News
Jul 06, 2020
In what could be a harbinger of things to come, the Geneva International Motor Show not only was forced to cancel its March 2020 show due to COVID-19, but also the association responsible for organizing the event decided to sell the show to Palexpo SA.
Palexpo SA is a convention center located next to the Geneva Cointrin International Airport in which GIMS is held.
GIMS originally had sought a loan from the local government – the Canton of Geneva - which was granted, although there were conditions attached.
The show’s association was obligated to make a repayment of 1 million Swiss… more
Jul 02, 2020
Finally, some news we all want to hear: trade shows are happening once again! From June 23-26, Dallas Market Center hosted a successful Apparel & Accessories Market and KidsWorld Market, drawing more than 85 percent attendance over the previous year.
The concurrent events, which were the first held since retail began to reopen in the region, offered buyers new brands and best-selling styles for business recovery and growth while debuting comprehensive health and safety measures.
Results exceeded all expectations, and show officials report consistent order writing throughout the socially… more
Jul 01, 2020
When it comes to combating event waste, ICC Sydney appears to have one of the event industry’s leading environmental issues under control. In recognition of its comprehensive waste management program, the Australia venue recently won the 2020 UFI Sustainable Development Award, designed to recognize companies that have implemented successful exhibition waste management protocols.
According to UFI officials, the award’s jury panel selected ICC Sydney as the winning entry because of its clear, comprehensive and practical approach to managing and reducing waste, with impressive results.
“Waste… more
Jul 01, 2020
The Society of Independent Show Organizers has not only joined advocacy efforts with the Go LIVE Together Coalition during these challenging times, but also it has supported its membership of for-profit trade show organizers with several new programs.
“SISO has been laser focused on getting our industry reopened as safely and quickly as possible. We have moved quickly with our leadership of the Go LIVE Together coalition, the All Secure program and advocating to have our industry removed from the WHO mass gathering bucket,” said SISO Chair and Tarsus Group CEO Douglas Emslie.
He added, “If… more
Jun 30, 2020
Event managers handling events for academia, science, medicine and other professional fields now have a new online platform option for planning virtual conferences and events.
Underline, a live-streaming conference platform and digital repository, has been custom-built to handle scientific, technical and academic events, helping planners and organizers to execute virtual events as well as aggregate content from those events in a digital library.
Alex Lazinica, founder and CEO of Underline and a former robotics and artificial intelligence scientist, was inspired to start the company after… more
Jun 29, 2020
With many people working from home and attending more videoconferences and virtual events than ever before, boosting attendee morale and engagement while combating digital fatigue has become a big area of focus for event organizers. That’s where teambuilding activities such as virtual escape rooms come in. These digitized versions of the popular in-person puzzle-solving games make for fun and engaging additions to any virtual event. Along with spurring collaboration and creative thinking, the interactive mind-benders also promote learning, networking and a spirit of play.
“It’s more… more
Jun 26, 2020
The global event tech exhibition and conference Event Tech Live is taking a new approach for its 2020 event — and perhaps no one is better equipped to go (partially) digital, due to their depth of knowledge with event technology.
This Nov. 2-6, Event Tech Live will take a hybrid approach, expanding its typical two-day trade show (which will still take place in person, Nov. 4-5, at The Old Truman Brewery in London, incorporating procedures overseen by health consultants to ensure safety for all attendees) to include five virtual days of content, as well.
“ETL introduced a virtual element… more
Jun 26, 2020
The first facilities to earn the new GBAC STAR accreditation from the Global Biorisk Advisory Council, a division of ISSA—The Worldwide Cleaning Industry Association, are scheduled to be announced by the end of June. To achieve accreditation, applicants must demonstrate compliance with the program’s 20 elements covering cleaning, disinfecting and infectious disease prevention.
In less than two months after the launch of the GBAC STAR program on May 7, thousands of facilities committed to the program — from large hotel chains, convention centers and arenas to small restaurants, bowling… more
Jun 25, 2020
While this summer’s hiring news isn’t as busy as in other years, companies in the events industry are expanding where they can to help gain a cutting edge for events as they begin to return. Here’s the latest news.
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On June 22, Meet AC, Atlantic City’s group sales and marketing organization, named industry veteran Larry Sieg as its new president and CEO. He replaces Jim Wood, who departed the agency at the end of 2019. Bringing nearly three decades of tourism, sales and hospitality experience to his new role, Sieg will officially take the reins on July 13.
"Being someone who lives… more
Jun 24, 2020
Bogus attendee list vendors may think twice before soliciting PACK EXPO exhibitors again. In early June, PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, belatedly announced its Feb. 23 lawsuit victory against Data Marketers Inc. for trademark infringement, false association advertising and unfair competition. Operating under the name LogiChannel, the data and marketing services company illegally used PACK EXPO’s logo in email solicitations a month prior to the September 2019 Las Vegas trade show in attempts to sell fake attendee lists to the show’s exhibitors.
PMMI decided… 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.