
Apr 18, 2017
The American Society of Association Executives unveiled the winners of the 2017 Gold Circle Awards competition, which denotes excellence, innovation, and achievement in association/nonprofit marketing, membership, and communications programs.
The Gold Circle Award for Overall Excellence will be announced during ASAE’s 2017 Marketing, Membership & Communications Conference (MMCC), May 2-3, in Washington, D.C.
The 2017 competition received 172 submissions. Over 80 judges from different associations, nonprofits, and for-profit organizations evaluated the submissions this year. The… more

Apr 13, 2017
Hannover Fairs USA, the U.S. subsidiary of Hannover, Germany’s Deutsche Messe will combine two of HANNOVER MESSE portfolio trade shows, Industrial Automation and Motion, Drive & Automation, to form Integrated Automation, Motion & Drives (IAMD).
The new trade show will feature the full range of industrial automation, power transmission and fluid power solutions for the factory of the future.
“Industry 4.0 and the global manufacturing markets desire for digitally integrated products is the driving force behind this merger,” said Larry Turner, president and CEO of HFUSA.
He added, “… more

Apr 13, 2017
The Boston Convention & Exhibition Center will be getting much-needed nearby hotel room inventory when a new Omni Hotel & Resorts-branded hotel opens in early 2021.
An agreement for the $550 million project was signed between the Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) and Dallas-based Omni Hotels & Resorts.
With a variety of innovative guest amenities, the hotel will be among the city’s largest, with 1,050-plus rooms and suites, as well as 110,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, which includes a 25,000 sq. ft. grand ballroom.
These are key features that meeting planners… more

Apr 13, 2017
The trade show industry continues to be alive and well, with several suppliers inking new deals with to manage venues, oversee housing and take care of registration.
Aberdeen City Council has named SMG to manage the existing AECC (Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre in Scotland) ahead of a move to its newly built home near Aberdeen International Airport in 2019.
The partnership follows last year’s announcement that SMG was awarded preferred bidder status to manage, operate and program the new $416 million complex.
The new state-of-the art venue will include a 12,500 seat arena with a… more

Apr 10, 2017
With so much technology supporting events, much of it digital technology that runs on or is facilitated by the Internet (aka back door for hackers), event organizers would be remiss in not making sure that every technology they use is secure.
In this week’s #Expochat, moderator Michelle Bruno will tweetchat with Jon Johnson, cofounder and CTO of Core-Apps to find out how vulnerable the industry really is and what organizers and technology providers can do to safeguard company and personal information on event apps and platforms.
If you’ve got questions of your own or would like to contribute… more

Apr 06, 2017
The Meetings Mean Business Coalition (MMBC) and leaders from across the meetings industry are joining together today for the second annual Global Meetings Industry Day (#GMID17), with more than 100 events in 90-plus locations spanning nearly 25 countries and six continents.
This international day of advocacy showcases the real impact that business meetings, conferences, conventions, incentive travel, trade shows and exhibitions have on people, business and communities.
Thousands of industry professionals are participating in today’s events, coupled with a robust social conversation to ensure… more

Apr 04, 2017
Northstar Travel Group acquired not only the TEAMS Conference + Expo and Meetings Quest conferences from Schneider Publishing, but also magazine titles SportsTravel and Association News.
Timothy Schneider, president and CEO of Schneider Publishing, joins Northstar Travel Group as founder and chairman of the company's new Sports Division.
The division will be a part of Northstar's Meetings Group, which includes Meetings & Conventions, Successful Meetings, Meeting News, and Incentive, and the Group's integrated data, digital, and in-person event… more

Mar 31, 2017
A record 300-plus C-level executives, sponsors and guests spent a few sun-drenched days at The Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, Fla., for the 2017 Society of Independent Show Organizers’ CEO Summit.
“The SISO CEO Summit is the largest and more important event of the year for the for-profit side of the global exhibition/event industry and the most valuable part of the event are the participants, they make the event the success it is,” said SISO Executive Director David Audrain.
He added, “The majority of the program is an open dialogue and contribution from our members/participants, and it is… more

Mar 27, 2017
Global events strategy consultancy AMR International and U.S.-based event organizer Lippman Connects will partner to launch Transform, a new conference that will tackle the data, analytics and digital strategy revolution of the exhibition industry.
The conference will provide critical insight to senior leaders of U.S. exhibition organizers, as the industry struggles to embrace data, analytics and digital technologies.
The Transform conference follows on from AMR’s Data and Digital Event Strategy Symposium held in London.
“This event comes in response to the industry’s ongoing reluctance to… more

Mar 25, 2017
The Association for Women in Events (AWE), a not for profit organization supporting gender equality and diversity in the event industry, has unveiled its Hall of Fame Recognition Program, hosted by the AWE Awards Committee.
The AWE Awards Committee was formed with a vision to create an engaged group of recognized people and programs that exemplify AWE values to serve as an ongoing resource for inspiration, guidance and leadership.
The AWE Hall of Fame will recognize the advancement of women in events by honoring women and men with a categorical award.
Categories for nominations are: Disruptor… 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.