Sep 07, 2018
The trade show industry continues to modestly grow into the second quarter of this year, according to the Center for Exhibition Industry Research.
The performance of the industry, as measured by the CEIR Total Index, posted a moderate year-over-year gain of 1.6 percent, even though it underperformed the macroeconomy.
“The growth of the exhibition industry should pick up the pace during the second half of the year as the economy remains strong despite uncertainties surrounding an escalating trade war and the political environment,” said CEIR Economist Allen Shaw, Ph.D., chief economist for… more
Sep 06, 2018
Following the combination of Informa and UBM, Informa Exhibitions has appointed Mark Temple-Smith as managing director for the Group’s Fashion Exhibitions business, which includes leading brands such as WWDMAGIC, COTERIE, PROJECT and PROJECT WOMENS, which all run twice a year in Las Vegas during MAGIC.
“We are pleased to have Mark take on this essential role as we focus on rolling out such an initiative so important to the fashion marketplace and dedicating the right resources – management, technology and branding – to supporting our customers’ success,” Informa Exhibitions CEO Charlie… more
Sep 05, 2018
The trade show industry mergers and acquisitions market does not look to be slowing down any time soon, with another deal being announced today: GS Media and Events bought eight recreational vehicle, Boat & Outdoor Sports Consumer Shows from RJ Promotions for an undisclosed sum and ITE Group proposes to sell off part of its Russia division to Shtab-Expo.
“This acquisition for GS Events expands their reach into several new markets and makes them the dominant producer of RV related consumer shows,” said Nick Curci, president of Corporate Solutions. “GS Events was the natural buyer of… more
Sep 05, 2018
Beginning in January of 2021, the Western & English Sales Association (WESA) will be relocating its International Western/English Apparel & Equipment Markets to the Dallas Market Center.
Known as the producer of the world’s largest trade events for the equestrian industry, the biannual event is moving from Denver Mart in Denver, Colorado, a venue it had called home for decades.
To be held each January and August, the WESA Markets in Dallas will be the largest global showcase of western and English resources as well as the global marketing headquarters for many of the largest… more
Sep 04, 2018
Just before the long holiday weekend in the U.S., two companies made portfolio sales that covered several conferences, a trade show and digital products.
AC Business Media sold its business-to-business portfolio that was comprised mainly of publications and one trade show to Florida-based private equity firm Boyne Capital.
The assets included in the sale are the following 12 publications, the DHI ConNextions trade show for the non-residential door and hardware industry, one digital marketing services brand, several related websites and digital products.
“This acquisition for Boyne… more
Aug 30, 2018
As the exhibitions industry continues to surge full speed ahead, more and more destinations are recognizing the need to upgrade, revamp and expand their convention centers in order to compete for major trade shows and events.
These days, myriad facilities are celebrating ground breakings, undergoing new construction projects or anticipating grand openings, while others have put their plans on hold. Here are some of the major U.S. convention centers proposing, building and completing bigger, better, state-of-the-art spaces.
Caesars Forum
On July 16, Caesars Entertainment broke ground on … more
Aug 29, 2018
The most recent edition of the 2018 Connect meetings series, which collocated Connect Association, Connect Corporate, Connect Sports, Connect Expo and Connect Specialty and was held Aug. 23-25 in Salt Lake City, Utah, added several new dimensions to the traditional hosted-buyer model of 1:to:1 meetings between industry suppliers and meeting planners.
“If you’ve got different buyer groups, you’ve got some scale and some opportunity for a lot of cross-fertilization and learning and a different experience that some people like,” said Doug Emslie, managing director at Tarsus Group, which owns a… more
Aug 23, 2018
Production equipment and engineering support provider, VER, has emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy as a reorganized company via a merger with and under the leadership of global entertainment technology and services company, Production Resource Group (PRG).
Led by PRG Chairman and CEO Jere Harris and controlled by The Jordan Company, GSO Capital Partners and PRG Management, the jointly owned companies create the largest entertainment equipment and services provider globally.
As a global company that provides equipment to the film and TV industry as well as audio gear and engineering for the… more
Aug 22, 2018
Buyers and sellers traveled from as far away as Australia, South and Central America and Europe to convene at the 48thedition of OFFPRICE, the biannual trade show that serves the off-price retail industry.
Held Aug. 11-14 at the Sands Expo & Convention Center in Las Vegas, the OFFPRICE Show takes place every August and February during Las Vegas Fashion Week and is known as the largest off-price show in the country, boasting more than 500 vendors and nearly 1,300 booths that attracts more than 12,000 buyers.
According to OFFPRICE officials, the main topic of conversation buzzing around… more
Aug 21, 2018
Emerald Expositions continued to grow its portfolio even more with the acquisition of EH Media, which focuses on technology events and a group of complementary technology intelligence brands, for approximately $28 million.
“We are thrilled to welcome the EH Media team and their highly valuable brands and assets to Emerald. Ken Moyes has built an impressive group of interconnected, technology-oriented brands that are focused on the integration of audio, video, communications, IT, security and energy management products into buildings of all types,” said David Loechner, Emerald’s president… 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.