News

Jan 04, 2012
In a few short days, I will be joining many of the most passionate and committed professionals in the face-to-face industry. Convening Leaders, (Professional Convention Management Association's) annual convention, begins this weekend in San Diego and I look forward to the experience every year. But, what I am realizing is that the best way for me to engage at Convening Leaders this year is to act as if it’s the first time I have attended.  It’s time for me to challenge how I typically approach educational forums. I can’t recall what year I started to attend this… more
Jan 04, 2012
Matthew Rotchford, long-time sales and events manager for the Portland Expo Center, has been named facility director after a national industry search, according to Metro Visitor Venues, which oversees the center.   He replaces former Director Chris Bailey, who retired in September, after 17 years managing the regional venue. Metro general manager of visitor venues Teri Dresler said the decision best supports the facility’s expansion into new markets. “By far, Matthew demonstrated the perfect combination of drive, innovation, flexibility and financial stewardship for this… more
Jan 04, 2012
Alan Liebensohn was promoted last month to executive director of the New York International Automobile Show from his position of business manager, a post that he held for seven years. Prior to joining the auto show, Liebensohn was a consultant in the trade show and exposition industry for companies such as George Little Management, Biz Bash Media, COSEP and Curves for Women. In addition, Liebensohn previously was the director of conferences and trade shows for the gaming industry’s premier international trade show & conference, the World Gaming Congress & Expo.… more
Jan 04, 2012
1105 Media hired Daniel McKinnon as vice president of government events, which includes the annual flagship government technology FOSE show, which is on tap April 3-5 at the Walter E. Washington (D.C.) Convention Center. “We are delighted to welcome Daniel,” said Neal Vitale, president and CEO of 1105 Media.  “After an outstanding career with Messe Frankfurt, he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our team.” He added, “We look forward to his contributions as we expand our array of government-focused trade shows and conferences.”… more
Jan 02, 2012
When the Professional Convention Management Association’s annual meeting kicks off Jan. 8-11 at the San Diego Convention Center, there’s plenty in store – from The Learning Lounge to the collocated Virtual Edge Summit to innovative keynotes, educations sessions and networking opportunities. This year, Velvet Chainsaw Consulting is working with PCMA once again to organize part of the 2012 Convening Leaders Learning Lounge. There will be more than 100-plus education opportunities from Big Ideas TED-style presentations to “How To” iPad sessions to “Bring… more
Jan 02, 2012
Eleven destination marketing organizations have achieved accreditation from Destination Marketing Association International‘s Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP). The accreditation program is designed to recognize DMOs that meet or exceed industry standards. "Congratulations to these eleven destinations for receiving their DMAP accreditation," said James T. Wood, chair of DMAP and president and CEO of the Louisville CVB. He added, "The DMAP process is a comprehensive review of a DMO's business procedures and accountability. These DMOs have shown… more
Jan 02, 2012
AIPC - the International Association of Congress Centres, in conjunction with the IMEX Group, has chosen five aspiring convention center managers to receive a scholarship to participate in the 2012 AIPC Academy. "AIPC sees professional development as a key part of our association mandate, and the investment we have made in creating the AIPC Academy as one of the most highly regarded educational programs in the industry is evidence of this,” said AIPC President Edgar Hirt. He added, "However, we recognize that in these financially challenging times, not all centers are in… more
Jan 02, 2012
Trade shows aren’t the greenest of environments in the world, but the Consumer Electronic Association’s International CES, Jan. 10-13 at several venues around Las Vegas, is making an effort to be as sustainable as possible. “Our green and recycling efforts at the 2012 International CES are unprecedented for the largest annual event in the western hemisphere, covering more than 1.8 million square feet and welcoming more than 140,000 attendees,” said Gary Shapiro, CEA’s president and CEO. He added, “We’ve worked hard to ensure that we are using… more
Dec 28, 2011
Boston has a lot to look forward to in 2012, with events booked at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center and John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center estimated to generate $625 million in economic impact and 601,000 hotel room nights, a 34-percent increase, compared with 446,596 room nights booked in 2011. In addition, 2012 will be the first time since 2007 room nights have broken the 600,000 mark, when there were 601,990 room nights booked from events at the Hynes and BCEC. “Our 2012 bookings clearly speak to our ability to generate significant impact for the… more
Dec 27, 2011
Several trade show companies lent a helping hand to those in need during the holiday season, giving away warm coats to kids, donating funds, iPads and iTunes gift cards to a school for special education and giving funds to a program for people with intellectual disabilities and a shelter for homeless and abused women and children. Dallas-based Hanley Wood Exhibitions set a goal of collecting as many warm coats as possible for kids in its local community through the Winter Coats for Kids Donation Drive. Shows in the Hanley Wood portfolio, such as World of Concrete and Remodeling/Deck… 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.