News

Sep 07, 2021
Sponsored by San Diego Tourism Authority Whether you’re returning or visiting for the first time, San Diego is ready to greet you with open skies and wide-open spaces. Our sun-soaked surroundings, sandy beaches and countless outdoor venues and renovations will liberate your thinking, open you up to big ideas and renew your outlook. Because when it comes to getting down to business, San Diego offers the ideal backdrop to elevate any meeting or event. Make Your Meeting Safe — and Sunny San Diego makes it easy to gather safely outdoors, and our teams are dedicated to ensuring the health, well… more
Sep 07, 2021
The Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) recently released two more case studies from its Global Virtual Event Trends series, which examines the insights of organizations that traditionally run or manage in-person B2B exhibitions but pivoted to producing virtual events due to COVID-19-related constraints and regulations.  As the latest case studies in the series, Case Study: Access Intelligence and Case Study: 1st Arabia Tradeshow & Conferences provide real-world examples of how each organization adapted its events to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the results of their… more
Sep 02, 2021
As the escalating climate change crisis continues to plague the planet, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI) and the Joint Meetings Industry Council (JMIC) have teamed up to unite the events industry for a massive push to diminish its carbon footprint. Today, UFI unveiled the Net Zero Carbon Events initiative, which is hosted by JMIC and supported by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The aim is to attract and connect major events industry stakeholders around the world, including organizers, planners, exhibitors, venues, destinations and… more
Sep 02, 2021
As those in the meetings and exhibitions industries know all too well, changes in the COVID-19 pandemic are continuing to cause major challenges for event organizers, with any organization looking to host a trade show or conference tasked with taking changing information from public health officials into account. In such a complex environment, it can be understandably difficult for organizers to demonstrate their ability to run events in a safe and sustainable way.  Enter Epistemix, a leading provider of analytical tools that simulate how diseases, ideas and behavior spread through… more
Sep 01, 2021
After sitting closed for nearly 18 months, Chicago’s McCormick Place is once again hosting major trade shows and events, has welcomed back more than 1,000 full-time employees and is boasting a robust events schedule. Following the NBA Draft Combine in June, the campus enjoyed a busy July that harkened back to pre-pandemic days, hosting three major events within a few days of each other that brought in more than 150,000 guests. These included the Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI), the Nike Tournament of Champions and a special edition of a marquee event that McCormick has hosted for 60… more
Sep 01, 2021
After an 18-month hiatus, OFFPRICE Show returned to Las Vegas Fashion Week with a resurgence in buyer traffic, fueling cautious optimism for its 2022 shows. Although event participation wasn’t yet in line with pre-pandemic numbers, the biannual bargain apparel, accessories and footwear event still exceeded attendee expectations.   Held Aug. 7-10 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in close proximity to an array of Fashion Week trade shows, OFFPRICE Show remains the largest U.S. trade show dedicated to discount fashion, boasting approximately 450 exhibitors and 12,000 buyers in “normal” years… more
Aug 31, 2021
With the theme “Let’s Go UP,” the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) took hybrid to new heights for its 2021 Annual Meeting, held Aug. 13-18. Nearly 3,200 association professionals and industry partners gathered virtually through the Intrado platform and in-person through innovative Pop-UPs around the country to exchange knowledge, tap into new possibilities, explore ground-breaking strategies and learn from inspiring leaders. Giving registrants options in the ways to access the content and solutions they need to keep their organizations relevant and positioned for prosperity… more
Aug 30, 2021
The North American textile handicrafts industry is about to get a new trade show. Set to launch in Chicago June 22-24, 2022, h+h americas will be the first international offshoot of h+h cologne, the world’s main industry event for textile handicrafts produced by and annually held at Koelnmesse in Cologne, Germany. Designed to unite the soft crafts industries in North America, the new show comes in response to increased demand for a strong and unified national show for the North American handicrafts sector as a result of the growing pandemic-induced popularity of handicrafts in the U.S. Not… more
Aug 27, 2021
The past year and a half has challenged the event industry like never before, but during the tough times, shows have innovated more than ever in so many ways to still create value for their communities. In addition, there are amazing people who have "risen to the top" in so many incredible ways. As a result, TSNN will be "re-imagining" the 2021 TSNN Awards, on tap Dec. 1-2 at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn., and launching the “Best of Innovation Awards” and the “Outstanding Show Pro Awards.” For the “Best of Innovation Awards”, shows are asked to consider the following innovative… more
Aug 27, 2021
As the Delta variant continues to cause some hesitancy about holding events, with a few shows cancelling and others taking place as planned, new research may hold the key to putting the industry’s mind at ease.  According to findings from a research partnership between Freeman, a global leader in events, and Epistemix, a computational modeling software company, large in-person business events are safe and do not increase local COVID-19 case rates.  “Based on the data we’ve seen, attending an in-person event is no riskier—in fact, less risky— than essential daily activities,” said Freeman… 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.