News
Nov 25, 2019
Earlier this month, MGM Resorts International launched a standards-driven social impact program called “Focused on What Matters: People, Community and Planet” that outlines the company’s vision for a sustainable future through environmental and corporate social responsibility initiatives.
Through its impact on various aspects of the company’s operations, the program will also make it easier for planners to create meetings and events that reflect the sustainability goals and corporate values of their organizations.
The new program is in line with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals and… more
Nov 21, 2019
Every journey at Expo! Expo! is uniquely different, but what brings it all together is the continued drive to learn from one another and our passion to keep our shows flourishing. Expo! Expo! IAEE’s Annual Meeting & Exhibition provides attendees with a diverse marketplace to view and assess the tools needed to plan and manage successful trade shows and events for years to come. Here, IAEE spoke with Amy Durkin, CEM, CMP who shared the importance of connections made at Expo! Expo!.
Tell us a little about yourself. What are your current responsibilities?
My name is Amy Durkin and I am the… more
Nov 21, 2019
The International Association of Exhibitions and Eventshas added a new course to its CEM Learning Program titled Neuroscience of Exhibitions and Events.
It will be offered May 13 during CEM Week in Baltimore, Md., next year and again Aug. 25 during CEM Week in Austin, Texas.
The course will be taught by Janet Sperstad, CMP, program director for the Event Management Degree at Madison College.
As an industry veteran and leader with more than 25 years of experience as an event professional, Sperstad has dedicated her career to defining the competencies and career pathways that articulate… more
Nov 21, 2019
Rich in history, tradition and culture, Scotland is an easy-to-reach, yet often new destination for meeting attendees. The number of direct flights from the U.S. east coast has grown significantly over the past several years, and many major European cities offer connections to Scotland’s five international airports.
There’s a lot more to the country than golf, Scotch whisky, bagpipes, sheep and haggis (a boiled Scottish dish made from sheep offal, onion, oatmeal and other ingredients), although all of those are plentiful.
“Scotland offers historic cities, castles, distillery tasting… more
Nov 20, 2019
The forthcoming expansion of the Wynn Las Vegas convention center, set to be complete in February 2020, is getting more high tech. Cox Business announced this week that it will support the property with increased connectivity.
When the expansion is complete, Wynn Las Vegas will have 300,000 new square feet of rentable space, offering a total of 560,000 square feet across four pillar-free ballrooms, 57 meeting rooms, a 20,000-sq.-ft. outdoor pavilion and a 20,000-sq.-ft. adjacent lawn.
Cox Business has provided managed Wi-Fi services for the Wynn and Encore meeting and convention space since… more
Nov 18, 2019
Each year, Trade Show News Network compiles a list of the Top 250 Trade Shows ranked by net square footage in the United States.
Submissions to be included on the 2019 list now are open, and the shows must have occurred in 2019 in the United States.
The form to fill out is HERE, and the deadline is Feb. 21.
TSNN is proud to present valuable data to the industry, which is based on in-depth information provided by show organizers about their events.
The list on TSNN.com includes show name, link to show’s Web site, show dates and description, number of attendees, exhibitors, net square… more
Nov 18, 2019
MJBizCon already had snagged the fastest-growing net square footage for-profit show honor Saturday night at the 10th anniversary of the 2019 TSNN Awards, when Cassandra Farrington, CEO and co-founder of the cannabis-focused business event, was onstage once again accepting the TSNN Award for fastest-growing overall trade show for net square footage.
“I totally get that we caught lightening in a bottle … this is a once in a lifetime show and industry,” Farrington said of the show that was a winner in the same category last year.
The awards weekend was held Nov. 15-17 in Dallas, with the… more
Nov 18, 2019
Who hasn’t taken home some of those mini bottles of shampoo, conditioner, body wash and lotion often found in hotel room bathrooms? In the past, hotels have partnered with brands like Gilchrist and Soames, Bath and Body Works, and L’Occitane, providing coveted scents in a tiny-format sizes only available in guest rooms. But those days will soon be drawing to a close — and for a good cause.
In an effort to incorporate more sustainable practices, major hotel chains including Intercontinental, Marriott and Hyatt are doing away with the pocket-sized amenities you’re used to seeing in hotel room… more
Nov 14, 2019
We spend a lot of time on #Expochat examining how we can do things better in the ever-evolving trade show industry. It’s a great way to make sure that we’re keeping on top of trends, best practices and the challenges we all face as event professionals. But our next chat will be different.
In honor of the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday in the U.S., we’ll discuss what our industry has done well this year and who is doing it. Get ready to name names and give shout-outs to people and organizations making a positive impact in their workplaces, communities and the world!
Join us on Wednesday, Nov… more
Nov 14, 2019
The holiday season may be fast-approaching, but that hasn’t slowed down a bevy of trade show-related companies and suppliers from forging new business partnerships.
Centerplate Granted F&B Contract for World Market Center Las Vegas
Event venue hospitality partner Centerplate has been awarded a long-term contract with the World Market Center Las Vegas to provide hospitality and food service at the newly enhanced furniture, gift and home décor venue. The contract will grant Centerplate management of the venue’s catering, food and beverage and concessions services.
Centerplate, which… more
Partner Voices

HERE, hosting responsible meetings and caring for our communities are top priorities. Through its 'Focused on What Matters: Embracing Humanity and Protecting the Planet' philosophy, MGM Resorts commits to creating a more sustainable future, while striving to make an impact in the lives of employees, guests, and the communities in which it operates.
Water Stewardship Efforts
MGM Resorts understands the importance of using water efficiently, especially in the desert destination of Las Vegas. Conserving water has always been part of the mission, but MGM Resorts has expanded its ambition into water stewardship.
In 2022, MGM Resorts President and CEO Bill Hornbuckle signed the CEO Water Mandate—a UN Global Compact initiative mobilizing business leaders to advance water stewardship. MGM Resorts International was the first gaming company to take this important step.
MGM Resorts replaced 200,000 square feet of real grass with drought-tolerant landscaping in Las Vegas.
MGM Resorts pledges to reduce water withdrawal intensity by 33% by 2025 and by 35% by 2030.
From 2007-2021, use of more than 5.6 billion gallons of water was avoided because of conservation efforts.
Caring for One Another
MGM Resorts’ Food Donations Program collects and preserves unserved food from conventions held at MGM Resorts properties, then safely donates to food insecure people in the community. Since the program’s launch in 2016, more than 3.7 million meals toward a 2025 goal of 5 million meals have been donated into the community. Donations include:
Unserved perishable prepared foods from events
Perishable unprepared food from MGM Resorts’ kitchens
Nonperishable food items from minibars and warehouses
The collaboration with Southern Nevada’s primary food bank, Three Square, has developed the infrastructure needed to safely collect, transport, and store food from MGM Resorts properties in Las Vegas, reducing food waste while serving the community.
Fostering Diversity and Inclusion
To MGM Resorts, a diverse and talented workforce is essential to success. By cultivating innovative strategies that consider multiple perspectives and viewpoints, the company creates an inclusive workplace culture that benefits its employees and community. MGM Resorts takes pride in being a welcoming home for veterans, individuals with disabilities, people from diverse backgrounds, LGBTQ+ community members, and more. This commitment to inclusion is reflected in the company's recruitment and hiring practices and its social responsibility initiatives. From the workplace to the community, MGM Resorts' commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion remains unwavering, and its efforts continue to create a more equitable and sustainable world for all.
MGM Resorts understands its responsibility to contribute to the social and economic progress of the communities in which it operates. HERE, we embrace humanity.