News

Jan 26, 2014
Freeman recently merged AVT Event Technologies and Encore Productions, two of its technology providers for the hospitality industry, to form Encore Event Technologies. The combination of AVT and Encore under the Encore Event Technologies brand will provide its customers with direct access to a greater pool of resources and capabilities, according to company officials.  Encore Event Technologies creates a one-stop shop for next-generation technology and full event production needs. “Establishing a single brand entity that represents Freeman’s hotel segment has always been… more
Jan 26, 2014
While no one has a crystal ball, there are certain social media trends that are gaining attention and are predicted to strengthen in 2014. The top three trends you should devote more time to when designing your social media strategy are: 1. Google+    Google+ has had a slow start, but they are making great strides to catch up with Facebook and as a result more people are looking at Google+ differently. Facebook has been a part of our lives for a decade now and the younger crowd is looking for something new. Google+ could be this something new. Google+ posts also help to increase… more
Jan 23, 2014
Getting a big boost for its international growth, Penton Farm Progress Group’s Farm Progress Show has been accepted to be a part of the 2014 International Buyer Program. The IBP is an export program led by the U.S. Department of Commerce that brings thousands of international buyers to the United States for business-to-business matchmaking with U.S. companies exhibiting at major industry trade shows. Twenty-six trade shows from a variety of industries and locations across the country are designated as IBP events for 2014. The Farm Progress Show, the largest outdoor farm show in the U… more
Jan 22, 2014
Despite winter weather causing havoc the past few weeks, archery and surfing enthusiasts weren’t deterred from being at shows in those sectors, resulting in positive numbers for attendance and exhibitors. The 2014 (Archery Trade Association) Trade Show was held Jan. 6-8 in Nashville, Tenn. - smack dab in the middle of the Polar Vortex pushing bone-chilling temperatures into the United States – but that didn’t stop the show from achieving record-breaking results. Setting one record was a total of 1,047 retail and distribution buying companies represented by a near-record 3,… more
Jan 22, 2014
Exposition Development Company, an Atlanta-based trade show consultancy firm based in Atlanta and run by industry veterans David Audrain and Stephanie Everett, has been contracted  by Business One Global Trade Center (B1GTC) to develop several new exhibitions and markets in Linyi, China. B1GTC is in the midst of building a 30 million square foot massive development that will include an exhibition and events center, permanent showrooms, service apartments, 5-star hotel, an International village, and an international brands outlet mall In Linyi, the largest wholesale market center in… more
Jan 21, 2014
Already located in Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, India, the United Kingdom and the United States, Diversified Communications is expanding its global footprint even more, with the purchase of Kavin Intertrade in Thailand. The acquisition adds seven consumer and business events to Diversified’s portfolio. “It is exciting to kick off the New Year with an acquisition that brings us to a new region and even more impressive when we consider the ten product launches planned for 2014 and the five acquisitions we closed in 2013.” stated Daniel Hildreth, chair of Diversified’s… more
Jan 21, 2014
UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry’s recently released 12th Global Barometer survey has some good news to end 2013, with the results indicating overall growth still occurring for most companies worldwide. Taking into account the results for the past five years, the survey also indicated that a majority of companies in all regions had an increase of their turnover since at least 2011. In addition, approximately one company out of two had an increase of more than 10 percent for 2013. “While we shall remain cautious about the development of the global economic… more
Jan 20, 2014
The Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (the Centre) has appointed Thien Tsen Kiat as TenOnCall Sales Manager and Oh Kin Tat asSales Manager, Conventions & Conferences. Helming the Centre’s Conventions team, Oh will be responsible for implementing and maintaining a commercially effective sales plan to promote the Centre, its facilities and services in the business tourism segment in order to maximise venue occupancy and yield for conferences held at the facility, according to venue officials. Oh has more than17 years of experience in the hospitality industry, including more than 10… more
Jan 20, 2014
Singapore Exhibition Services Food&HotelAsia (FHA) and Wine&SpiritsAsia (WSA) shows will be the first to max out all 10 halls at the Singapore Expo and Max Atria when the show is held April 8-11. Spanning a total of 100,000 square meters, an 8 percent increase in size from 2012, this year’s show will be the largest edition in the event’s 37-year history.  FHA started out the Hyatt hotel’s basement car park, where 213 exhibitors from 13 countries/regions took up 4,000 sq. m. Since then, the event, which includes WSA that was launched in 2010, has grown more… more
Jan 20, 2014
With this year’s show tracking well in Atlanta, the organizers of FABTECH, North America’s largest metal forming, fabricating, finishing and welding event, are sticking with success by signing up to bring the show back to the city in 2018 and 2022. The Society of Manufacturing Engineer’s FABTECH was last held in Atlanta in 2010, drawing 22,000 attendees from 50 countries, and this year’s event, scheduled Nov. 11-13 at Georgia’s World Congress Center, is expected to draw expect to draw 27,000 attendees and 1,400 exhibitors. The group signed up for two more years… 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.