News
Jan 25, 2016
In spite of the recent terrorist bombing in Jakarta, the industry is optimistic about the business travel sentiments in Indonesia. There have been no major event cancellations. Comments from various industry players show they remain confident.
Rajan, president & CEO of U.S.-based Air Safety Equipment, also sees no impact on his company’s business travel to Jakarta. “We are organising a Boeing aircraft equipment product launch in Jakarta in September 2016 and there have not been any concern from participants regarding their safety and well-being in the destination.”
Terrorism has been a… more
Jan 25, 2016
Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) held four co-located trade shows from 11th to 14th January at Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). The largest show is HKTDC Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair. The others were Hong Kong Baby Products Fair, Hong Kong International Licensing Show and Hong Kong International Stationery Fair. The Stationery Fair was jointly organised by the HKTDC and Messe Frankfurt. Together, the four fairs featured over 3,100 exhibitors, setting a new record.
The four shows attracted 117,000 buyers, up 5.5% compared with last year. More than 45,000 buyers… more
Jan 25, 2016
The IMPACT Exhibition & Convention Center in Bangkok unveiled a “new facilities enhancement plan,” which involves an investment of more than 3.5 billion Baht (US$96 million) over the next two to three years.
Paul Kanjanapas, managing director of Impact Exhibition Management Co., commented: “In the near future, we are going to see some of the biggest investments in mega projects in Impact’s history including a 200-million-baht [US$5.5 million] theme park sitting along the shore of the lake.” The theme park is expected to be completed by late 2017 or early 2018.
IMPACT also plans to boost… more
Jan 25, 2016
Following the announcement in December of their strategic partnership, UBM and Alibaba have outlined the first steps in their collaboration. The two companies will begin their cooperation at the 2016 edition of the Materials Manufacturing & Technology Fair (MM&T) and Fashion Access events.
UBM’s partnership with Alibaba will allow exhibitors to join Alibaba’s Trade Assurance (TA) programme for free before the event as well as onsite. The exhibitors will have a TA logo displayed in both their FashionNetAsia.com and Alibaba showrooms. Exhibitors who join the TA programme will also be… more
Jan 25, 2016
By Elizabeth Johnson
The cold January temperatures couldn’t be felt inside New York’s Jacob K. Javits Convention Center last week as the National Retail Federation’s (NRF) Big Show sizzled with new technology and solutions for retailers.
The show is held in New York City every year - the mecca of the retail industry and a convenient location for international retailers who make up about 25 percent of the attendees.
“The energy, enthusiasm and passion come together at the Big Show and it makes every January something truly very special,” Matthew Shay, president and CEO, NRF announced.
This… more
Jan 24, 2016
In the latest Center for Exhibition Industry Research’s 5-year Census Report, the number of annual business-to-business and business-to-consumer events in the United States increased 3.5 percent to 11,427.
The 2015 CEIR Exhibition Industry Census tracked the overall number of B-to-B and B-to-C shows held in the U.S., Canada and Mexico to be 13,447, accounting for just more than 107 million attendees and 1.9 million exhibitors.
"The Census, along with the yearly Index are two of the most powerful research tools offered to the exhibition industry by CEIR," said CEIR President and CEO, Brian… more
Jan 24, 2016
The George R. Brown Convention Center (GRBCC) in Houston has extended its partnership with Smart City for an additional 5 years after a competitive bid process.
The new contract will allow Smart City to provide additional services and upgrades for the venue. Smart City has served as the organization’s technology provider since 1995.
“Smart City has worked hard to provide the most high-quality services throughout its history with the George R. Brown Convention Center, and we look forward to building on our services at the iconic venue for many years to come,” Haley said… more
Jan 24, 2016
The George R. Brown Convention Center (GRBCC) in Houston has extended its partnership with Smart City for an additional 5 years after a competitive bid process.
The new contract will allow Smart City to provide additional services and upgrades for the venue. Smart City has served as the organization’s technology provider since 1995.
“Smart City has worked hard to provide the most high-quality services throughout its history with the George R. Brown Convention Center, and we look forward to building on our services at the iconic venue for many years to come,” Haley said… more
Jan 22, 2016
Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI) named Don Welsh, CEO of Choose Chicago, as the new president and CEO.
DMAI retained the executive recruiting firm SearchWide to manage the search process for a new CEO last fall.
“After a thorough search process that included a stellar group of candidates, we are thrilled that Don has accepted this position,” said Bob Lander, chairman of the DMAI board of directors and CEO of the Austin CVB.
He added, “We are confident that he will lead DMAI in becoming the premier trade association for destination marketing organizations both in the… more
Jan 21, 2016
The New Year signaled an even bigger uptick of hiring in January not only in companies based here in the U.S., but also some well-known ones overseas.
The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority’s (MCCA) newly minted Executive Director David Gibbons made two key senior executive decisions by naming Fred Peterson as the new deputy director and Dennis Callahan as the general counsel for the organization.
Peterson served as the interim executive director from July 1, 2015, until Dec. 31, 2015, while also fulfilling the duties of director of facilities operations.
Callahan, similarly,… 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.