Association Show News
Sponsored by
Oct 31, 2017
NPE2018: The Plastics Show has been chosen by the U.S. Department of Commerce to participate in its 2018 International Buyer Program (IBP).
The IBP is a joint government-industry effort under the jurisdiction of the Commerce Department’s International Trade Administration (ITA) that brings thousands of international buyers to the U.S. for B2B matchmaking with U.S. firms exhibiting at major industry trade shows.
Every year, the IBP results in approximately a billion dollars in new business for U.S. companies and increased international attendance for participating U.S. trade show organizers… more
Oct 30, 2017
Kicking off with an opening night reception Nov. 1 at the Johannesburg, South Africa-based Sandton Convention Centre, the 84th UFI Global Congress is set to gather hundreds of exhibition organizers and suppliers from all over the world to take a deep dive into “Raising the Odds: Pressures and Profits in the Exhibition Industry.”
“UFI‘s Global Congress brings together the global leaders of the exhibition industry. We will welcome more than 420 participants from more than 55 countries this week in Johannesburg,” said UFI Managing Director/CEO Kai Hattendorf.
He added, “Besides the… more
Oct 24, 2017
It goes without saying that meeting security is at the top of everyone’s minds right now. After the recent incident in Las Vegas, planners need to make sure that they – and their venues – are as prepared as possible to handle any emergency that may take place.
The Exhibitions and Meetings Safety and Security Initiative (EMSSI) was launched in 2016 by the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM), the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) and the Exhibition Services & Contractors Association (ESCA).
EMSSI’s mission is to protect the $283 billion U.S.… more
Oct 19, 2017
PCMA’s Digital Experience Institute annual online Summit now is open for registration. Supported and sponsored by Meetings + Conventions Calgary, the all-day event is set to take place Nov. 15, between 8 a.m.–5 p.m. CT.
Participating event professionals will have a chance to join veteran strategists and newcomers to the digital space where they can learn all about digital event solutions and how to implement success into each event.
Amanda Marijanovic will once again be the broadcast host, facilitating dialogue with industry experts on a variety of topics ranging from digital event law and… more
Oct 18, 2017
ASAE Foundation recently has launched a new research project called, “Association Content Strategies for a Changing World.”
The project will explore how association leaders are navigating the shifting content development and management landscape.
Not only will the project look at the positive impacts of strategic approaches to content, but it also will examine the emerging challenges organizations face when creating content and its dissemination.
This study is made possible by a grant from Angerosa Research Foundation and Stratton Media Strategies.
The Angerosa Research Foundation was… more
Oct 17, 2017
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events has selected this year’s honorees of its 20 Under 30 recognition program, which gives young professional exhibitions and events organizer members the opportunity to experience Expo! Expo! IAEE’s Annual Meeting & Exhibition, on tap Nov. 28-30 in San Antonio, Texas.
IAEE believes that by recognizing and elevating these young leaders, the evolution and distinction of the exhibitions and events industry will be fostered around the globe, according to association officials.
In addition to receiving a complimentary full registration to… more
Oct 17, 2017
The Meetings Mean Business Coalition has appointed Julie Coker Graham, president and CEO of the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau, as its next co-chair.
Coker Graham will join Paul Van Deventer, president and CEO of Meeting Professionals International, in leading the coalition and promoting the value of face-to-face meetings, conferences, conventions, incentive travel, trade shows and exhibitions.
“We are very excited to have Julie be the first CEO of a convention and visitors bureau to co-chair MMBC,” Van Deventer said.
He added, “Her insights, experience and passion for our… more
Oct 11, 2017
The Association of Equipment Manufacturers has decided to withdraw from a proposed collaboration with the Kentucky State Fair Board and its National Farm Machinery Show.
Last February, AEM and the KSFB signed a letter of intent and announced a verbal agreement on the showfloor of the 52nd annual NFMS at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville.
Under the agreement and starting with the 2018 show, AEM would have assisted with the show’s management and co-production with the intention of elevating the exhibitor and attendee experience. The association would have also had an equity… more
Oct 08, 2017
The phrase “Experience Design” gets tossed out repeatedly, but do we truly understand how this concept plays out in the trade show and conference arena?
This dynamic has been embraced by the consumer markets, starting in 1999 with Joseph Pine and James Gilmore’s best-selling book called “The Experience Economy: Work is Theatre & Every Business a Stage.”
What impact has this or could this have on the B2B trade show and events industry? We’re going to tackle this question with industry experts on our next #ExpoChat, Weds. Oct. 11at 1 p.m. E.T. on Twitter.
Join Experient’s Terence… more
Oct 02, 2017
The 20 in their Twenties program, supported by the Professional Convention Management Association Education Foundation and Visit Seattle, is designed to engage the best and brightest young professionals in the business event industry. By recognizing emerging leaders, and their talents, PCMA helps to support a new generation of business event strategists around the world.
“The 20 in their Twenties program is a great way to recognize and engage rising stars in the industry,” said Rob Hampton, senior vice president of Convention Sales and Services for Visit Seattle.
He added, “It gives young… 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.