News

Oct 14, 2015
China’s State Council has approved the establishment of an inter-ministerial conference for exhibition industry. The working group will have the goal of determining reforms of China’s exhibition industry. The group’s brief is to reinforce the establishment and implementation of the sector’s development strategy, plans, policies and regulations. The group will be chaired by the Ministry of Commerce and it will also include senior representatives from 13 other government ministries, such as National Development and Reform Commission (NRDC), State Administration for Industry and Commerce (SAIC… more
Oct 14, 2015
Emerald Expositions has acquired HOW Design Live and the HOW Interactive Design Conference series (“HOW Design Events”) from F+W Media, Inc., a Content and e-Commerce company, for an undisclosed sum. HOW Design Live is the largest graphic design conference and expo in the nation, combining five separate conferences into a single event focused on creativity, business and inspiration for designers. F+W’s retained HOW Media Brands, including HOW Magazine, Print Magazine and HOW University, will continue to work closely with Emerald’s HOW Design Events.  “Our strategy of supplementing… more
Oct 14, 2015
The fifth edition of Vitafoods Asia, the only event dedicated to the nutraceutical, functional food and beverages and dietary supplement industries in Asia, attracted 2,345 visitors to the AsiaWorld-Expo in Hong Kong. Visitors represented brands such as Dole, Vitasoy, A.S. Watsons, Blackmores, and PepsiCo, as well as an increasing number of distributors actively seeking ingredients, raw materials and finished products.  “There were some recurring themes in our conversations with people at the event, such as the idea of managing transitions between life stages, the probiotics segment, and… more
Oct 14, 2015
The second edition of International Trade Fair for Fitness, Leisure, Sport and Bodybuilding China (FIBO CHINA), organised by Reed Sinopharm, ran from 7th to 9nd September at the Shanghai Convention & Exhibition Center of International Sourcing. Riding on the fitness trend in China, FIBO CHINA drew about 6,000 trade and public visitors. That figure is up by more than 40% compared to 4,200+ visitors who attended the 2014 edition. The show featured 87 exhibitors – representing a total of over 100 brands. Last year there were just 55 brands. FIBO CHINA’s target groups include local… more
Oct 14, 2015
The 11th International Wire and Cable Trade Fair for Southeast Asia (Wire Southeast Asia) and the 10th International Tube and Pipe Trade Fair for Southeast Asia (Tube Southeast Asia), organised by Messe Düsseldorf, was held from 16th to 18th September at the Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC).   The trade show features 411 exhibitors from 33 countries and regions, including seven national pavilions and country groups from Austria, China, Germany, Italy, Taiwan, the UK and USA.   Messe Düsseldorf reported that by the closing, the trade show… more
Oct 14, 2015
The Seoul Tourism Organization (STO) recently rolled out a series of promotions and initiatives for business event groups and tourists. STO’s initiatives coincided with a rebound in the countries MICE sector following the MERS outbreak. Blazey Nocon, MICE operations supervisor of Travel Experts in Manila, had faced cancellations to Seoul during the MERS outbreak in June and July. Nocon said, “we are even seeing an increase in requests compared to last year because our clients enjoy the weather and food in South Korea, and prices are also cheaper compared to Japan.” Li Haijiao, MICE planner… more
Oct 13, 2015
The International Association of Conference Centres has elected Alex Cabañas as global president, effective immediately.   Alex Cabañas, CEO of Benchmark Hospitality International, will serve a two-year term as head of the association, which has over 350 conference and meeting venue members in 22 countries worldwide.  Cabañas has been active with IACC for a number of years and serves as vice president of the IACC-Americas chapter, having joined the IACC-Americas board in 2011 and the IACC Global Board in 2012.    During his tenure, Cabañas co-chaired a task force to… more
Oct 13, 2015
Naylor Association Solutions, a provider of member engagement and revenue solutions for the North American association marketplace, has produced an exclusive, association- focused online video channel and is partnered with 10 state, local, and regional societies of association executives at this time. The channel showcases syndicated content, focusing on key topics of interest, while engaging audiences and sharing best practices and leadership tips for association professionals in segments of three minutes or less. Along with easy to consume videos, the channel has a responsive design that… more
Oct 12, 2015
Comcast Spectator’s Spectra Venue Management division (formerly Global Spectrum) and the Spectra Food Services & Hospitality division (formerly Ovations Food Services) will be combined, effective Nov. 2.  This model integrates Spectra food and venue operations management into one team. In total, there will be four geographic divisions and 19 regions.  “The strong partnerships we have with our clients allow us to innovate in ways that benefits our clients, our employees and our customers,” said Glen Brandeburg, who joined the company in 2015 as the president and COO of… more
Oct 12, 2015
Comcast Spectator’s Spectra Venue Management division (formerly Global Spectrum) and the Spectra Food Services & Hospitality division (formerly Ovations Food Services) will be combined, effective Nov. 2.  This model integrates Spectra food and venue operations management into one team. In total, there will be four geographic divisions and 19 regions.  “The strong partnerships we have with our clients allow us to innovate in ways that benefits our clients, our employees and our customers,” said Glen Brandeburg, who joined the company in 2015 as the president and COO of… 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.