News

Jul 20, 2014
APIC, the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, wanted to do something different for their 41st annual conference held in Anaheim, so they teamed up with CadmiumCD, the creator of Knowledge Hunt, to gamify the attendees’ experience. Knowledge Hunt is a scavenger hunt game for through CadmiumCD’s eventScribe® Mobile App Attendees at the conference utilized the app to scan QR Codes throughout the showfloor and answer questions.   Fourteen strategic partners in all participated in the Knowledge Hunt games. They posted QR codes at their exhibit… more
Jul 18, 2014
Advanstar Communications reportedly is looking into a possible sale, and the company could go for more than $900 million, according to a news report from Reuters.Citing people familiar with the matter, who did not want to be named because the possibility of a sale is not public, the news report said “Advanstar is working with investment banks Goldman Sachs Group and Moelis & Co to assist with efforts to find a buyer.”Contacted by TSNN, Advanstar declined to comment on the Reuters article.The company serves the fashion, licensing, life sciences and powersports industries with its portfolio… more
Jul 17, 2014
As part of an ongoing series, TSNN Reporter Traci Browne will be profiling trade show executives and asking them probing questions like if time travel were possible, where would you go and why? Twenty-nine year trade show industry veteran Chris Brown, executive vice president of Conventions & Business Operations for the National Association of Broadcasters, which oversees the NAB Show, is the first interview in what promises to be a fun series.1. Where did you grow up? What was your adolescent experience like?I was an Army brat. Spent my very, very young years in Germany and Bangkok. I… more
Jul 15, 2014
The American Society of Association Executives is set to honor six associations with the 2014 Summit Award, which is the highest recognition under the organization’s The Power of A Awards. The six organizations will accept their awards Oct. 1 during the 15th Annual Summit Awards Dinner at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C. The winners were selected by the Power of A Awards Judging Committee, which received more than 90 applications this year. The awards are part of The Power of A campaign, which ASAE launched in 2009 to increase awareness about issues that impact… more
Jul 15, 2014
Educational meetings are becoming a major piece of business for Atlanta, with 8 percent of their total bookings currently in this sector and that number is expected to rise in the future. The latest educational meeting to come to town was the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), which had a record-breaking number of attendee registrants for their annual Conference and Expo, held June 28-July 1 at the Georgia World Congress Center. ISTE 2014 drew 16,039 registered attendees, representing an increase of 2,500 registrants, compared with their previous record. ISTE will… more
Jul 15, 2014
Dr. Robert Gates, former secretary of defense and director of the Central Intelligence Agency, has been tapped as a closing general session speaker at the NACS (National Association of Convenience Stores )Show, which takes place Oct. 7-10 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Gates served as the 22nd secretary of defense from 2006 to 2011 under both President George W. Bush and President Barack Obama. “Dr. Gates will deliver a compelling behind-the-scenes view of world events over the past quarter century, as well as the context for how current affairs could affect and reshape our… more
Jul 14, 2014
Nominations now are being accepted online for the longstanding awards program honoring show managers who exemplify excellence in their field. Since 2000, The Expo Group Show Manager of the Year (SMOTY) Awards have been presented to “individuals who are creating amazing experiences with their exhibition and in their marketplace community,” according to TEG officials. "Our independent panel of judges struggles annually to choose winners from among the group of smart, talented professionals," said Ray Pekowski, president and CEO of The Expo Group. "We need your help to make it just as hard… more
Jul 14, 2014
After being hit hard by increased competition with legalized gambling proliferating throughout the East Coast, Atlantic City, N.J., which used to be one of the very few places to play the slots or tables in the U.S., is going through a major reinvention. The past few weeks have been filled with tough news for the city, with the storied Showboat Casino slated for closure, as well as the just-announced Trump Hotel and Casino and the possibility of the two-year-old, $2.4 billion Revel casino property as well, if it doesn’t find a buyer. “The fact is that Atlantic City is a destination in… more
Jul 14, 2014
Freeman recently came out with a report, the Freeman Connections Report, which looks at the trends impacting the face-to-face event industry. Using the insight they’ve gained from producing more than 15,000 events each year, the report highlights 10 key technology and device trends they feel are having or will be having an impact on events. The 10 technology and device trends highlighted are big data, 3D printing, augmented reality, proximity technology, wearable technology, mobile internet, second screen, telepresence and virtual events, flexible technology and nano-technology. I asked… more
Jul 14, 2014
LinkedIn is the largest professional network with more than 250 million members around the world. LinkedIn has created a platform that allows its members to connect with other like-minded professionals to promote their business interests and share & learn ideas. Event managers can promote their brand and events on LinkedIn and target marketing efforts to their core audience. This is a great tool for sourcing prospects to become members of your organization and attend your local or industry-related events. The key factors to successful brand and event promotion on LinkedIn for any event… 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.