News

Jun 19, 2024
After not gathering together for six years, NPE2024: The Plastics Show returned with more than 51,000 leaders from more than 130 countries representing every industry—from automotive and healthcare to consumer products to construction. Produced by the Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS), the triennial trade show showcased the newest and most innovative plastics products and solutions across more than 1 million net square feet of exhibit space, including six technology zones, keynotes, workshops, and opportunities to network and build partnerships.  Related: 10 Things To Do at NPE2024… more
Jun 18, 2024
Reaching $480 billion, the U.S. wellness market is growing at 5 to 10% per year, according to research by global management consulting firm McKinsey & Company. In fact, 82% of U.S. consumers consider wellness a priority in their everyday lives. As wellness trends up on the consumer side, how can business events incorporate healthy activities and food and beverage into their packed conference, networking and trade show schedules? To find out, more than 120 industry professionals — including meeting planners, press and Caesars Entertainment staff — gathered at the inaugural Global… more
Jun 17, 2024
A new spring edition of a burgeoning trade show and conference for the outdoor industry is making its debut in Nashville next year. Set for June 16-18, 2025, at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, Switchback Spring is the new sister show of Switchback, a business and education gathering owned and operated by international media company Diversified Communications. Launched in 2022 as a specialty outdoor showcase and held each fall in conjunction with run and outdoor specialty retail conference and trade show The Running Event (TRE), Switchback offers forward-looking education… more
Jun 14, 2024
At the crux of a vibrant, inclusive culture, an iconic skyline, and a booming tech culture is Seattle. The nearly 84-square-mile northwestern city — though best known for its coffee scene (it’s the hometown of Starbucks) — has a flourishing meetings and events landscape marked by LEED-certified hotels teeming with eco-friendly initiatives, local produce-forward culinary experiences, and more than a million square feet worth of gathering space to take advantage of. Here’s what’s new, noteworthy, nearly open, and more for meeting and event groups in Seattle. Plentiful Spaces to Meet: Seattle… more
Jun 13, 2024
MetroMultimedia CEO Bruno Giaccio has joined New York trade show royalty as the recipient of the 2024 King’s Glove Award by the New York Area Chapter of the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (NYIAEE).  A list mostly filled with trade show organizers vs. suppliers, a few of the notable names that many will recognize — William Little, Sr., 1987; Saul Poliak, 1989; Ralph Ianuzzi, Sr., 1992; Alan Larkin, 1993; Peter Nathan, 1999; Michael Bloomberg, 2005; Vincent Polito, 2006,  Jack Buttine, 2007; and Alan Steel, 2014 – comprise the long list of past winners. The most recent… more
Jun 12, 2024
Touted as the largest annual gathering for high-performance audio enthusiasts, music lovers, audio dealers, manufacturers and distributors in North America, AXPONA offers three jam-packed days of immersive, high-fidelity listening experiences, high-end audio equipment and technology, seminars, live music, and the very latest consumer audio products in the industry. Who, When & Where: AXPONA (Audio Expo North America), April 12-14, 2024, Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel and Convention Center in Schaumburg, Ill.  Show Size: 10,391 attendees from 42 states and 31 countries, 600 exhibitors (… more
Jun 11, 2024
With summer right around the corner, event technology companies in the U.S. and abroad are forming partnerships and releasing new and updated solutions ­– some with the help of AI – to enhance event experiences for attendees, exhibitors and show organizers alike. Inteprefy Launches AI-Powered Live Translation Solution  In its quest to break down language barriers between international meetings attendees, multilingual meeting technology and services provider Interprefy unveiled Interprefy Now, a new mobile application that harnesses the power of AI to provide instant live translation in… more
Jun 10, 2024
With the global business events and trade show industry facing increasing pressure to move in a more sustainable direction, the Experiential Design and Producers Association (EDPA), the Exhibition Services & Contractors Association (ESCA) and the Events Industry Council (EIC) have teamed up to offer clear and actionable guidance to help exhibiting companies and exhibit builders reduce their environmental impacts and promote responsible practices.  Released on May 16, the EDPA, ESCA, and EIC Sustainability Guidance for Exhibition Stand Construction is designed to offer practical… more
Jun 07, 2024
Even when he’s not at work creating delicious fare for hotel guests and event groups at the William F. Bolger Center conference hotel in Potomac, MD, Chef Justin Key is still thinking about food.  “My oldest friends and my brother are all professional chefs, which makes for some interesting ‘shop talk’ even on days off,” Key said. “We often bounce ideas off each other and get together to play around with food. I enjoy cooking for large family events and find many food inspirations from those gatherings.”  A food and beverage (F&B) industry lifer, the Maryland native has been working in… more
Jun 06, 2024
A group of six event industry leaders focused on nurturing innovative event ideas into flourishing businesses formed a consortium dedicated to shaping the future of the events industry. Offering expert mentorship, a collaborative community and strategic funding, Events Venture Group (EVG) is a nonprofit consortium designed to help next-generation event entrepreneurs launch and grow their events into successful enterprises.  “Our mission is to support the next generation of event entrepreneurs who redefine the event industry landscape,” said EVG Co-Chair Greg Topalian, founder of On Deck… more
Partner Voices
  MGM Resorts is renowned for its exceptional service and diverse venue options across Las Vegas, Detroit, Springfield, National Harbor, Biloxi, and Atlantic City, providing flexible spaces for meetings of any size. Beyond these offerings, MGM Resorts distinguishes itself through a strong commitment to social responsibility and sustainability, making it an ideal choice for your next meeting.  At the core of MGM Resorts' company values is its platform, "Focused on What Matters," dedicated to meeting customer needs while advancing socially responsible practices. This commitment is evident in several key areas:  Protecting Natural Resources  MGM Resorts is home to industry-leading recycling, renewable electricity and water conservation programs. Some highlights include a cogeneration power plant at ARIA, producing ultra-efficient electricity; one of America’s largest contiguous rooftop solar arrays atop the convention center at Mandalay Bay; and onsite wells that provide water for the celebrated Fountains of Bellagio, avoiding reliance on precious Colorado River water. These efforts and many more save on natural resources while boosting attendee satisfaction.  Committed to Community  Always striving to be good neighbors, MGM Resorts works to avoid food waste and combat food insecurity with the Feeding Forward program. In partnership with local food banks, they safely divert unserved food to food insecure members of the community. Since 2016, over 5 million meals have been provided, highlighting MGM Resorts' commitment to minimizing food waste and addressing community needs.  MGM Resorts supports clients in their responsible-meetings efforts, not only with efficient venues but also waste-reducing décor and signage; sustainable food and beverage options; and outreach to help planners communicate sustainability efforts to attendees. What’s more, they offer a Mindful Meetings series that puts attendee wellness first—through fitness and mindfulness activities, and in give-back events with local charity organizations.   Fostering Diversity & 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 offers unparalleled service and venue options while standing out for its proactive approach to sustainability and community engagement. Choosing MGM Resorts for your next meeting means aligning with a company that values social responsibility, efficiency, and attendee satisfaction, ensuring a meaningful and impactful event experience.