Association Show News

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Oct 28, 2012
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events is reaching out to bring younger attendees to the organization’s Expo! Expo!  Annual Meeting & Exhibition by naming the “20 Under 30” award honorees, who will receive free registration and lodging for three nights when the event runs in December in Orlando. The “20 Under 30” program provides education for professional growth in the exhibitions and events industry and helps program participants become better, more productive employees. The award program is sponsored by the Austin (Texas) Convention & Visitors Bureau and… more
Oct 22, 2012
The Food Marketing Institute and United Fresh Produce Association decided this year’s collocation in Dallas went so well they will team up again on their respective shows June 10-13, 2014, at Chicago’s McCormick Place. "Consumers consistently point to the importance of the produce section as a compelling reason in selecting their primary store, so FMI members - in recognition of the eminence of the fresh category - are delighted we are again partnering with United Fresh as we bring FMI2014 back to Chicago," said Leslie G. Sarasin, president and CEO of FMI. She added,… more
Oct 14, 2012
UFI, The Global Association for the Exhibition Industry’s Congress, coming up Nov. 6-9 in Abu Dhabi,United Arab Emirates, is on track to break all-time attendance records that were set at the 2010 event in Singapore that drew 425 attendees (including all delegates, speakers, staff and accompanying persons). “We are now a few past that and aiming for 450-plus,” said Paul Woodward, UFI’s managing director. “There are already over 50 countries represented. This is, to put it mildly, really encouraging!” Last year’s event in Valencia, Spain, drew 405… more
Oct 14, 2012
Meeting Professionals International helped kick things off at last week’s IMEX America in Las Vegas with “Smart Monday”. Ray Bloom, chairman of the IMEX Group, said that attendees “would not lack for inspiration or a sense of value” during the day-long program. Nearly 1,000 participants took part in an 8-hour line up of free education sessions, brainstorms and deep dives intended to expand their personal and professional development and effectiveness, according to IMEX officials. Smart Monday began with a keynote featuring Debra Benton, author of eight… more
Oct 14, 2012
The 2014 International Buyer Program (IBP) application process is now open. Interested shows have until Dec. 10 to apply. The International Buyer Program is a joint government-industry effort designed to increase U.S. export sales by promoting international attendance at major U.S. industry exhibitions. Exhibitors always are looking to connect with qualified buyers. If your show has exhibitors who are interested in exporting their goods and connecting with pre-screened buyers from outside the U.S. you might want to take a close look at this program. “Our core value proposition is our… more
Oct 07, 2012
By Anna Huddleston Holographic card dealers, CSI-themed slots and a "Judge Judy" mock courtroom were just some of the dazzling offerings at the Global Gaming Expo (G2E), the premier trade show and conference for the gaming and entertainment industry that took place Oct. 1-4 at the Sands Expo & Convention Center in Las Vegas. Organized by the American Gaming Association and Reed Exhibitions, the event is back to its 2008 numbers, with 413 exhibitors taking more than 259,000 square feet of exhibit space – an increase of about four percent, compared with the 2011 event. The… more
Oct 01, 2012
The American Bus Association has selected Louisville, Ky., to host the ABA’s 2016 Marketplace Jan. 9-12 at the Kentucky International Convention Center in downtown Louisville. The ABA’s Marketplace in 2016 is the organization’s 38th annual gathering, but it marks the first time Louisville has hosted this prestigious event, according to the Louisville Convention & Visitors Bureau officials. One year earlier, the ABA’s 2015 Marketplace will be held in St. Louis Jan. 10-13 at the America's Center Convention Complex. "The American Bus Association is always… more
Oct 01, 2012
PMMI recently hired AJ Janosko as director of expositions to fill a newly created position handling much of the day-to-day show management for the Pack Expo trade shows. “The Pack Expo trade shows are among the largest and most highly-regarded in the country, and having the chance to work on them is what drew me to PMMI,” Janosko said. Janosko’s new position allows Jim Pittas, PMMI vice president of trade shows, to focus more intently on executing PMMI’s Strategic Vision. “Pack Expo and PMMI are growing,” Pittas said. “Pack Expo International… more
Sep 30, 2012
After a grueling time trying to get labor reforms passed at Chicago’s McCormick Place, those days are in the past and there are plenty of reasons to celebrate with two big shows – the National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show and the International Manufacturing Technology Show - both renewing their contracts to stay in the Windy City. The National Restaurant Association will remain in Chicago through 2021, which is a five-year extension on the organization’s current contract. After a thorough review of options, the agreement was signed with the… more
Sep 30, 2012
Whether its natural products, surf gear, bikes or anything and everything having to do with pets, all four industries are thriving, with their recent shows scoring impressive increases in several metrics. New Hope Natural Media’s Natural Products Expo East, held Sept. 19-22 at the Baltimore Convention Center, had upticks across the board, including a 9-percent increase in not only attendees to 21,590 and exhibitors, which scored another 8-percent increase to 1,195, but also a bigger showfloor from 145,180 net square feet last year to 154,520 net sq. ft. this year. “A lot of it… 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.