News

Sep 11, 2018
The 2018 International Manufacturing Technology Show kicked off this week in Chicago by breaking new records for booths and exhibiting companies, as well as the most exhibit space ever reported in the show’s 91-year history. Taking place Sept. 10-15 at McCormick Place, IMTS 2018 is boasting 2,123 booths representing 2,563 exhibiting companies spanning 1,424,232 square feet of expo space.  As of Sept. 7, the number of pre-registered visitors for the biennial show exceeded 113,000, which also is on pace for a possible record, according to officials from the Association for Manufacturing… more
Sep 11, 2018
In the wake of the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements, addressing workplace harassment has never been more important or timely, including in the events industry. To address this pressing issue, the Events Industry Sexual Harassment Task Force will be hosting its first webinar on Sept. 26 at 11 a.m. ET, which is free and open to the public, with attendance within the events industry encouraged. Titled “Understanding and Eliminating Workplace Harassment,” this interactive webinar will define workplace harassment, review the different types of sexual harassment and give participants a chance to make… more
Sep 11, 2018
Naylor Association Solutions has partnered with small business marketing platform, MailChimp, to offer email marketing and marketing automation integrations to Naylor’s association management software (AMS) and career center.  As a result, association professionals can now import lists of contacts from their AMS or career center directly into their MailChimp account, enabling them to streamline their workflow even further. Through the Naylor Marketplace, associations that use MailChimp for purposes including member emails, potential member outreach and sponsorship campaigns can add the… more
Sep 08, 2018
Earlier this week, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) concluded four lifestyle shows at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). The shows were: the 29th Food Expo, the 10th Hong Kong International Tea Fair, the 3rd Beauty & Wellness Expo, and the 5th Home Delights Expo. At these events, nearly 2,100 exhibitors showcased a wide range of products and services and attracted some 510,000 consumers and trade buyers. The International Conference of the Modernization of Chinese Medicine & Health Products was held concurrently with the four shows, which was… more
Sep 07, 2018
Is the U.S. still attractive to the international market? In the face of the current Administration’s “America First” policy, how are trade shows being affected?  Those are questions we’ll be asking on our next #Expochat, set for Sept. 12 at 1 p.m. ET. Join us for what is sure to be a lively Twitter discussion as we examine the repercussions of the U.S.’s strained ties with its traditional allies and trading partners and how it’s impacting the trade show industry. During this week’s chat, Moderator Stephanie Selesnick will be asking the following questions:  What is the current perception… more
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 06, 2018
Full-service event ticketing and technology solution, ShowClix, has formed an exclusive partnership with Audiencetools, the Australian-based event marketing platform designed to help venues, promoters and event organizers harness their social media reach and increase their ticket sales. “We’re thrilled to bring Audiencetools to our event partners,” said Amy Mrazek, director of marketing at ShowClix, a product of Patron Technology that handles ticketing, marketing and onsite operations for fandom conventions, museums, festivals, attractions and consumer shows.  She continued, “It’s going to… 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
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.