May 02, 2017
Face it, the marriage of technology with events has transformed the trade show industry. What began as a great tool to communicate with show audiences has morphed into a powerful partnership that continues to deepen as show producers, managers and organizers realize the incredible benefits of using digital platforms to harness and measure data, market their events, fine-tune their strategy and planning, increase the global reach of their trade shows and conferences and most importantly, interact with audiences and improve attendee experiences. In an effort to examine this growing phenomenon… more
May 02, 2017
The American Society of Association Executives has unveiled a new continuous learning and talent development platform – ASAE Learning Online. ASAE Learning Online provides on-demand access to unlimited educational opportunities for ASAE members and non-members throughout the association community. Subscribers can personalize learning plans, take skills gap assessments and search through hundreds of educational options that align with association management competencies (defined by ASAE’s Job Task Analysis) as well as professional skills important for individual, team and organizational… more
May 01, 2017
Switzerland-based live marketing company MCH Group has acquired MC2 – a Chestnut Ridge, New York-based company in the exhibit and event marketing industry. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. This is by far the biggest acquisition in the 100-year history of MCH Group and a key strategic expansion, according to MCH Group officials, "The acquisition of MC2 marks a tremendous step forward in the implementation of our corporate strategy, which we have been pursuing since 2005",  said René Kamm, CEO of MCH Group. "With MC2, we will be greatly boosting our international… more
May 01, 2017
For the eighth year in row, Trade Show News Network will hold its prestigious and original TSNN Awards program that honors the top fastest-growing shows in attendance and net square footage on tap Aug. 21-23 collocated with Connect Expo in New Orleans. The list of 50 shows that will be feted during the three-day, celebration-filled event can be found listed below and also HERE.  “The Top 50 fastest-growing show winners were chosen by their show’s growth rate between 2014-2016 in attendance and net square footage,” said TSNN President and Editor-in-Chief Rachel Wimberly.… more
May 01, 2017
Exhibit space for NPE2018: The Plastics Show has sold out more than a year in advance at its recent Space Draw, a first in the history of North American’s largest trade show and conference for the international plastics manufacturing industry. Owned and produced by the Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS), the triennial expo and educational event is set to take place May 7-11 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando. PLASTICS will continue working to accommodate exhibitors still waiting for booth assignments with limited availability in several of the show’s Technology Zones,… more
Apr 28, 2017
Keynotes, educational sessions, breakouts, evening networking events, sleep, rinse and repeat. Conferences haven’t changed very much in decades, and while event organizers may recognize the need for change, taking that leap and just doing it can be daunting, if not downright scary. As a result, many events continue to cling to the same-old, same-old format and content, rather than take the risk to implement cutting-edge reforms. In a recent #Expochat - a Twitter-based conversation on topics related to the trade show industry – a group of industry professionals talked about ways to disrupt the… more
Apr 27, 2017
The San Diego Convention Center has taken its environmental ambitions to the next level by achieving Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification. As one of the most popular and well-respected green building certification programs used worldwide, LEED is known as the foremost rating program for the design, construction, operation and maintenance of green buildings, homes and communities. During a public celebration to mark this important milestone for the facility, San Diego Mayor Faulconer praised the venue’s efforts in achieving the benchmark environmental… more
Apr 26, 2017
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events has namedU.K.-based Tarsus Group this year’s recipient of the IAEE International Excellence Award. The IAEE International Excellence Award recognizes an individual or organization that has made exceptional strides in creating, launching and managing an event in the exhibitions and events industry on an international scale. “Tarsus Group has been a leader in the global exhibitions and events industry for nearly two decades,” said IAEE President and CEO David DuBois, CMP, CAE, FASAE, CTA. “The work it does in creating and… more
Apr 26, 2017
By Elizabeth Johnson From Netflix to YouTube to Facebook Live, video is everywhere. According to Cisco’s Visual Networking Index, IP video traffic will comprise 82 percent of all consumer internet traffic by 2020, up from 70 percent in 2015. Bottom line, if you’re not using video to promote your event, you should. “Video connects on an emotional level, which is persuasive,” said Greig Powers, COO at CNTV. He continued, “It lets the audience see and hear the event experience for themselves, providing a greater authenticity compared to other marketing methods. Words can tell potential attendees… more
Apr 25, 2017
The ISA International Sign Expo 2017 enjoyed a record-breaking show in Las Vegas. Held April 19-22 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, the annual trade show and conference for the sign, graphics and visual communications industry broke its own attendance records, with more than 20,500 industry professionals, including just under 600 exhibitors, spanning a sold-out, 210,000 square foot showfloor. At the time of the show’s opening, dozens of exhibiting companies remained on a waiting list, hoping to secure their spot on a packed expo floor. Last year, the event attracted 20,044 participants… 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.