News

Aug 01, 2016
This year, the International Association of Venue Managers leadership made three distinct decisions that have changed the associations’ course and has its members excited.  The first decision was the hiring of a new president and CEO - the long-standing, forward-thinking industry leader Brad Mayne, CFE. The other two, critical decisions are the interwoven “Re-Brand” and “Conference Strategy” initiatives, both of which have been a year in the making. “It was essential that the new IAVM brand have many fingerprints on it—and it does.” said Lauren Wanski, design manager with Gensler’s brand… more
Aug 01, 2016
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events™ (IAEE) is accepting nominations for its 20 Under 30 program, which affords young professional exhibitions and events organizers, who may not be supported by their companies, the opportunity to attend Expo! Expo! IAEE’s Annual Meeting & Exhibition held 6-8 December in Anaheim, Calif. The 20 Under 30 program provides education for professional growth in the exhibitions and events industry and helps program participants become better, more productive employees. It is sponsored by the Austin Convention and… more
Aug 01, 2016
NY NOW, the Market for Home, Lifestyle + Gift, will see a significant uptick of international presence on its showfloor when it opens in a few weeks at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center of New York. The show, owned by Emerald Expositions, will see a whopping a 73 percent increase in the number of international companies represented on the exhibit floor, as well as a 10 percent increase in the total number of countries represented. Of those international companies, almost 50 percent will be presenting at NY NOW for the first time. “NY NOW has always had an extensive international presence… more
Jul 31, 2016
Vinnie Polito has spent more than 25 years in senior leadership positions in the trade show industry, including nine with Reed Exhibitions. During his career, he’s had two international postings, launched events on five continents and developed highly specialized conferences in technology, life sciences and healthcare. Polito also is the past chairman of the International Association of Exhibitions and Events and a recipient of the organization’s highest honor, the Pinnacle Award, in 2014. He currently co-Owns mdg with Kimberly Hardcastle. mdg is the tradeshow industry’s… more
Jul 30, 2016
Smart City Networks has received final approval for a public-safety distributed antenna system it installed last year at the Phoenix Convention Center. Smart City Networks partnered with system integration firm Connectivity Wireless Solutions (CWS) to design, install, manage and commission the customized, turnkey system that ensures first responders can maintain communication with each other in case of an emergency. “Bringing together large numbers of sports fans or conventioneers creates critical public safety concerns,” Smart City Networks President Mark Haley said. “First… more
Jul 28, 2016
In the past few weeks alone, terrorist activities have wreaked havoc around the world at places ranging from an airport to a nightclub to an outside festival to even inside a church. With the need for strengthened security for venues serving the trade show industry in mind, the International Association of Exhibitions and Events, along with the Exhibition Services & Contractors Association, have given their full support to provide industry guidelines and standards created by the industry, for the industry, to the Safety Act Office of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. “Convention… more
Jul 27, 2016
U.K.-based Tarsus Group’s 2016 first-half started off positive, with like-for-like revenues up, compared with 2015. Tarsus continued to execute its "Quickening the Pace" strategy, which is focused on accelerating the pace of financial returns to shareholders. The Group made good progress in strengthening, investing in and scaling up its portfolio of events, resulting in organic revenue and buyer growth across the portfolio of 11 percent and 7 percent, respectively. "Trading across our business has been encouraging in the first half of 2016,” said Tarsus Group Managing Director Douglas Emslie… more
Jul 27, 2016
By Elizabeth Johnson Meeting and trade show organizers work tirelessly to get attendees to their events, so once they are there, engaging them is extremely important. Keeping exhibitors and sponsors happy with strong traffic on the floor is one reason; but potentially even more important is so that attendees leave with positive feelings about their experience, want to return in the future and become evangelists for the event’s brand. Event experts weighed in and shared their ideas for keeping attendees focused on the event: “Events have so many scheduled events, it's often nice to offer a few… more
Jul 26, 2016
Summertime hiring has been brisk, with a lot of companies bringing on new employees before the busy season gets into full gear again. IMN Solutions has appointed Claudia Maurer, CEM as the new vice president of Strategic Accounts. IMN Solutions is a global, full-service association, meeting and event management company located in the Washington, D.C., area. In this role, Maurer will oversee division project teams to ensure successful delivery of client goals and objectives. Additionally, she will lead business development initiatives and collaborate with key division stakeholders for the… more
Jul 26, 2016
Worldwide trade show organizer UBM and the International Licensing Industry Merchandisers' Association (LIMA), the trade organization for the global licensing industry, today announce the dates of their planned event in Tokyo, Japan. Licensing Expo Japan will take place April 26-28 at Tokyo Big Sight. The event will comprise a trade show and a conference and will be co-ocated with IFF MAGIC Japan, a new joint venture between MAGIC and JFW-International Fashion Fair, Japan's longest running, bi-annual fashion business tradeshow. IFF MAGIC Japan 2017 will be held as the… 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.