Event Technology Companies Join Freeman’s Fuzion Platform

A founding group of event technology companies has joined Fuzion, Freeman’s open product ecosystem designed to make technology more accessible for event organizers.

Introduced last fall, the new platform aims to help solve industry-wide integration challenges between digital solutions by connecting data across all points of the event lifecycle, thus creating a more seamless experience for organizers and attendees.

Houston Boasts a Record-Breaking 2017 Convention Year

Hurricane Harvey may cause 2017 to go down in history as a tumultuous year for the City of Houston, but that didn’t stop the city from coming back strong while setting another record in convention sales.

For the third straight year, an unprecedented number of room nights tied to future conventions were booked in 2017, according to Visit Houston officials, whose sales team locked down 429 conventions and meetings representing 802,852 room nights, up from 765,401 room nights in 2016.

Want to Get Personal About YOUR Business? Meet John Rice, Trade Show Road Warrior!

Submitted by lpsavas@tsnn.com on Sun, 02/04/2018 - 10:22

Do you know the infamous John Rice? If you’ve been in the trade show business for any length of time, chances are you do. And if you don’t – maybe it’s time you change that! Why, you ask? First of all, John is fun and second, he’s the guru on all things trade show-related (that’s what happens when you’ve spent close to 25 years in this industry…)!

Cleveland’s I-X Center Opens Doors to Outside Contractors for Trade Shows

For the past 30 years, the 9th largest convention center in the United States hasn’t permitted outside contractors, until now.

Cleveland, Ohio’s 2.2 million square foot I-X Center now will allow trade shows to utilize outside decorating providers specializing in exhibitor services and experience.

Since 1985, the I-X Center exclusively has provided on-site services, which covered all facets of decorator services for trade shows and large corporate events.

UFI’s Global Barometer Points to Positive 2018 for Exhibition Industry

Last year ended on a positive upswing that will follow into 2018, according to the 20th edition of UFI – The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry’s Global Barometer report.

"Globally, the exhibition industry is growing at a healthy rate. Companies around the world are looking into expanding their activities within and beyond their present activities and geographic borders,” said Kai Hattendorf, UFI managing director/CEO.

Allcal Offers One-Stop Shop Event Scheduling Solution for Event Planners

Event organizers now have access to another cutting-edge digital solution to help improve the event experience for their attendees. Allcal Events is an interactive calendar and event management platform that gives organizers the ability to build their own mobile event apps, branded online schedules and ticketing services, as well as attain valuable engagement data.

Finding the Best Speaker for Your Event

Submitted by lpsavas@tsnn.com on Thu, 02/01/2018 - 10:00

The right speaker can help change an average conference or event into a memorable one. Approaching your speaker selection process with a purpose can lead to increased attendance, a more inspired audience and a higher profile for the event. You might think of a well-chosen guest speaker as the exclamation point to the content provided by your executives or presenters. Plus, the right speaker with proper motivation can help attract more attendees.

Finding an Amazing, Magical Guest Speaker

ASAE Foundation Announces Five Innovation Grants Program Award Recipients

ASAE Foundation names the five awardees for the Innovation Grants Program (IGP). Each grant recipient will receive $10,000, and they will be recognized during ASAE’s 2018 Great Ideas Conference March 11–13 at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, Colo.

These grants are funded by support from the SunTrust Foundation, Whiteford, Taylor & Preston L.L.P. and GEICO.

2018 International Home + Housewares Show Sells Out in Chicago’s McCormick Place

The 2018 International Home + Housewares Show sold out in late December, more than 10 weeks before opening day March 10 at Chicago’s McCormick Place, according to the International Housewares Association, the show’s owner and operator.

“The high demand to be a part of our world-class marketplace continues for our IHA member suppliers,” said Phil Brandl, IHA president & CEO.

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.