News

Apr 15, 2014
SMG snagged yet another venue management contract, Convention Data Services expanded into Mexico and caught the eye of a major new trade show launching next year and Hargrove continued to win new business this year. Venue Management Company SMG scored another contract for its ever-expanding portfolio with the Branson (Mo.) Convention Center. SMG was selected over two other firms in a recent request for proposals by the City of Branson.  SMG also named Marc Mulherin as the center’s new general manager. “We are pleased to welcome the Branson Convention Center to our family of… more
Apr 15, 2014
In 2005, Stephen Saunders, CEO and founder of Light Reading, sold his company to UBM. Just this year he bought it back from them. Light Reading is an integrated media company. It is not just an online publication, but it is an in-person community. Live events always have been a significant part of Light Reading. When Saunders re-took over the helm of Light Reading, he noticed that the live events had not changed during the six years he was away. “What I saw was an immediate opportunity to build a big event,” Saunders said. Thus, Light Reading’s Big Telecom Event… more
Apr 14, 2014
More than 6,000 nonprofit and association professionals are expected to attend the 2014 ASAE Annual Meeting & Exposition Aug. 9-12 at Nashville’s Music City Center. Attendees now can register  on the 2014 Annual Meeting & Exposition website, which includes information on all the speakers, more than 120 education sessions, registration, hotels, and events. Have you ever wondered how to use networking, collaboration, influence, negotiation, and leadership skills to improve individual and team performance? Opening General Speaker Adam Grant, author of “Give and Take: A… more
Apr 14, 2014
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events opened a call for nominations for its annual awards program to recognize exceptional professionals in the exhibitions and events industry. Each year, industry professionals who meet the outlined criteria can be nominated for any of the awards listed at www.iaee.com/awards. Nominations must be submitted to IAEE by June 13. "One of the best perks in working in this industry is the number of motivated, passionate professionals involved," said 2014 IAEE Awards Committee Chair David Audrain. He added, "You see this in… more
Apr 13, 2014
From the Cloud to net neutrality and the coolest cameras and software, the future of broadcasting and digital media was the focus of the National Association of Broadcasters’ NAB Show 2014 that took place April 5-10 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Not only the products and discussions were impressive here, but also the show featured the largest floor in more than a decade. It was up 7 percent from the previous year, spanning 945,000 net square feet and showcasing 1,746 exhibiting companies. Attendance was at 98,015, an uptick of more than 4 percent from 2013. "NAB Show… more
Apr 13, 2014
Turning a major spotlight onto the value of meetings, the International Association of Exhibitions and Events will launch of the first-ever Exhibitions Day. The two-day event will be an industry-wide effort to educate federal legislators, helping them to understand the impact of regulatory decisions on the exhibitions and events industry, according to IAEE officials.   On tap June 16-17, Exhibitions Day will be in Washington, D.C. and was developed in collaboration with multiple industry organizations who have come together to develop and support this critical initiative to ensure… more
Apr 12, 2014
After the winter many of us have had to endure this year, we wholeheartedly welcome warmer weather and outside activities. How do event marketers fight this additional distraction of “Spring Fever”?  More time enjoying the sun could mean less time in front of the screen, which means less time for reading your emails, blog posts, social media posts and Website. Therefore, your message, presentation and timing have to be well thought out and well executed.  Based on Hub Spots Marketing Statistics, Saturdays offer the best click through email rates and 6AM is the highest… more
Apr 12, 2014
After the winter many of us have had to endure this year, we wholeheartedly welcome warmer weather and outside activities. How do event marketers fight this additional distraction of “Spring Fever”?  More time enjoying the sun could mean less time in front of the screen, which means less time for reading your emails, blog posts, social media posts and Website. Therefore, your message, presentation and timing have to be well thought out and well executed.  Based on Hub Spots Marketing Statistics, Saturdays offer the best click through email rates and 6AM is the highest… more
Apr 11, 2014
Show organizers and exhibitors always are looking for ways to connect and engage with show attendees. Moreover, show attendees love to win prizes. Scratchd, Inc. out of London, Ontario, has come up with a solution that satisfies everyone. Scratchd is a digital scratch and win game. They will soon be releasing a spin and win game, as well as a digital peel and win game. The Scratchd concept focuses on three aspects of customer engagement; acquire, reward, and connect. First, by offering a chance to win a prize, you are able to “acquire” relevant customer data. Data such as… more
Apr 11, 2014
Show organizers and exhibitors always are looking for ways to connect and engage with show attendees. Moreover, show attendees love to win prizes. Scratchd, Inc. out of London, Ontario, has come up with a solution that satisfies everyone. Scratchd is a digital scratch and win game. They will soon be releasing a spin and win game, as well as a digital peel and win game. The Scratchd concept focuses on three aspects of customer engagement; acquire, reward, and connect. First, by offering a chance to win a prize, you are able to “acquire” relevant customer data. Data such as… 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.