Revenue growth has slowed in the first half of 2019, compared with the same time period in 2018, according to UFI, the Global Association for the Exhibition Industry in its latest edition of its flagship Global Barometer research.

Even so, there still is an overall positive trend for the year in relation to revenue.

AMR International, a global strategy consultancy specializing in events, has released a new white paper entitled, “The U.S. Exhibitions Industry: Developments and Opportunities for Organizers.”

The five-page report explores the industry’s performance, as well as the evolving needs of attendees and exhibitors.

Among the notable topics discussed in the white paper:

Greater Columbus Convention Center, managed by SMG, is now Certified Sensory Inclusive — the first convention in the convention center to earn this certification.

Connect Travel is gearing up to launch Connect THRIVE Summit, a global conference focused on community development through LGBTQ travel, sports and entertainment. Taking place Oct.

To help draw attention to the serious issue of human trafficking, ECPAT-USA, part of ECPAT International — a global network working to eradicate sexual exploitation of children — is launching a new campaign called 20BY20.

Center for Exhibition Industry Research has released the third report in its Head of Marketing Insights Series, entitled Overcoming Non-Exhibitor Objections.

IMEX America, IMEX’s worldwide exhibition for incentive travel, meetings and events, will be held Sept. 10–12 at the Sands Expo and Convention Center in Las Vegas.

While some industries tend to slow down in the summer, apparently the trade show industry hasn’t gotten the memo. A host of event organizers, vendors and venues have been busily forming new business partnerships and extending existing ones. Here are a few highlights:

Leave it to Las Vegas to introduce a fun new transportation option for groups. For many of us who live in metro areas, taking Uber or Lyft has become a weekly or even daily occurrence—so why not shake things up when you’re traveling for a conference?

The Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) of Southern Nevada has launched a new convenient rideshare option for groups of up to 11 riders arriving in the city for meetings and conventions.

As event destinations search for more recession-proof market segments to generate strong economic impact for their communities, the convention industry is taking a serious look at the rapidly growing world of esports, aka competitive video gaming.