Association Show News
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Jul 23, 2015
For the TSNN “Best of Show” award, we are leaving it up to you to tell us why you think your show is the BEST.
This is the fifth year for this special award, and five nominees will be invited to the 2015 TSNN Awards: Celebrating Trade Show Excellence Nov. 6-8 in Atlanta.
The overall winner will be announced at the gala awards celebration Nov. 7. To be considered, please, submit your show HERE.
There is no specific criterion for the award. Be creative!
What challenge(s) did the show face? What was the “Best of Show” solution(s)? And what were the overall results and impact on the show… more
Jul 16, 2015
This year’s Summer NAMM show drew 13,936 attendees July 9-11 in Nashville, which was a 13-percent increase, compared with 2014.
The National Association of Music Merchants show saw another increase in exhibiting companies, making it the largest mid-year event since 2006, with 494 exhibiting companies representing more than 1,600 brands.
“With a tremendous respect for our industry's hand-crafted traditions combined with an exciting look to the future of music and audio, this Summer NAMM was perhaps the most important (and the most fun!) in recent memory,” said Joe Lamond, president and CEO of… more
Jul 10, 2015
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events Public Events Council will be accepting applications until Sept. 30 for its Top Public Events Recognition Program, which recognizes best practices in the business-to-consumers segment of the exhibitions and events industry.
Events will be judged by an impartial panel of consumer event experts on specific event criteria and general areas such as demonstrated sound business practices, stability and exceptional customer service.
The Top Public Events program criteria will remain the same as year's past, but the submission process… more
Jul 08, 2015
The 2015 Society of Independent Show Organizers’ Leadership Conference will not only take a look at what the Millennials really want, but also what it takes to be a CEO and how the SXSW grew into the massive festival it is today, among a host of other topics.
“This Leadership program is the most comprehensive we have ever had for younger professionals taking on more responsibility,” said SISO Executive Director Lew Shomer.
He added, “Our emphasis is to teach by example with major industry leaders such as Don Pazour, Chris Brown, Charles McCurdy and Carina Bauer. The emphasis is certainly… more
Jul 07, 2015
Even with Greece throwing the Eurozone into uncertainty and the China stock market dipping precipitously, the trade show industry in these two regions, and the majority of others worldwide, is reporting positive gains, according to UFI’s 15th Global Barometer survey.
An average of 6 companies out of 10 declared increases in their businesses.
When compared to 2014, the situation is stable for the Americas and Europe, but it reflects a slight slowdown in Asia/Pacific or Middle East and Africa, who had higher levels of growth in 2014.
However, both the United States and China outperform their… more
Jul 06, 2015
The U.S Travel Association’s President and CEO Roger Dow issued a strong statement after an article came out by The Washington Post that said the U.S. Justice Department was launching an investigation into whether some of the top airlines have colluded to keep prices high.
The article states that prices were driven up by limiting routes and affordable seats. The article also states that representatives from Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, American Airlines and United Airlines confirmed they were among those being investigated and said they were complying with Justice Department requests… more
Jun 18, 2015
When the recent United Fresh 2015 annual convention and expo wrapped up at Chicago’s McCormick Place, United Fresh donated 39,019 lbs. of produce and 207 lbs. of assorted dry food to the Greater Chicago Food Depository.
Volunteers helped collect donations from the convention floor, which is filled with fresh produce companies, to benefit those in need serviced by Greater Chicago Food Depository partner agencies such as food pantries, soup kitchen, and other emergency feeding centers.
"United Fresh and exhibitors at the show are proud to support the Feeding America network of food banks," said… more
Jun 16, 2015
The American Society of Association Executives’ (ASAE) 2015 Marketing, Membership, & Communications Conference (MMCC), held June 1—2, at the Walter E. Washington (D.C.) Convention Center, recorded the highest number of participants in its history, With more than 1,000 attendees and more than 60 exhibiting companies.
“We had another great MMCC conference this year. Along with its record breaking attendance, participants were energized and found ideas and solutions to questions they were seeking because of the high-level content, opening and closing general speakers, and… more
Jun 15, 2015
Kai Hattendorf Named New Managing Director of UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry
UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry named Kai Hattendorf as its new managing director to replace Paul Woodward, who will be stepping down in November.
The announcement was made on the opening day of the UFI Open Seminar in Europe, June 15-17 in Istanbul, Turkey.
Hattendorf currently is vice president, Digital Business & Entertainment at Messe Frankfurt and was selected in a in a process led by the UFI president, Andrés Lopez-Valderrama and his Executive Committee, and supported by the international search firm, Heidrick & Struggles.
“I am personally very pleased… more
Jun 15, 2015
Las Vegas will once again host the largest travel trade show in North America in 2020, the U.S. Travel Association’s IPW.
IPW is the travel industry’s premier international marketplace and the largest generator of travel to the U.S.
"IPW is a tremendous opportunity to showcase Las Vegas to the world and there is always something new to experience," said Lawrence Weekly, Clark County Commissioner and Chairman of the LVCVA Board of Directors.
He added. "Since the show was last here just two years ago, we’ve seen new resorts open like the SLS Las Vegas, The Cromwell and The Delano, new… 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.