News

May 07, 2024
New events, business locations, educational offerings and research reports are some of the most recent developments keeping the trade show industry a-buzz this month. Here’s our latest roundup of the latest industry news in brief to keep you in-the-know. Women in Exhibitions World Summit Announces Second Edition Following the success of its inaugural edition in The Netherlands last June, Women in Exhibitions (WIE) announced its second Women in Exhibitions World Summit, taking place Nov. 18-19 at I Chiostri di San Barnaba in Milan, Italy. Dedicated to empowering and advancing women… more
May 06, 2024
Viad Corp., a global provider of exhibition management and experiential marketing services, reported first quarter (Q1) 2024 revenues of $273.5 million, an increase of $12.7 million or 4.9% from Q1 2023. For Q1, GES, which includes Spiro, reported revenues of $236.3 million, compared with $228.1 million in the same period last year. GES reported an increase of $8.1 million or 3.6% year-over-year, which the company attributed to continued underlying growth that more than offset a $4 million decline due to the timing of major non-annual shows. Context: GES is a global exhibition management… more
May 03, 2024
Throughout the U.S. and across the pond, event technology companies are unveiling new solutions, enhancing existing offerings and teaming up with other providers to deliver more compelling features for show organizers and exhibitors alike. EventsPass and FFAIR Forge Transatlantic Partnership Adam Jones, CEO of FFAIRTicketing registration platform EventsPass and U.K.-based event management platform FFAIR have formed a strategic partnership designed to further empower show organizers, as well as elevate the exhibitor experience. Marking FFAIR’s debut in North America, the venture enables the… more
May 02, 2024
The Events Industry Council (EIC) has formed a strategic sustainability partnership with venue development, hospitality services and solutions provider Oak View Group (OVG) to certify its entire convention portfolio of more than 60 venues in cities like Chicago, Dallas and Miami. OVG’s convention center portfolio will be certified in accordance with the EIC Sustainable Event Standards, a collection of eight specific standards that assess events and industry suppliers on a wide range of sustainability criteria that support environmental and social responsibility.   The partnership — the… more
May 01, 2024
What’s the state of the exhibition industry in the Middle East and Africa (MEA)? In a TSNN exclusive, we interviewed Naji El Haddad, regional director of MEA for UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, to get the scoop on the annual in-person Regional Conference, held April 15-17 at the Kigali Convention Centre in Rwanda. Serving in his role for more than five years, El Haddad shared his insider’s view on what’s trending in the region for exhibitions.  Here are excerpts from our conversation. Watch or listen to the full interview here. Naji El Haddad, UFIKey markets for… more
Apr 30, 2024
Let’s start with this statistic: On average in 2023, 45% of conference attendees delayed registering until four weeks or less before an event. That’s among the eye-popping findings in a new Registrations Insights Report from experience design company Maritz, the result of a deep dive into more than 360,000 attendee registrations across 30 trade shows over the past few years. The report looks at registration pacing, which attendees are most likely to register late and why, and how to adapt to this changing attendee behavior. Significantly, the authors also work to reframe the discussion… more
Apr 29, 2024
Who’s moving up at event-related organizations and companies throughout the global trade show industry? Take a look at our latest roundup of people news to help you stay in the know.  The Opus Group Global experiential agency network The Opus Group has named Kim Kopetz as its new president and CEO. Bringing more than 25 years of experience to her role, Kopetz will lead all The Opus Group’s brands — Opus Agency, MAS, TENCUE and Verve. She succeeds Mitch Barns, who has been CEO since April 2021 and will remain a board member.  A long-time leader in the corporate events and experiential brand… more
Apr 26, 2024
What’s new in San Diego in 2024? Earlier this year, the San Diego Tourism Authority hosted a media tour for event and trade show industry press that included four stops. Here’s what event organizers/exhibitors need to know about what’s new and trending in this popular destination. San Diego International Airport During a behind-the-scenes tour of the $3.4 billion construction project at the San Diego International Airport, Chief Development Officer Angela Shafer-Payne said the 661-acre airport currently serves 550 flights per day.  Context: The existing Terminal 1 opened in 1967 while… more
Apr 25, 2024
After a six-year hiatus due to COVID, NPE2024: The Plastics Show will return May 6-10 at the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) in Orlando. When the triennial trade show and conference was last held in 2018, NPE2018: The Plastic Show attracted more than 55,000 attendees and 2,182 exhibitors covering 1.1 million net square feet of exhibit space at OCCC. Related: NPE WRAPS UP ITS LARGEST SHOW IN HISTORY Owned by the Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS), the trade show supports the entire plastics supply chain, including equipment suppliers, material suppliers, processors and recyclers… more
Apr 23, 2024
From new show launches and business ventures to strategic partnerships and acquisitions, the trade show landscape has been buzzing with event companies announcing new business moves and agreements this spring.  Taffy Event Strategies to Launch High Performance Expo (HPX) Next Year  Full-service trade show and management company Taffy Event Strategies is gearing up to launch a new show for the automotive racing and performance industry, High Performance Expo (HPX). Set for June 3-5, 2025, at the Charlotte Convention Center, the inaugural business and consumer show will be the exclusive… more
Partner Voices
  MGM Resorts is renowned for its exceptional service and diverse venue options across Las Vegas, Detroit, Springfield, National Harbor, Biloxi, and Atlantic City, providing flexible spaces for meetings of any size. Beyond these offerings, MGM Resorts distinguishes itself through a strong commitment to social responsibility and sustainability, making it an ideal choice for your next meeting.  At the core of MGM Resorts' company values is its platform, "Focused on What Matters," dedicated to meeting customer needs while advancing socially responsible practices. This commitment is evident in several key areas:  Protecting Natural Resources  MGM Resorts is home to industry-leading recycling, renewable electricity and water conservation programs. Some highlights include a cogeneration power plant at ARIA, producing ultra-efficient electricity; one of America’s largest contiguous rooftop solar arrays atop the convention center at Mandalay Bay; and onsite wells that provide water for the celebrated Fountains of Bellagio, avoiding reliance on precious Colorado River water. These efforts and many more save on natural resources while boosting attendee satisfaction.  Committed to Community  Always striving to be good neighbors, MGM Resorts works to avoid food waste and combat food insecurity with the Feeding Forward program. In partnership with local food banks, they safely divert unserved food to food insecure members of the community. Since 2016, over 5 million meals have been provided, highlighting MGM Resorts' commitment to minimizing food waste and addressing community needs.  MGM Resorts supports clients in their responsible-meetings efforts, not only with efficient venues but also waste-reducing décor and signage; sustainable food and beverage options; and outreach to help planners communicate sustainability efforts to attendees. What’s more, they offer a Mindful Meetings series that puts attendee wellness first—through fitness and mindfulness activities, and in give-back events with local charity organizations.   Fostering Diversity & Inclusion  To MGM Resorts, a diverse and talented workforce is essential to success. By cultivating innovative strategies that consider multiple perspectives and viewpoints, the company creates an inclusive workplace culture that benefits its employees and community. MGM Resorts takes pride in being a welcoming home for veterans, individuals with disabilities, people from diverse backgrounds, LGBTQ+ community members, and more. This commitment to inclusion is reflected in the company's recruitment and hiring practices and its social responsibility initiatives. From the workplace to the community, MGM Resorts' commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion remains unwavering, and its efforts continue to create a more equitable and sustainable world for all.  MGM Resorts offers unparalleled service and venue options while standing out for its proactive approach to sustainability and community engagement. Choosing MGM Resorts for your next meeting means aligning with a company that values social responsibility, efficiency, and attendee satisfaction, ensuring a meaningful and impactful event experience.