News
Nov 13, 2024
What do trade show organizers need to know about Orlando, Fla.?
In October, we spent 72 hours in the Sunshine State to discover what’s new for attendees and exhibitors in the theme park capital of the world, as well to find out what’s trending for trade shows.
Here’s what you need to know.
Getting there: Located about 20 minutes from downtown Orlando and with easy highway access, the Orlando International Airport (with the airport code of MCO) is about 12 miles away from the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) and major convention hotels that are connected or within walking distance… more
Nov 12, 2024
Equip Exposition, the international landscape, outdoor living, and equipment exposition held Oct. 15-18, broke attendance records for the third year in a row, with more than 28,500 registrants and more than 1.2 million square feet of indoor and outdoor exhibit space at the Kentucky Exposition Center.
The four-day event featured 1,000 exhibits and hundreds of educational opportunities. Attendees could mow, dig, mulch, saw and more with the latest outdoor power equipment in the 30-acre Outdoor Demo Yard, as well as pilot a drone in the Drone Zone.
As one of the largest trade shows in the U… more
Nov 11, 2024
Despite months of rumors that its private equity owner Blackstone is exploring a sale of the $2.6 billion events group, Clarion Events made its second acquisition in recent weeks. The world’s largest privately owned event and exhibition organizer, according to data from Stax, scooped up Eaton Hall, an event organizer specializing in targeted, pre-arranged face-to-face meetings-based events.
Related: Clarion Events Expands Energy Portfolio with Acquisition of Infocast and Its 18 Events
The acquisition also marks Clarion’s launch of a new division, Clarion Connect, positioning it as the… more
Nov 08, 2024
In October, event organizers, associations, and suppliers welcomed new talent and promoted seasoned professionals as the trade show industry continues a bustling fall and turns its attention toward a strong finish to a busy year. In addition to the news that Julie Coker has been tapped to lead NYC Tourism + Conventions, here’s our recap of trade show moves in the last month.
TSNN’s take on the biggest move in October: Clarion Events has appointed Chris Brown, principal at Level Up Event Strategies, to lead The Clarion Events Collaborative: Elevating Association Events along with Liz Irving… more
Nov 07, 2024
In recent weeks, several event technology companies announced alliances with industry organizations and solutions providers to enhance the event and planning experience for event participants and organizing professionals, respectively.
PCMA and Gevme Unveil Enhanced Spark AI Platform for Events
PCMA and event technology solutions provider Gevme rolled out new enhancements to Spark, a generative AI tool built by event professionals for event professionals. Introduced to the global business events community nearly 17 months ago, Spark now boasts more than 9,000 users. The tool offers the… more
Nov 06, 2024
Raccoon Media Group, a global events and media company, has acquired PATS (Pets & Aquatics Trade Show) and BETA International, forming a new Animal Health Division as part of its growing portfolio. Heading the new division is Nicole Cooper, who joins Raccoon Media Group as CEO, Animal Health Division.
“Our vision for rapid growth continues, but we’re deeply committed to staying true to the sectors that serve passion-led communities,” said Raccoon Media Group CEO Mike Seaman. “The new Animal Health Division, under Nicole’s leadership, will allow us to expand our influence while… more
Nov 05, 2024
Sponsored by MCI
Influencer marketing may seem like a strategy reserved for mega-brands that partner with content creators with millions of followers, but it can be a surprisingly accessible way to get your audience engaged with your message, product, event or mission. At its crux, influencer marketing is a recommendation or endorsement from a source your audience trusts. For modern marketers, it can be an effective tool that drives results.
In the past, people would chat around the watercooler, and they’d hear about a great local bakery or which movies were worth the ticket price.… more
Nov 05, 2024
Several event producers and experiential agencies have had a busy fall season, scooping up complementary companies and forming new alliances to grow their event audiences, service offerings, and market share.
Other notable deals in the last month include:
From Public to Private: PE Firm Acquires GES for $535 Million
Hyve Group Snaps Up Second Portfolio of Events from Entrepreneur and Investor Jonathan Weiner with HLTH Acquisition
Clarion Events Expands Energy Portfolio with Acquisition of Infocast and Its 18 Events
Here’s our roundup of recent new business deals, M&As and… more
Nov 05, 2024
Sponsored by MCI
Event organizers are constantly looking for tools that will streamline the planning process and enhance the overall experience for attendees. Integrated event management platforms are at the forefront of this shift, redefining what it means to manage events seamlessly.Seamless Integration of Core Services
Traditionally, event management involved juggling multiple platforms: one for registration, another for housing and sourcing, and another for lead management. This not only complicated the workflow, but it also increased the chances of errors. Using one integrated… more
Nov 04, 2024
Sponsored by VISIT DENVER
Maybe your next meeting just needs a few meeting areas. Maybe it needs a large,
open room. Maybe it doesn’t need a room at all, but a space with open air and
sunshine. Whatever you need, you’ll find it at the newly expanded Colorado
Convention Center! Say hello to more than 130,000 square feet of new space to
meet, greet, and network, now open and available for booking your next event.
It all starts with Colorado’s newest and largest ballroom, the Bluebird Ballroom. How do you describe it? Endless configurations, 19 different divisions, and column-free. This… 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.