Apr 30, 2019
Last year was a monumental one for Informa, with the purchase of UBM in January 2018 forming the largest exhibition company in the world. Today the London-based company announced another big change: a new brand identity for one of its divisions. Going forward, Informa Exhibitions will be known as Informa Markets.
This new identity reflects the company’s ongoing development and expansion, along with its focus on enabling the success of its customers and the specialist markets in which they work, from health and nutrition to construction, pharma, agriculture and more.
Informa Markets consists… more
Apr 26, 2019
The global economic impact of exhibitions totals $325 billion in business sales annually, according to a new report from UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry.
Conducted in partnership with Oxford Economics and supported by Society of Independent Show Organizers, the report claims to be the first time this figure has been calculated.
“This new data will support us when we talk to stakeholders about our industry, especially as it’s broken down into the direct, measurable economic impact per exhibiting company, right down to the economic value of every single square metre of… more
Apr 25, 2019
Cleveland-based Marketplace Events, a producer of B2C shows in North America, has acquired nine home shows from Show Technology Productions of San Antonio.
This acquisition helps Marketplace Events venture into three new markets, with four shows in Austin, Texas; three shows in San Antonio; and one show in Lexington, Kentucky. The company has also acquired a show in Charlotte, North Carolina, where it already operates a home and garden show along with the Southern Christmas Show.
“These markets are of obvious strategic growth importance to Marketplace Events,” said Tom Baugh, Marketplace… more
Apr 25, 2019
Imprinted Sportswear Shows will rebrand as Impressions Expo, beginning with its first trade show of the year set for January 2020 in Long Beach, California.
Owned and operated by Emerald Expositions, ISS is a trade show dedicated to the imprinted and decorated apparel industry comprising five annual shows in different regions of the U.S.
The show’s new name is meant to further align the brand with Impressions magazine, a B2B publication servicing the decorated apparel industry. All events under the new Impressions Expo name will continue to feature the same product categories, yet under a… more
Apr 23, 2019
America’s Center Convention Complex in St. Louis is about to get a major makeover. On April 16, the St. Louis City Council joined the City of St. Louis’ Board of Aldermen in approving the AC Next Gen Project, an estimated $175 billion plan that will update, modernize and expand the multi-venue complex to ensure its place as an economic and employment driver for the region.
The ACCC currently comprises the 42-year-old Cervantes Convention Center, St. Louis Executive Conference Center, The Dome at America’s Center and Ferrara Theater.
Proposed last fall, the project will include the addition… more
Apr 18, 2019
In an exhibit hall full of brands all vying for the attention of the right buyers, it can be hard for many exhibitors stand out from the pack, especially at large shows where it’s easy to get swallowed in a sea of booths and sensory overload. That’s why staying abreast of the latest exhibit trends that best support your marketing strategy can go a long way in helping you get your fair share of attention on the expo floor.
We consulted a few bright minds in the world of trade show exhibit design to get their ideas about the newest, out-of-box design trends worth implementing in your next expo… more
Apr 17, 2019
Toronto’s Vantage Venues and The Globe and Mail Centre played host to the 38th edition of IACC’s Americas Connect conference April 10-11, which brought in 230 delegates.
The theme of this year’s event was “Radical Innovation —Change Everything!” and as such, the education and networking opportunities took a new form. For example, organizers banned speakers from having PowerPoint slides with more than one word. In his address, Keynote Pablos Holman, a former computer hacker turned inventor, encouraged attendees to be disruptors of the events industry..
“We vowed to be different, and I… more
Apr 15, 2019
Back in April 1970, the first-ever Earth Day was started as a way to protest the negative impacts of industrial development on the environment. Now, nearly 50 years later, Earth Day is a globally recognized event, with an estimated 1 billion people in 192 countries taking part in the world’s largest civic-focused day of action. Monday, April 22 this year is the official day of celebration, but anyone in the events and travel industry can take inspiration from these programs and events to keep a more planet-focused mindset year round.
With that in mind, here’s a round-up of what hotels,… more
Apr 11, 2019
The National Pork Producers Council’s board of directors canceled World Pork Expo 2019 out of an abundance of caution, as African swine fever (ASF) continues to spread in China and other parts of Asia.
World Pork Expo, held each June at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines, hosts approximately 20,000 visitors during three days, including individuals and exhibitors from ASF-positive regions.
African swine fever affects only pigs and presents no human health or food safety risks. There is currently no vaccine to treat the swine disease.
“While an evaluation by veterinarians and other… more
Apr 10, 2019
If we’re being honest, trade show managers don’t always conduct daily business with their exhibitors in mind. A recent webinar held by The Expo Group brought to light some ideas for improving lines of communication between these two groups, and one aspiration of note was building a show website that better suits the exhibitors’ needs.
“Why don’t we get our software developers to think like an exhibitor?” That was a question posed by industry journalist Michael Hart, who led the webinar along with The Expo Group’s Dana Freker Doody.
“There are a few things [exhibitors] need to know, such as… 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.