
May 07, 2018
Last week’s IAEE Women's Leadership Forum, held at the InterContinental Hotel in Washington, D.C., drew a sold-out crowd of more than 220 attendees to hear several dynamic speakers talk about topics that ranged on how to not get burnt out trying to manage the elusive work/life balance to permitting yourself to ‘ask outrageously’ for something you want.
The event kicked off with two sessions the day before – one that focused on How to “Negotiate Your Life – Tips for Quintastic (those who believe 50 is the new 30) Women in the Workplace” and the other was about “Projecting Your UV (Unique… more

May 03, 2018
If popular new features and satisfied exhibitors were any indication, the third edition of PACK EXPO East proved to be its most comprehensive and successful yet.
Held April 16-18 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, the show attracted more than 6,000 attendees and 400 exhibiting companies spanning nearly 100,000 net square feet of expo space.
Launched in 2015 to provide Northeast packing and processing professionals with the opportunity to experience the latest in technology and innovative solutions; exchange ideas with leading industry suppliers; access cutting-edge… more

May 02, 2018
The UFI Board of Directors has elected Diversified Business Communications’ Mary Larkin as president of UFI for 2020.
This decision was made at the board meeting during the UFI European Conference in Verona, Italy, and becomes effective at the conclusion of the 85th UFI Global Congress, which runs from Oct. 31- Nov. 3 in St. Petersburg.
Corrado Peraboni, UFI’s current president, welcomed the election of Larkin, saying: “I congratulate Mary Larkin for being elected as the new UFI incoming President. It will be a great privilege for me to be part of the presidential trio, together with… more

May 01, 2018
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events celebrates another successful Women’s Leadership Forum April 30-May 1 at the InterContinental Washington, D.C. – The Wharf in Washington, D.C.
More than 220 attendees sold out this year’s event, which featured education sessions for women at all stages of their career.
The 2018 IAEE Woman of Achievement Award was presented to Jennifer Hoff, CEM, president, Taffy Event Strategies during the forum.
“Jen took a leap of faith when she launched Taffy Event Strategies. She knew she had the knowledge, skills, and a bit of courage to be… more

Apr 24, 2018
Based on after-show feedback from the more than 14,000 participants of the WVC Annual Conference held in Las Vegas, the show is moving their conference back to February and has shortened the duration by one day.
New dates for the WVC Annual Conference will be Feb. 17-20, 2019, at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center.
The conference dates will stay on President’s Day Week, with an exception in 2021 due to “MAGIC” reserving much of the convention space in the city for their international apparel show.
“WVC’s goal is to always respond to the needs of the profession and our participants.… more

Apr 23, 2018
ASAE hosted its Xperience Design Project (XDP), April 19-20, at the Gaylord NationalResort & Convention Center.
The two-day event drew 1,512 association professionals and industry partners. They co-created strategies, ideas, and solutions on how to engage attendees through gamification, drive attendance at meetings, and create meaningful partnerships with industry suppliers.
“Throughout the event, association professionals and industry partners created new ideas they could apply to a future event. The three areas we focused on this year impact our industry, and we wanted to provide an… more

Apr 23, 2018
The International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM) will hold the 2019 (July 21-24) VenueConnect Annual Conference & Trade Show in Chicago, Ill., at McCormick Place Convention Center and the 2020 (July 26-29) VenueConnect in Long Beach, Calif., at Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center.
IAVM’s VenueConnect is the industry conference that provides targeted education created specifically for more than 2,000 arena, stadium, convention center, performing arts center, amphitheater & fairgrounds, and college & university venue professionals.
VenueConnect 2019 will bring… more

Apr 08, 2018
Predict: CEIR’s Annual Exhibition Industry Conference will be held Sept. 13-14 at the MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Md.
This one of a kind executive-level, invitation-only conference looks to the future — three to five years out – bringing meaningful insights from experts outside the industry to align with trends occurring in the industry in an interactive and engaging format.
This year’s keynote speaker, Dr. Lindsey Piegza, serves as Chief Economist for Stifel Fixed Income.
She specializes in research and analysis of economic trends and activity, world economies, financial markets… more

Apr 08, 2018
Destinations International Chair Tammy Blount, FCDME and president and CEO of the Monterey County Convention and Visitors Bureau and President and CEO Don Welsh recently announced the schedule for the organization’s fall educational summits.
“Destinations International is offering refreshed and new educational opportunities to provide critical learning, sharing of best practices, and network-building opportunities for every level of a destination organization,” Blount said.
He added, “From board governance to visitor services and everything in between, every member of a destination team… more

Apr 08, 2018
ISA International Sign Expo 2018 closes with attendance topping 20,387 - making it the largest ISA Sign Expo in Orlando and one of the largest in ISA Sign Expo history.
The showfloor also was the largest-ever footprint for the event.
“Significant weather issues throughout the country affected air travel, but attendees found a way to get here anyway,” said Lori Anderson, ISA president and CEO.
She added, “And they came in a mood to buy. Exhibitors reported that sales were outstanding. This reinforces that ISA International Sign Expo is the only industry event connecting sign and print… 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.