News
Sep 18, 2013
After 40 years with J. Spargo & Associates, John W. Spargo will step down from the CEO post and Susan Bracken, president and COO, will step in, effective Sept. 23.
Spargo founded the company in 1973 that now employs 160 full-time professionals.He will retain his chair position of the company’s board of directors.
The change in leadership was part of what the company called a “carefully crafted strategic plan” that was adopted by the board.
“Working at the company and with its talented employees and management team for nearly 40 years has been an honor,”… more
Sep 17, 2013
At the recent Center for Exhibition Industry Research Foundation Predict conference in New York City, David Audrain, current chair of the Society of Independent Show Organizers, stood up at the end of the event and made a surprise announcement that SISO would be making a $100,000 donation to the CEIR Foundation during the next five years.
"We know and understand that all of the research that CEIR produces comes at a cost,” said Audrain, who also is president and CEO of Clarion Events North America.
He added, “The SISO board of directors believes in the important work CEIR… more
Sep 16, 2013
Exhibitors who typically take part in Advanstar Communications’ Licensing Expo now will have the opportunity to also to be in the International Housewares Association’s International Home + Housewares Show, and vice versa.
The two entities recently signed a collaborative agreement to cross-promote their shows in 2014.
“Advanstar Licensing is thrilled to be collaborating with the leading event for the housewares market,” said Jessica Blue, vice president of Licensing Expo.
She added, “When we realized that all of our exhibitors would benefit from attending… more
Sep 16, 2013
Global Experience Specialists, which has worked with Penton Media for more than 25 years, just snagged another five years on their contract covering 10 shows.
“Each time we produce an event our focus is to provide all participants with a valuable experience,” Penton President of Exhibitions Sandy Voss said.
She added, “In partnering with GES, we gain an experienced team, as well as robust solutions that assist us to continue to deliver exceptional shows, outstanding service to our exhibitors and world-class engagement for our attendees. We look forward to growing our… more
Sep 16, 2013
Have you ever been strolling through a trade show and all of a sudden you spot a booth that is such a great design it just stops you in your tracks?
Well, now you can help that booth really show off by taking part in a new program rolled out by the International Association of Exhibitions & Events and BizBash called #Boothlove.
The #Boothlove social media program was created to showcase the best booths and exhibit stands from around the world – providing a global "peek over the fence" to inspire trade show and exhibition professionals with new ideas, while spotlighting… more
Sep 15, 2013
David Levin informed the board of UBM that he will be leaving his CEO post by July 31.
The board will begin the search process for his successor, led by UBM’s chairperson, Helen Alexander. Levin will stay in his CEO post until a successor is found.
"David has led the remarkable transformation of UBM into a focused, international events-led marketing communications business during a time of huge change in the media industry. He has successfully laid the foundations for UBM's next phase of development,” Alexander said.
She added, “David remains in charge, and… more
Sep 15, 2013
Messe Duesseldorf’s ProWine China hasn’t even opened its doors for the first time yet, and it’s already sold out with 500 exhibitors from 26 countries.
The show, scheduled Nov. 13-15 at the Shanghai New International Expo Center, also had to up its exhibit floor to meet demand from 430,500 square feet to 538,000 sq. ft.
This trade-only exhibition will connect importers, distributors, retailers, F&B managers and sommeliers from China and abroad with wineries from 26 nations.
ProWine China 2013 will feature exhibitors from the following countries: Argentina, Australia,… more
Sep 15, 2013
U.S.-based George Little Management’s first foray into Asia with the launch of its SURTEX brand Aug. 25- 27 in Shanghai scored a successful debut, according to Penny Sikalis, GLM vice president and manager of both SURTEX shows.
The show attracted nearly a dozen top European and U.S. design studios and close to 300 manufacturers and attendees to the 5-star Kerry Hotel Pudong, Sikalis said.
“We had an excellent showing of manufacturers eager to buyoriginal and trend-forward surface designs from a select group of the world’s top studios to use in a cross-section of industries… more
Sep 15, 2013
The 32nd HKTDC Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair, held Sept. 4-8 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, attracted nearly 19,000 buyers, up 7 percent, compared with the previous year.
Buyer growth came from a number of countries, including the Philippines (up 46 percent), the Chinese mainland (up 25 percent), Brazil (up 18 percent), Australia (up 16 percent) and Indonesia (up 13 percent).
The five-day fair, billed by Hong Kong Trade Development Council, as “the largest show of its kind in the world”, drew more than 750 exhibitors from 18 countries and regions. The… more
Sep 15, 2013
Facebook recently made an update to its Page Terms that will help event organizers boost user engagement for their Facebook promotional campaigns.
Earlier, brands were required to use a third party app to run a raffle or contest based on Facebook's engagement features, but this policy has been revoked with the latest changes to the 'Facebook Page Terms'.
To quote Facebook:
“We’ve removed the requirement that promotions on Facebook only be administered through apps. Now, promotions may be administered on page Timelines and in apps on Facebook. For example,… 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.