News

Nov 24, 2012
The recent staging of Messe Duesseldorf’s MEDICA 2012, International Trade Fair with Congress – World Forum for Medicine, and the collocated COMPAMED 2012, International Trade Fair – High tech solutions for medical technology, attracted 130,600 visitors from 120 countries to Duesseldorf, Germany. There also were 4,554 exhibitors from 64 nations at MEDICA 2012 that included visitor groups from countries such as South America, North Africa and Asia.  On the exhibitor side, 74 percent of the MEDICA exhibitors were from nations other than Germany, including a record 416… more
Nov 23, 2012
Mermaids, Hawaiian shirts and just about every type of equipment needed for a treasure hunt in a shipwreck took the spotlight at the 2012 DEMA Show, the world's largest trade-only event for the scuba diving, ocean sports and dive travel industries. It took place Nov. 14–17 at the Sands Convention Center in Las Vegas. "Diving is a discretionary industry, which makes it unique that the show is growing in size in this economy," said Robert Harar, chairman and CEO of National Trade Productions that produces the show for the Diving Equipment & Marketing Association.… more
Nov 19, 2012
Information on  a memorial fund set up in Joyce's name for an elderly woman she was helping take care of is posted below.   Joyce McKee, a well-known 25-year trade show veteran and most recently CEO of Joyce McKee & Company, passed away Nov. 19 after suffering a stroke.   Her company was a results-based marketing firm focused on direct marketing programs that created solid customer relationships and helped drive revenue goals.   “Joyce McKee was the most positive person I have ever known,” said Cathy Breden, COO for the International Association for… more
Nov 18, 2012
In March, the Specialty Equipment Marketing Association bought the Performing Racing Industry Trade Show, and now it’s expanded its reach even more, with the acquisition of the International Motorsports Industry Show, held annually in Indianapolis. The two motorsports shows will be combined in the process. “This consolidation is all about helping the racing industry to succeed,” said SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting. He added, “Unifying the racing industry’s trade shows makes it more affordable for all to participate and allows us to focus on providing… more
Nov 15, 2012
Advanstar Global, parent company of the biennial MAGIC Marketplace fashion shows, has acquired ENK International, owner of 14 high-end trade show fashion brands, including ENKUSA, ENKVEGAS, Fashion Coterie, Intermezzo and Sole Commerce. This acquisition adds to Advanstar’s existing events portfolio with shows such as MAGIC, PROJECT, FN Platform, Licensing International, among several other events and conferences. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. “Having ENK, MAGIC and PROJECT within the same family of companies provides the fashion industry a choice of intimate and… more
Nov 15, 2012
Houston-based Hart Energy’s DUG East trade show and conference for the unconventional resources industry has grown in leaps and bounds, each year steadily drawing more attendees and exhibitors to an ever-expanding showfloor. Held Nov. 13-15 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh, the event attracted approximately 3,200 attendees and 315 exhibitors to a 45,800 net square foot showfloor, compared with just 25 exhibitors and 649 attendees to a 37,200 net sq. ft. showfloor when it was launched just four years ago. DUG East, one of five DUG-branded events owned and… more
Nov 14, 2012
Peter W. Nathan, president of PWN Exhibicon International, one of the most well-known and storied icons in the trade show industry, has announced he will retire after 58 years of service. “It’s time … I’ve been in this industry 58 years,” Nathan said. “Not that I’m going to fade away. There are a number of volunteer opportunities I want to work with.” Nathan, who is turning 80, started in the industry when he was a 22-year-old and worked with Saul Poliak of Clapp & Poliak. “I had a fabulous mentor,” Nathan said. “His… more
Nov 13, 2012
New York-based Penton Media made a big buy recently, scooping up the Farm Progress portfolio from Fairfax Media Limited of Sydney, Australia, for $79.9 million. This buy significantly expands Penton Media’s agriculture information business portfolio that includes live events, digital products, data, marketing services and publications. The Farm Progress buy includes four farm trade events, including the nation’s largest outdoor farm show, a robust broadcast division and several media brands. The shows include Farm Progress Show, Hay Expo, Husker Harvest Days and New York Farm… more
Nov 11, 2012
AMC’s LIGHTFAIR International typically rotates annually between the West and East, with its long-time Western home being Las Vegas, but in 2016, the show decided to change things up a bit and head to San Diego instead. The move is meant to signal continued growth for the world’s largest annual architectural and commercial lighting trade show and conference, according to Jeffrey L. Portman, Sr., president and COO of AMC.   “For LFI and its global business base, San Diego opens yet another new door to the future with its spectacular combination of Pacific-coast… more
Nov 11, 2012
The latest in the TSNN Webinar Series, "Leveraging Content Marketing to Enhance the Exhibition Experience”, is a must-attend for anyone interested in learning how effective content actually can boost attendance to a live event. This webinar is designed for both the show organizers and exhibitors and outlines ways to deliver content, including blogs, articles, newsletters, webinars and social media, which your attendees want. The webinar will be held Nov. 14 at 1 p.m. ET. Please register HERE. Every show strives to create awesome conference programming that will be motivational,… 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.