New Business Contracts: The Expo Group, Mohegan Sun, CDS and More Sign Deals

The holiday spirit extended before and after the new year to the signing of plenty of new contracts for suppliers and venues serving the trade show industry.

The Expo Group will provide event-related services to International Carwash Association as ICA seeks to boost the experience of their attendee, exhibitor and sponsor stakeholders at The Car Wash Show.

Shepard Ramps Up Growth of AV Division with Production Associates Acquisition

Event production company, Shepard, has made its second buy this winter with the acquisition of Northern Virginia-based Production Associates, a full-service audio-visual management, staging and consulting company that provides services to association, corporate and government events.

“We are excited to welcome Production Associates to our growing Shepard AV family,” said Stuart Danneman, executive vice president of Shepard AV. “They bring to the team a strong service-based culture, innovative technology and a thriving presence in the Virginia, Maryland and DC markets.”

Facebook Adds New Feature for Groups and Events

Submitted by lpsavas@tsnn.com on Thu, 01/04/2018 - 10:24

Social media isn’t just for sharing selfies or tweeting 140 characters anymore. We use it every day to stay connected to family and friends, read about current events, and feel included in events and stories from across the globe. Facebook has found a way to encourage user involvement with its new feature, Collaborative Stories.

This recently launched feature is in addition to its already popular Stories function. Users of Facebook groups and Facebook events will be able to contribute to a story that will be visible only to other members of that group or event.

Apple Revises Controversial Guidelines for Event and Exhibition Apps

Apple has published updated App Store guidelines, adding specific arrangement for exhibition and event mobile applications.

Apple uses the App Store Guidelines to work with app developers, to ensure that the programs offered through the company's App Store are in line with user experience standards.

In June, Apple announced iOS 11 and introduced changes to its App Review Guidelines. Among the changes was a section that had the event industry concerned:

UFI Opens Regional Office in Bogota, Colombia

UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, recently opened a regional office in Latin America.

Based in Bogota, Colombia, the new office will serve the growing number of UFI members across Latin America, and will be the base for collaborations with national and region industry associations like AFIDA, AMPROFEC, AOCA and UBRAFE.

The position of the UFI Regional Manager for Latin America will be filled by Ana Maria Arango.

Phoenix Convention Center Reaps Rewards for Energy Efficiency Efforts

The Phoenix Convention Center recently has completed several energy efficiency upgrades by converting outdated lighting to energy efficient LED lighting technology.

Last year, the PCC participated in Arizona Public Service’s (APS) Solutions for Business energy rebate program, resulting in more than $175,000 in rebates for the LEED-silver certified facility.

Convention Data Services, Los Angeles Convention Center and Levy Restaurants Spread Some Holiday Cheer

This article is the third in a series we have been running throughout the holiday season to shine a bright, well-deserved spotlight on companies that are #GivingBack.

December has been a busy month for several trade show industry vendors wanting to make the holidays a little brighter for people in their communities and beyond.

Earlier this month, Convention Data Services kicked off its annual Season of Giving Program designed to assist the local community, industry and employees who could use a little extra holiday cheer.

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.