Nov 10, 2014
By Stephanie Selesnick
The SEMA Show, organized by the Specialty Equipment Market Association, filled the Las Vegas Convention Center last week from Nov. 4-7.
It attracted more than 140,000 qualified trade attendees from 130 countries, used 1.13 million net square feet of exhibit space (indoors and outside), showcased 2,400+ exhibitors (550 new ones), was covered by over 3,500 international media and had 1.500 vehicles on display.
Some of the more popular areas were two outside demonstration tracks, SEMA Central, an interactive and branded area in the Central Lobby, featuring smart wall… more

Nov 05, 2014
IEIA, the Indian Exhibition Industry Association, and SISO, the Society of Independent Show Organizers, have agreed to share knowledge and information among their respective exhibition industry members.
"This agreement will offer our members an unprecedented opportunity to grow their respective brands outside of the USA with the knowledge and assistance of our international partners, making their expansions efficient and cost effective,” said Rick McConnell, Chairman of SISO.
He added, “At the same time, SISO will act as the eyes and ears of the U.S. market as IEIA members seek opportunities… more

Nov 05, 2014
A few days before PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies’ PACK EXPO International opened Nov. 2-5 at Chicago’s McCormick Place, two staff members, Katie Bergmann and Jim Pittas, were upped to senior vice presidents.
The recent acquisition of Summit Media Group’s digital platform and the expansion of the PACK EXPO portfolio of trade shows can both be attributed to Bergmann and Pittas, according to PMMI officials.
PHARMA Expo launched at this week’s show as a collocated event, and PACK EXPO also will be launching on the East Coast in February at the Pennsylvania… more

Oct 29, 2014
More than 300 attendees from 46 nations gathered Oct. 29-Nov 1 in Bogota, Colombia, for UFI, The Global Association for the Exhibition Industry’s 81st Congress
The event has not been in Latin America since 1975 and will bring together leaders and strategic thinkers for a three-day review of the state of the exhibition industry.
UFI’s Congress was hosted by regional industry association (AFIDA) and Corferias, Colombia’s leading exhibition business.
“Our theme this year ‘Fit to Compete’ will have us examine new markets, new structures, new products and new revenue opportunities,” said Renaud… more

Oct 29, 2014
The National Business Aviation Association’s (NBAA’s) 2014 Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition, which took place Oct. 21-23 in Orlando at the Orange County Convention Center, held steady this year, with the number of attendees, exhibitors and size of showfloor on par with last year’s event.
“This year’s show was an enormous success, filled with announcements and product introductions,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen.
He added, “The exhibit floor and aircraft displays had lots of activity and excitement. The education sessions were informative and well attended. The event once… more

Oct 23, 2014
If you wanted to know everything there is around the produce industry and learn about it in one place, the Produce Market Association (PMA) 2014 Fresh Summit International Convention and Expo at the Anaheim Convention Center was the right place to be.
All facets of the industry, from seeds, packaging, equipment, shipping, import/export, growers, distributors, retailers and more were represented, with the more than 1,090 exhibitors on 265,300 square feet of exhibitor space (a record for space, and evidence of the show’s growth).
The attendance also set a record for the Anaheim… more

Oct 21, 2014
Exhibit Surveys and Lippman Connects recently released the second annual report: “Issues and Trends in Exhibit Space and Sponsorship Sales”.
According to the survey of event organizer executives, growth in both exhibit space and sponsorships sales appears healthy.
Improvements in the economy and support by industries represented by the events were cited as the primary reasons for growth in both areas.
Even with the positive news for both exhibit and sponsorship sales, Sam Lippman, president and founder of Lippman Connects, pointed out there was room for improvement.
He said senior… more

Oct 14, 2014
The Consumer Electronics Association has tapped Dr. Dieter Zetsche, chairman of the board of management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars, to deliver a 2015 International CES® keynote address focused on the latest advances in autonomous vehicle technology.
Owned and produced by CEA, International CES will run Jan. 6-9, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Dr. Zetsche will discuss autonomous vehicle technology and its impact on society, mobility and environment, as well as raise ideas and questions for the future.
In addition to his insights on the future of Daimler… more

Oct 14, 2014
Following the successful launch of two other shows at the International Manufacturing Technology Show, Germany-based Deutsche Messe plans to launch three more shows during IMTS’ 2016 show.
The three new shows include ComVac North America, Industrial Supply North America and Surface Technology North America – which cover compressed-air and vacuum technology, industrial subcontracting and surface treatment, respectively.
The previous two shows launched by Deutsche Messe are Industrial Automation North America in 2012 and Motion, Drive & Automation North America (MDA North America) in… more

Oct 14, 2014
In 2015, the American Society of Association Executives is expanding its Great Ideas Conference into Asia with the first-ever international event scheduled March 22-24 in Hong Kong.
ASAE’s Great Ideas in Association Management Conference, Asia-Pacific will be sponsored by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB).
The event is expected to draw attendees from the Asia-Pacific region along with participants from the U.S., Europe and the Middle East.
“One of ASAE’s goals is to enhance the professional development of the association community. With the growth of association contributions in the… 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.