception, according to show officials. As the newest addition to the Aquatech portfolio of global events for the drinking and waste water technology sector, the first-annual Aquatech Mexico took place Oct. 26-28 at the WTC Pepsi Center in Mexico City. Held alongside The GREEN Expo, the country’s largest trade show for the environmental, energy,… more
Jan 03, 2017
Before 2016 wrapped up, a few suppliers signed new contracts and renewed others to provide services to shows and venues. The American Telemedicine Association selected Convention Data Services (CDS) as its new registration partner. The contract runs through 2018 and calls for CDS to provide full registration and lead retrieval services, along with housing and membership integrations for two events: the ATA International Conference & Tradeshow and the ATA Fall Forum. ATA, the largest telehealth-focused organization, produces these two events to help educate industry professionals and… more
Jan 01, 2017
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events has opened the Call for Nominations for its 2017 IAEE International Excellence and IAEE Woman of Achievement awards. The deadline for submitting nominations for these awards Feb. 19. “These awards honor outstanding individuals who elevate the exhibitions and events industry by going above and beyond the call of duty on a very special level,” said IAEE President and CEO David DuBois, CMP, CAE, FASAE, CTA. He added, “Our global presence is growing by leaps and bounds, and the International Excellence Award recognizes the contributions… 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.