Aug 29, 2018
The Meetings Mean Business Coalition has chosen Trina Camacho-London, vice president of Global Group Sales at Hyatt Hotels, as its next co-chair.  Camacho-London will join Julie Coker Graham, president and CEO of the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau, in leading MMBC, which comprises more than 60 organizations from across the meetings and travel industry that work to advocate the value that business meetings, conferences, conventions, trade shows, exhibitions and incentive travel bring to people, businesses and communities. “Trina is a long-time member of MMBC who exemplifies… more
Aug 25, 2018
Hiring didn’t slow down in the typically mellow month of August with several cities adding to their convention and visitors bureau ranks, as well as some service providers and show organizing companies. Rachel Thomas has joined the Specialty Graphic Imaging Association (SGIA) as the new Director of Exhibit Services, overseeing the SGIA Expo and upcoming PRINTING United trade show floors and managing exhibitors’ experiences. Thomas will handle communication and coordination related to the 2018 SGIA Expo — both prior to and during events — to make the show more engaging for both exhibitors… more
Aug 14, 2018
The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority Board of Directors selected Steve Hill as the next Chief Executive Officer, effective Sept. 1. Hill will be the ninth leader of the LVCVA, succeeding the retiring CEO, Rossi Ralenkotter. “I am honored the Board of Directors selected me as CEO of the LVCVA,” Hill said. “The Authority is an integral part of the Southern Nevada economy.” He added, “I look forward to working with our tremendous team and our mission partners to innovate, improve access to and around the destination and drive growth to keep Las Vegas the number one choice for… more
Aug 02, 2018
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events selected Don Pazour as its 2018 Legend of the Industry. He will be honored during this year’s Krakoff Leadership Institute (KLI) Aug. 5-6 at the Savannah International Trade & Convention Center in Savannah, Ga. The KLI Legend of the Industry is selected from IAEE members whose contributions, innovation and leadership have been truly unique and remarkable. An informal setting then allows each KLI participant face-to-face interaction with this industry leader. Don Pazour thrives on celebrating and supporting others’ success. He… more
LACC's Ellen Schwartz named GM
Jul 25, 2018
In the past, companies typically slowed down with their hiring and other employee changes throughout the summer months, but not anymore. Now, it’s full steam ahead all-year long with a plethora of new hires and promotions occurring throughout the past few months. Ellen Schwartz has been promoted to General Manager of the Los Angeles Convention by AEG Facilities, operators of the downtown Los Angeles facility. Additionally, Brad Gessner, who has held the position of general manager of the Convention Center since AEG Facilities was awarded the management contract in October of 2013, has… more
Jun 07, 2018
The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority has hired Joyce Leveston as General Manager to oversee Boston’s Hynes Convention Center and Boston Convention & Exhibitions Center. She begins her new role July 16. “It is a privilege and an honor to be welcomed into the MCCA family. I look forward to supporting the vision and growth of such well respected professionals in the industry,” said Joyce Leveston. She added, “It is my intention to build on Boston’s outstanding industry reputation for customer service excellence as we welcome and host visitors from around the world to the MCCA’… more
Jun 05, 2018
With the trade show industry continuing to grow, according to the latest Center for Exhibition Industry Research, there were plenty of new hires and promotions up the ranks recently. The Los Angeles Convention Center (LACC), owned by the City of Los Angeles and managed by AEG Facilities, welcomed Nancy Walker as the new vice president of Sales and Marketing. Walker joins the LACC with more than 20 years’ experience in the events and trade show industry, most recently as the director of sales, North America at Reed Travel Exhibitions. Prior to her work with Reed, Walker was the vice… more
May 03, 2018
GES has named Jay Altizer president of its North America division, effective May 14. Altizer will lead GES’ exhibition and exhibit program business in the U.S. and Canada, with a focus on accelerating growth. He brings extensive management experience, including operational excellence, business development and product innovation. Altizer successfully has led teams at Dean Foods, PepsiCo and Bain & Company. Altizer will report directly to Steve Moster, president of GES, and president and CEO of Viad. “Jay has distinguished himself throughout his career as a strategic and creative… more
May 02, 2018
The UFI Board of Directors has elected Diversified Business Communications’ Mary Larkin as president of UFI for 2020. This decision was made at the board meeting during the UFI European Conference in Verona, Italy, and becomes effective at the conclusion of the 85th UFI Global Congress, which runs from Oct. 31- Nov. 3 in St. Petersburg. Corrado Peraboni, UFI’s current president, welcomed the election of Larkin, saying: “I congratulate Mary Larkin for being elected as the new UFI incoming President. It will be a great privilege for me to be part of the presidential trio, together with… more
Mar 29, 2018
Lance Fensterman has been promoted to president of Global ReedPOP, the rapidly growing pop culture division of Reed Exhibitions that he helped to conceive and launch. Thanks to Lance’s vision and leadership, ReedPOP has become the leading producer of pop culture events in the world, and is the fastest-growing portfolio within Reed Exhibitions, according to company officials. "Lance’s passion is unmistakable and contagious, and that passion has driven the explosive growth of ReedPOP from a quirky offshoot of Reed Exhibitions to the global powerhouse brand that it is today" said Hervé Sedky… 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.