Apr 10, 2025
After searching for more than one year for a permanent replacement, Choose Chicago has tapped Kristen Reynolds, who has served as Discover Long Island President and CEO since 2015, as its new president and Chief Executive Officer, effective May 5. She will lead Chicago’s convention and tourism industry, which is a key driver of the city’s economy, generating $19.5 billion in leisure and business spending in 2023, according to the latest research by Choose Chicago.
The position has been vacant since Lynn Osmond stepped down on January 31, 2024. Choose Chicago Board Member Rich Gamble, who… more
Apr 04, 2025
Since February, event organizers and suppliers across the country have been welcoming new leadership and increasing team headcount, as well as bidding farewell to seasoned industry veterans.
TSNN’s take on the biggest recent move: Following a successful 37-year career in the U.S. gift and home trade show industry, veteran B2B Public Relations specialist Cathy Steel has retired. She and her husband of 24 years, Alan Steel, who retired from his 12-year position as CEO of New York’s Javits Center on March 31, plan to travel extensively and enjoy time with family and friends.
Related: Alan… more
Mar 21, 2025
Heather Larson’s journey into the hospitality, tourism, and events industries began at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she developed a strong passion for service, relationships, and travel. After graduating and falling in love with Chicago’s stately old grand hotels, she began her career honing her skills at iconic Windy City properties including The Allegro (formerly The Bismarck), The Whitehall, The Drake, and the Fairmont Hotel.
“I started working in hotel sales, where I quickly realized that I thrived in the fast-paced, people-driven nature of the industry,” Larson recalled… more
Mar 14, 2025
During Women’s History Month, TSNN makes a point of honoring the trade show industry’s outstanding female professionals by sharing their stories, insights, accomplishments, and words of inspiration.
At a time when diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts are being called into question, we believe it is more important than ever to honor our female trailblazers and hear how their organizations are supporting and advancing women, whether they believe we are making meaningful progress toward gender parity in industry leadership, and what advice they offer for emerging female leaders.
In… more
Feb 19, 2025
Black History Month marks a significant moment to celebrate Black leaders in the event and trade show industries. It’s our mission to always spotlight the strategies, experiences, and insights of Black industry professionals—especially during a time when attacks on DEI programs have become prominent across business sectors.
Melissa K. Montes, vice president, Airport Experience News (AXN) and Womenswear in Nevada (WWIN), and diversity, equity and inclusion business (DEIB) lead at Clarion North America, is one leader who is committed to embedding DEI as a core value across business operations… more
Feb 14, 2025
While many successful executive leaders may tout impressive track records for driving revenue growth and operational efficiency at their organizations, not all can boast a talent for connecting with teams, inspiring loyalty, and motivating individuals to excel out of a genuine commitment to that leader’s vision. This unusual talent for cultivating a positive, collaborative, and inclusive work environment that inspires professionals to take risks, innovate, and grow is what sets a transformative leader such as Karalynn Sprouse apart from the C-suite pack.
As Executive Vice President at… more
Feb 06, 2025
In January, the U.S. trade show industry kicked off 2025 with a bang as organizations far and wide reported a plethora of new hires, promotions, and executive appointments.
TSNN’s Take on the biggest move in the last month: Nineteen Group appointed 25-year event industry veteran Mary Larkin as president of its Americas division as the company enters its next phase of its growth in the continent.
The big picture: Headquartered in London and backed by Phoenix Equity Partners, Nineteen Group is an events and media company specializing in large-scale B2B trade exhibitions and conferences… more
Jan 27, 2025
The New York Convention Center Operating Corporation (NYCCOC) has selected 30-year convention industry veteran Joyce Leveston as the new CEO of the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City, following a unanimous recommendation by the executive search committee and approval from the NYCCOC Board of Directors. Joining the Javits team on February 10, Leviston will officially take the helm on March 10.
Hugh Carey, Vice Chair of the NYCCOC Board of Directors and chair of the search committee, expressed enthusiasm for her historic appointment, which marks the first time a woman has held… more
Jan 13, 2025
As 2024 came to a close, the trade show industry remained on the fast track, actively hiring and promoting experienced industry professionals to gear up for a promising 2025. Here’s our roundup of trade show moves in the last month.
TSNN’s take on the biggest move in the last month: Nora Ellingwood joined CloserStill Media as vice president of operations, North America. In this newly created position, she will build a centralized operations team for the company’s U.S. events business, focused on creating innovative events and empowering its team members to learn, grow, and thrive while… more
Jan 09, 2025
To kick off the new year, TSNN sat down with some of the trade show industry’s most well-respected leaders to gain insights into what we can expect for B2B exhibitions in 2025.
In this second installment of our series running through the month of January, we spoke with Gary Shapiro, CEO of the Consumer Technology Association, producer of CES, the nation’s largest annual consumer electronics trade show and conference taking place this week in Las Vegas.
Here’s what Shapiro foresees for CTA’s events and the overall industry in the coming year.
What are your predictions for the trade… 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.