April Show Recap: NRA, DSE and NAB Shows Set Records
May 17, 2019
From Los Angeles to Germany, trade shows around the world saw higher attendance and larger exhibit floors than previous years last month. Take a look:
DSE 2019
Digital Signage Expo—the world’s largest trade show and conference for digital displays and interactive technology—saw the second-largest attendance in its 16-year show history at its Las Vegas show this year, logging a 3 percent increase in end-user attendees over the previous year and a 6 percent increase in total verified attendance (4,260), which includes end-users along with system integrators and advertising executives. This was partially due to an uptick in international attendees from 63 countries, which accounted for nearly 18 percent of overall attendance—an increase of 7 percent from 2018. In addition to the stellar numbers, which show officials attributed to “relentless marketing,” other highlights of DES 2019 included a high-profile keynote on innovation from author Tom Goodwin, action-oriented (rather than track-driven) sessions and peer networking discussion groups during lunches.
Beauty Düsseldorf 2019
This year marked the best-attended event in the history of Beauty Düsseldorf, drawing around 58,000 guests and 1,500 exhibitors and brands across three days to Düsseldorf Exhibition Center in Düsseldorf, Germany. As the leading industry meeting for professionals in the cosmetics, nail, foot, wellness and spa industries, it serves as an international forum for service cosmetics, giving attendees an overview of new products, care concepts, scientific findings and themes. Digitalization was a big focus of the conference for a second time, with workshops addressing topics related to online marketing and social media. “Suppliers in the professional cosmetics segment confirm Germany as a leading international location,” said attendee Alexander Drusio, deputy chairman of Verband Cosmetic Professional eV. “This is also reflected at Beauty as the most relevant event of the year with high-profile trade visitor attendance and high-quality contacts.”
Aging into the Future
Los Angeles Convention Center was home to the third annual Aging Into the Future Conference + Expo, which gives seniors the opportunity to explore new technologies. The one-day conference is organized by the non-profit organization St. Barnabas Senior Services. This year, the show featured its first-ever Tech Expo, with 50 interactive product demonstrations geared toward making life easier for seniors and caregivers. There was also a Tech Help Lounge that served as a learning hub to teach attendees about Facebook, YouTube, computers, email and smartphones. Among the biggest hits on the show floor were a virtual reality experience and a self-driving taxi, giving a new perspective on what “aging into the future” really means. This year’s show had 753 attendees and 50 exhibitors, occupying approximately 16,000 square feet.
NRA
The 148th annual meeting of the National Rifle Association of America brought in more than 81,000 members to Indianapolis, April 25-28. This year featured the show’s largest-ever exhibit hall, covering 15 acres and encompassing 800 exhibitors. Over four days, attendees took in a nonstop lineup of events and performances, including appearances by President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence at the NRA-ILA Leadership Forum. Another highlight of the event was the National NRA Foundation Barbecue and Auction, which sold out with 1,500 tickets and included a concert from country music artist Alan Jackson at Lucas Oil Stadium. In 2020, the NRA Annual Meeting will be held in Nashville, Tennessee.
NAB Show
More than 91,000 professionals in the media, entertainment and technology industry convened in Las Vegas April 6-11 for the NAB Show, the world’s largest convention for this audience. A large part of the attendance was international guests, with 24,000 from countries outside the U.S. This year’s show boasted 224 first-time exhibitors, a major milestone, who joined exhibiting veterans across nearly 1 million net sq. ft. of space. Also new this year were several technology-focused areas on the showfloor, focused on things like esports and 5G technology; as well as the NAB Show Product of the Year Awards, which recognized the most promising new products and technologies on display at the show.
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.
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