News
Apr 18, 2025
Held March 31-April 3 at the Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa in Austin, Texas, the Society of Independent Show Organizers (SISO) CEO Summit 2025 broke attendance records with a total of 325 attendees, of which 22% were first-timers, said SISO CEO Vinnie Polito.
The annual gathering attracted a who’s who of industry leaders, with representatives from all major independent trade show companies, including Informa, RX, Clarion, Access Intelligence, Diversified, Emerald, and more.
If you didn’t attend this year’s event or you want to relive the highlights, we’ve got you covered. Here’s… more
Apr 16, 2025
After leading Tarsus Group through multiple decades of global growth and eventually a $940 million acquisition by Informa in 2023, industry heavyweight Doug Emslie is back with a bold new move: investing in Belgium-based trade show organizer Easyfairs through his investment firm Cuil Bay Capital.
In an exclusive interview with TSNN, Emslie shares why Easyfairs’ tech-forward, exhibitor-friendly approach and niche market strategy are uniquely positioned to disrupt the U.S. events landscape—and why now is the time to double down on events.
From launching industrial shows in Detroit to… more
Apr 15, 2025
Two leading event and media companies made event acquisitions in recent weeks.
Emerald Steps into High-Growth Market with Plant Based World Purchase
In a strategic move underscoring the rapid expansion and investment interest in the growing plant-based food sector, Emerald Expositions recently acquired Plant Based World (PBW), a B2B trade show platform serving the global plant-based ecosystem, from JD Events (JDE).
Collingwood, an M&A advisory firm specializing in information, media, and events businesses, advised JDE throughout the sale. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. … more
Apr 14, 2025
The Travel & Adventure Show wrapped up its 2025 series in Washington, DC, March 29-30—nine shows after the first event of this year in Atlanta back in January. At the final three-day trade show in the nation’s capital, attendance soared 10.6% overall year over year, according to John Golicz, the founder and CEO of the Travel & Adventure Shows.
Benefitting from B2B
Golicz told TSNN that when he founded the Travel & Adventure Shows back in 2003, it was a business-to-consumer event. However, when the trade show series transitioned to a “hybrid” format—in this case, meaning a… more
Apr 11, 2025
According to the Events Industry Council (EIC), event sustainability means taking action towards preserving our natural environment; promoting a healthy, inclusive society, and supporting a thriving economy. For most events, this usually translates into cutting back energy and water usage and reducing waste. But some event organizers are going the extra mile to make a difference by launching initiatives such as using algae as ink or offering onsite sustainability tours.
EarthX
From its humble beginnings as an Earth Day street festival in Dallas, EarthX has now grown into a large-scale,… more
Apr 10, 2025
After searching for more than one year for a permanent replacement, Choose Chicago has tapped Kristen Reynolds, who has served as Discover Long Island President and CEO since 2015, as its new president and Chief Executive Officer, effective May 5. She will lead Chicago’s convention and tourism industry, which is a key driver of the city’s economy, generating $19.5 billion in leisure and business spending in 2023, according to the latest research by Choose Chicago.
The position has been vacant since Lynn Osmond stepped down on January 31, 2024. Choose Chicago Board Member Rich Gamble, who… more
Apr 09, 2025
The U.S. business-to-business (B2B) exhibition industry continues to rebound, recording the strongest quarter since the pandemic in the fourth quarter (Q4) 2024, according to the recently released Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) Index that measures exhibition performance for exhibitors, attendance, net square footage, and real revenues.
“Recent results confirm the continued recovery in trade show activity through the end of last year,” said Tourism Economics President Adam Sacks. “This year our baseline outlook remains positive, though we expect economic and policy… more
Apr 08, 2025
Three major U.S. convention centers announced event space expansions, new environmental practices, and enhanced tech capabilities recently.
OCCC to Start Expansion Project in 2026
The Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) in Orlando, Fla., will soon kick off a $560 million expansion project resulting in an additional 44,000 square feet of meeting space and a 100,000-square-foot ballroom in its North-South Building. Officially named the Grand Concourse Expansion, construction will begin in 2026 and is expected to finish in 2029.
“We are excited to begin work on our Grand Concourse… more
Apr 07, 2025
Questex’s International Beauty Show (IBS New York), which takes place annually alongside the International Esthetics, Cosmetics, & Spa Conference (IECSC), made what the event provider called a “triumphant return” to New York’s Javits Center March 23-25.
This is no wonder, as the 2025 IBS New York saw an impressive boost among attendees and sponsors alike:
More than 32,000 salon owners and managers, estheticians, hairstylists, barbers, nail technicians, massage therapists, and cosmetologists attended IBS New York 2025, marking a 6% year-over-year increase.
There were 430 total… more
Apr 04, 2025
Since February, event organizers and suppliers across the country have been welcoming new leadership and increasing team headcount, as well as bidding farewell to seasoned industry veterans.
TSNN’s take on the biggest recent move: Following a successful 37-year career in the U.S. gift and home trade show industry, veteran B2B Public Relations specialist Cathy Steel has retired. She and her husband of 24 years, Alan Steel, who retired from his 12-year position as CEO of New York’s Javits Center on March 31, plan to travel extensively and enjoy time with family and friends.
Related: Alan… 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.