Global Exhibitions Day Will be Celebrated June 7

Kicking off in New Zealand June 7 and circling the globe to end in Hawaii, the exhibition industry will be celebrating the 2nd annual Global Exhibition Day (#GED17).

Global Exhibition Day, founded last year by UFI, the Global Association for the Exhibition Industry, was formed to shine a bright spotlight on the importance of the industry worldwide.

“UFI is calling on everyone working in exhibitions and trade shows to take part in Global Exhibitions Day on June 7 and share their initiatives loud and proud!” said Dr. Andreas Gruchow, president of UFI.

Emerald Expositions Buys SIA Snow Show, Merges with Outdoor Retailer

With Outdoor Retailer looking for a new home after a public land dispute resulted in the decision to leave Utah, Denver in the hunt as one of the cities trying to capture it and the January timeframe getting crunched with different crossover shows, it makes perfect sense that Emerald Expositions would buy SnowSports Industries America’s SIA Snow Show.

Now, two of the strongest shows geared toward segments of the outdoor sports industry will both be combined under one roof – the Colorado Convention Center – in Denver starting January 2018.

Old-School Event Marketing Tactics That Still Work

By Elizabeth Johnson

Out with the old? Not so fast … While digital and data may be getting all the buzz these days, a few, let’s call them “experienced” tactics, are quietly getting the job done for many event marketers.

So before throwing out your old marketing plan, consider keeping some old-school workhorses that these event planners swear by.

Handwritten Notes

Experts Weigh in on Best Ways to Attract (and Retain) High-Value Attendees

As a trade show organizer, you know the kind of attendee you want at your event: an influencer with buying power who actively participates and advocates for your show, an industry expert who comes every year and brings their friends, and an enthusiastic participant who possesses a robust digital presence and plays a key role in contributing positively to your show’s content and evolution.

Marketplace Events Acquires Cincinnati Home & Garden Show

Marketplace Events has acquired the Cincinnati Home & Garden Show from Hart Productions of Cincinnati, Ohio.

The Cincinnati show is the largest single-show acquisition made by Marketplace Events, known as the No. 1 producer of consumer home and garden events in North America.

“We are thrilled to add a show of this size and quality to our portfolio,” said Tom Baugh, CEO of Marketplace Events.

German Events Magazines and IMEX Reveal Results of Women in Events Industry Survey

“Women in the Events Industry – equal partners or assistants?”

That was the question German events industry magazines tw tagungswirtschaft and m + a report along with IMEX Group posed in their international survey, “Women in the Meeting and Event Industry,” which was launched March 8, International Women’s Day.

Aimed at establishing where the international events industry stands in terms of equality, career opportunities and work-life balance, the survey was geared toward women in the international events sector worldwide and was conducted in both German and English

UFI Selects Future President from South Africa for 2018/2019

The UFI Board of Directors has elected Craig Newman, CEO of the Johannesburg Expo Centre, as the president of UFI for the 2018/2019 term.

The decision was made at a board meeting during UFI European Conference in Cologne, Germany and becomes effective at the conclusion of the 83rd UFI Global Congress, running Nov. 1-4 in Johannesburg.

The UFI Presidential Trio for the 2017-18 term will comprise Corrado Peraboni (Fiera Milano, Italy), President 2017-2018; Craig Newman, Incoming President and Andreas Gruchow (Deutsche Messe AG, Germany), Outgoing President.

Expansion and Investment Seen in the Monterey Bay Meeting Venues

Monterey Bay is upping their game with a multi-project renovation and expansion of various meeting spaces in the area.

Whether you are looking for a good conference venue, offsite meeting spaces, locations for group activities or venues for incentive trips and team building, Monterey Bay is ready to deliver.

The new Monterey Bay Conference Center: Nestled in the downtown area and only steps away from the waterfront, the Monterey Bay Conference Center is undergoing a transformation.

HGGC Acquires Event Management Platform etouches

The global event management platform, etouches, has been acquired by HGGC, a middle market private equity firm.

HGGC’s investment will help the fast-growing event management software and sourcing solutions provider significantly expand its business in order to achieve a greater share of the $6 billion Event Management Software (EMS) and venue sourcing market, according to HGGC officials.

“We are very excited to partner with HGGC as we continue to enhance our offering and capitalize on the large whitespace in the market,” said Oni Chukwu, etouches CEO.

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.