TSNN Podcast: Trade Show Talk

Trade Show News Network is excited to share our ‘Trade Show Talk’ podcast which features two episodes each month focusing on hot-button topics. Each episode kicks off with a news round up before host Danica Tormohlen leads discussions with trade show and events industry leaders. If you'd like to be a guest or you have a topic to suggest that we cover, please let us know by emailing podcast@tsnn.com. If you would like to sponsor a podcast series, please contact jrice@tsnn.com

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Listen to all previous podcast episodes HERE.

Cuil Bay Capital Chairman Doug Emslie on His Easyfairs Investment, Market Trends & Growth Opportunities

Trade Show Talk Podcast Host Danica Tormohlen interviews Cuil Bay Capital Chairman Doug Emslie about the company's investment in Easyfairs, a major player in the European market originally created by Eric Everard. Emslie shares the strategic expansion plans of Easyfairs, highlighting its growth through acquisitions and its focus on entering the U.S. market. He also delves into the entrepreneurial spirit and technological advancements of Easyfairs and its unique positioning in niche markets. He provides an overview of Cuil Bay Capital’s investment approach, emphasizing their support for entrepreneurial businesses in the events industry. The talk also touches upon potential economic impacts on exhibitions and the essential role of advocacy in navigating industry challenges.

Our guest: Cuil Bay Capital Chairman Doug Emslie. Read his bio on LinkedIn.

Podcast Host: Danica Tormohlen

danica

An award-winning journalist who has covered the trade show industry since 1994, Danica Tormohlen is VP of Group Content, Meetings, Sports, Travel for Informa Connect. In her role, she oversees content for Trade Show News Network, Corporate Event News, MeetingsNet, BizBash and Connect's portfolio of in-person events. These leading media brands publish websites, newsletters, social media channels, video, podcasts and online and in-person programming for the trade show, corporate event, association meeting, experiential marketing and exhibition industries.

Tormohlen currently serves as president of the Women in Exhibitions Network North America chapter. She has been a speaker and moderator at major industry events, including the TSNN Awards, IMEX, IAEE, SISO, UFI, ESCA, DI and Large Show Roundtable — to name a few.

Thank you to our sponsor!

Connect Marketplace: Where Events Business Get Done.

Connect Marketplace: Where Events Business Get Done. Mark your calendars for these 2025 events. Connect Marketplace Spring will be held in April at its new home at the Wynn in Las Vegas, and the flagship event Connect Marketplace will be held in August in Miami. Don't miss your opportunity to join passionate event experts for unparalleled networking, one-on-one business meetings, and inspiring education sessions. Find out more at Connectmeetings.com

Partner Voices

HERE, EVENTS HELP YOUR COMPANY AND THE COMMUNITY

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.

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