Association Show News
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Nov 15, 2015
In an effort to ensure those working on the ‘front lines’ of the trade show industry offer the best customer service possible, the Exhibition Services & Contractors Association (ESCA) and the St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission (SLCVC) have teamed up to hold the first-ever ‘Labor Day’ Nov. 19 at America’s Center.
All the unions that work on the tradeshow floor are invited to participate in this day of complimentary training and enhancement.
“The goal of ‘Labor Day’ is to help build on the skills of the already talented labor force in St. Louis and give a few new tools for… more
Nov 12, 2015
By Elizabeth Johnson
Two of the most common sponsorships sold by trade show planners get a thumbs down from exhibitors - logos on signage and attendee materials such as bags and lanyards no longer make the grade.
A Global Experience Specialist’s survey released earlier this year revealed that 29 percent of exhibitors want more unique opportunities for attendees. Many trade show planners are working to raise the bar, offering new and creative ways to increase their sponsors’ ROI. Here are four ideas sponsors say work:
1. Showcase a Company’s Product… more
Nov 11, 2015
The International Association of Exhibitions & Events has named Los Angeles Abilities Expo 2015 the Top Public Event this year, an award that will be celebrated at the organization’s Expo! Expo! IAEE's Annual Meeting & Exhibition Dec. 1-3 in Baltimore, Md.
The IAEE Top Public Events program was established in 2011 to honor the best consumer shows in the nation. Events that submitted applications were measured on broad criteria to include sound business practices, stability, exceptional customer service, and how the event serves the community and overall industry.
The Los… more
Nov 09, 2015
More than 180 attendees, including fastest-growing show winners representing the top 50 shows, as well as their guests and sponsors, all came together to celebrate at the 2015 TSNN Awards Nov. 6-8 in Atlanta.
Awards were given onstage at the AmericasMart during a gala celebration emceed by The Weather Channel’s Jim Cantore, with The American Coatings Show scoring the overall fastest-growing award for attendance and the ICSC New York National Conference snagging the overall fastest-growing award for net square footage.
“Thank you for awarding the ICSC,” said Tim McGuinness, vice president of… more
Nov 08, 2015
In a society that’s more disconnected and lonely than ever, people no longer attend events because they just want basic information or random networking. Instead, they desire a strategically-designed experience where they can collaborate and create solutions to problems.
“People go to events for four primary reasons,” according to Marc Pomerleau, Global Strategy Vice President for FreemanXP. “They want to strengthen relationships, enhance competency, increase vision and perspective, and discover a sense of purpose.”
Creating the type of event that meets those needs can be tough because it… more
Nov 06, 2015
The 2015 NACS Show attracted a record 24,392 registered attendees, of which 9,038 were classified as buyers (retailers, convenience distributors).
The total number of registered attendees, which includes Petroleum Equipment Institute (PEI) buyer registration, was 3.3-percent higher than last year and topped the previous attendance record set in 2004.
The 2015 NACS Show also attracted a record 2,490 international attendees representing 73 countries, which was another record, showcasing the event’s importance to the success of the global convenience and fuel retailing industry.
The 2015 NACS… more
Nov 04, 2015
The Healthcare Convention and Exhibitors Association has named management firm Coulter to provide comprehensive association management services to the organization, effective Nov. 1.
Amy Lotz, CAE, Coulter vice president, will serve as HCEA’s executive director.
HCEA’s goal is to provide the effectiveness and promoting the value of all conventions, meetings and exhibitions for the healthcare industry.
In its provision of full-service association management to HCEA, Coulter will provide guidance through strategic planning and analysis, event management and fundraising, and communications and… more
Nov 03, 2015
Meeting Professionals International has acquired the assets of Plan Your Meetings, a privately-owned educational and networking resources company based in Atlanta.
Plan Your Meetings produces live education, networking events, an award-winning annual meeting planning guide and a variety of digital resources and tools for meeting planners in the U.S.
The acquisition of Plan Your Meetings’ assets strengthens MPI’s portfolio of professional development offerings and supports MPI’s strategic vision to be the first choice for professional career development for its members and the global… more
Oct 30, 2015
The Association of Equipment Manufacturers’ CONEXPO-CON/AGG already is the largest show in the United States, and now it’s reaching new heights in South America as well.
CONEXPO Latin America, which debuted Oct. 21-24, 2015, in Santiago, Chile (Espacio Riesco), attracted nearly 32,600 attendees from more than 90 countries.
The top five Latin American countries besides the host country (in order) were Argentina, Brazil, Peru, Colombia and Bolivia.
“The Association of Equipment Manufacturers has a longstanding commitment to Latin America to advance business development and cooperation; we are… more
Oct 28, 2015
Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI) brought together a broad base of DMO industry leaders and thought leaders during the organization’s first-ever Strategic Innovation Summit, held Oct. 7-8 in Dallas.
The efforts from this meeting, led by Soren Kaplan of InnovationPoint, built the framework for DMAI’s 2016-2017 Strategic Plan, according to DMAI officials.
“We wanted to focus on the core values of the organization: Innovation, Transparency, Responsiveness and in particular Inclusiveness,” said Bob Lander, president and CEO of the Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau and… 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.