
Jul 09, 2020
During its June 30 webinar, “June 2020 Update on Impact of COVID-19 on U.S. B2B Exhibition Organizations,” the Center for Exhibition Industry Research released the results of its latest poll that tracks the coronavirus’s effect on the U.S. B2B exhibition industry.
Fielded June 9-21, the survey invited U.S. B2B exhibition executives who oversee events that are run or managed by their organizations to respond. A total of 169 executives participated, similar to the participation level in CEIR’s April survey, which included a sample of 164 executives. Qualified members of IAEE and SISO, as well… more

Jul 08, 2020
Anaheim Convention Center Becomes First West Coast Convention Facility to Receive GBAC Accreditation
The Anaheim Convention Center became the first convention center on the West Coast to receive the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC) STAR accreditation.
“This is an important step in the eventual, safe and responsible reopening of the Anaheim Convention Center,” said Tom Morton, executive director of Convention, Sports & Entertainment for the city of Anaheim.
He added, “Event organizers and attendees can have confidence that our facility meets the highest standards of cleaning, disinfection and prevention. This accreditation is one part of a larger, comprehensive plan that will… more

Jul 08, 2020
There will be a new digital feature at this year’s SOURCING at MAGIC, Informa Markets Fashion’s annual sourcing and supply chain event serving the fashion apparel, footwear and accessory markets. Set for Sept. 30-Oct. 2 at Las Vegas Convention Center alongside MAGIC Marketplace, SOURCING will debut its new virtual trade event designed to connect global buyers and suppliers who are unable to attend the physical show in person due to international travel restrictions.
Created to complement what will be a smaller, made-in-the-USA-focused physical event this year, SOURCING’s digital marketplace… more

Jul 07, 2020
Construction on Las Vegas Convention Center’s new underground transportation system, the Convention Center Loop, hit a milestone last month when Elon Musk’s The Boring Company completed excavation on the second of two 4,500-foot vehicular tunnels.
In May 2019, The Boring Company was selected by the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority board of directors to design, construct and operate the unique “people mover.” The $52.5 million project is the company’s first commercial endeavor and also includes three stations, one of which will be underground and is currently being excavated.… more

Jul 06, 2020
In what could be a harbinger of things to come, the Geneva International Motor Show not only was forced to cancel its March 2020 show due to COVID-19, but also the association responsible for organizing the event decided to sell the show to Palexpo SA.
Palexpo SA is a convention center located next to the Geneva Cointrin International Airport in which GIMS is held.
GIMS originally had sought a loan from the local government – the Canton of Geneva - which was granted, although there were conditions attached.
The show’s association was obligated to make a repayment of 1 million Swiss… more

Jul 02, 2020
Finally, some news we all want to hear: trade shows are happening once again! From June 23-26, Dallas Market Center hosted a successful Apparel & Accessories Market and KidsWorld Market, drawing more than 85 percent attendance over the previous year.
The concurrent events, which were the first held since retail began to reopen in the region, offered buyers new brands and best-selling styles for business recovery and growth while debuting comprehensive health and safety measures.
Results exceeded all expectations, and show officials report consistent order writing throughout the socially… more

Jun 29, 2020
With many people working from home and attending more videoconferences and virtual events than ever before, boosting attendee morale and engagement while combating digital fatigue has become a big area of focus for event organizers. That’s where teambuilding activities such as virtual escape rooms come in. These digitized versions of the popular in-person puzzle-solving games make for fun and engaging additions to any virtual event. Along with spurring collaboration and creative thinking, the interactive mind-benders also promote learning, networking and a spirit of play.
“It’s more… more

Jun 24, 2020
Bogus attendee list vendors may think twice before soliciting PACK EXPO exhibitors again. In early June, PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, belatedly announced its Feb. 23 lawsuit victory against Data Marketers Inc. for trademark infringement, false association advertising and unfair competition. Operating under the name LogiChannel, the data and marketing services company illegally used PACK EXPO’s logo in email solicitations a month prior to the September 2019 Las Vegas trade show in attempts to sell fake attendee lists to the show’s exhibitors.
PMMI decided… more

Jun 19, 2020
Destinations International recently announced its new “We’re Here to Help” recovery campaign, which aims to unify the meetings, events and travel industry by demonstrating that CVBs play a critical role in recovery when the unexpected happens.
“There is no substitute for people working together to overcome dramatic and difficult challenges,” said Don Welsh, president and CEO of DI. “This campaign shows the resilience of our industry and how when we come together, great things are possible.”
He continued, “CVBs are the community connectors and will continue to be an essential extension of… more

Jun 18, 2020
Lippman Connects recently sold out the first of its new Digital Summits, which were created to facilitate the peer-to-peer exchange of information among event professionals in a virtual setting. Sam Lippman, president of Lippman Connects, organized and facilitated the event, which was capped at 15 exhibition and convention professionals.
At the first Digital Summit on May 29, participants looked at the topic of how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected meetings and events, and highlighted what some of the next steps might be for the industry. According to Lippman, the event professionals taking… 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.