News

Mar 05, 2018
Macau’s Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) recently released its MICE statistics for the fourth quarter as well as the full year of 2017. In 2017, a total of 1,381 MICE events were held in Macau. That is 105 events more than in 2016. The total number of participants increased 10% to approximately 1,901,000 in the year. According to DSEC, a total of 1,285 meetings and conferences were held in 2017 – up by 90 events compared with the year before. The total number of participants was 245,000, representing a year-on-year increase of 39%. A total of 51 exhibitions were held in 2017 – down four… more
Mar 05, 2018
Last week, Mega Expo, formerly known as Kenfair, a Hong Kong-based exhibition organiser, reported its interim results for the six months ended on 31st December 2017. The company reported revenues of US$9.4 million, down by 20% year-on-year. However, Mega Expo posted a net profit of US$5.8 million in the six-month period, compared with a loss of US$1.5 million in the previous year. Earnings per share for the half year were HK$0.0328 (US$0.0042).   More than 75% of Mega Expo’s revenues were generated from its exhibition organising business, amounting US$7.1 million. This represents a decrease… more
Mar 02, 2018
If the positive 2017 full-year earnings reports for three large for-profit exhibition companies are any indication, then the industry is performing well, despite uncertain geo-political times in different regions around the world. U.K.-based Tarsus Group had record revenues last year, scoring £117 million ($161 million), compared with £86.9 million ($120 million) in the comparable year 2015, a 35-percent increase. In addition, like-for-like revenues saw an increase of 7 percent and adjusted profit before tax of £40.2 million ($55 million) was up 53 percent against 2015. "2017 was a… more
Mar 02, 2018
ViewPoint Interactive Solutions, creators of interactive touchscreen marketing and sales experiences, has formed a strategic relationship with Sacks Exhibits, a global provider of exhibits, events and show environments. Announced from the floor of EXHIBITORLive in Las Vegas on Feb. 26, the collaboration is intended to help marketers deliver more captivating live experiences by combining creative engagement with advanced technology designed to excite and educate prospects. “We had been looking to find a technology partner that could bring not only the most advanced touchscreen capabilities… more
Mar 01, 2018
Hotel room poachers may think again before ruffling the feathers of the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY) and its annual trade show and conference, the International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE). On Jan. 22, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia ordered Tarzango, an unaffiliated travel agency, to pay USPOULTRY $749,797.50 in damages and attorney’s fees for infringing upon the association’s valid and subsisting IPPE U.S. trademark registrations in the agency’s “deceptive advertising practices,” according to USPOULTRY. In 2017, Tarzango sent… more
Feb 28, 2018
After a temporary setback in the third quarter of 2017, the growth of the exhibition industry resumed during the fourth quarter, according to Fourth Quarter Index Results conducted by the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR). The performance of the industry, as measured by the CEIR Total Index, posted a strong year-on-year gain of 3.1 percent (see below). Figure 1: Quarterly CEIR Total Index for the Overall Exhibition Industry, Year-on-Year Growth, 2011Q1-2017Q4     Despite displaying somewhat greater volatility, exhibitions are keeping pace with the macroeconomy (see Figure 2… more
Feb 27, 2018
If you are considering taking your event to The Netherlands – most people likely would focus on Amsterdam, but there are two other affordable and easy-to-access cities to look at as well: Rotterdam and The Hague. “We think that Rotterdam is the new and exciting choice for event organizers, with the same level of service and quality that can be expected from all cities in the Netherlands as a destination country,” said Catherine Kalamidas, account manager for Rotterdam Partners Convention Bureau. She added, “The good thing is that the Netherlands is such a small country that you can actually… more
Feb 27, 2018
The San Diego Convention Center has selected ON Site, a division of ON Services, as its preferred provider of audio-visual services and its exclusive provider of production rigging and in-house sound. The contract will begin May 1. Owned by GES, ON Services is a leading provider of global live event audio visual services that include AV design, lighting, projection mapping and scenic design services. ON Site provides in-house audio-visual and technology services to convention centers, hotels and resorts across the U.S. The SDCC hosts conventions, trade shows and community events year-round… more
Feb 27, 2018
In its 47th year and held recently at the Sands Expo and Convention Center in Las Vegas, OFFPRICE drew in positive attendance who connected with 475 vendors, 49 of which were new to the show. There also was a strong international presence on the showfloor. “I had new business with a department chain based in Mexico, with almost 200 storefronts,” said Harry Nassib, OFFPRICE exhibitor. He added, “This show, in particular, helped build awareness for my company and put my merchandise in front of buyers who I may not have reached elsewhere.” Even with the hurricane hitting Puerto Rico late… more
Feb 26, 2018
When Kimberly Smith began as director of conferences and events at the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), she already thought she was doing her part to be environmentally conscious, both in her career and personal life. Two years into her role at “the best association” she has ever worked for in her 30-year career, Smith has not only learned the true meaning of producing an authentically green event but also how much power event planners truly have when it comes to pushing the events industry in a more sustainable direction. I had the chance to sit… 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.