More than half of exhibiting companies don’t provide training for their exhibit staff, and as many as 86 percent of staffers have never received even one hour of training, according to trade show industry studies conducted by CEIRand Exhibit Surveys Inc., respectively.
To address this disconnect, trade show marketing expert and author Marlys Arnold has launched Exhibit Marketers Academy, an online library of comprehensive trade show training classes. Designed specifically for exhibitors, these courses can be accessed anytime and anywhere from one’s tablet, smartphone or computer. … more
News
Oct 22, 2019
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events unveiled this year’s recipients of its awards program, which recognizes outstanding contributions by IAEE members and member companies.
Along with the Woman of Achievement and International Excellence award winners, which were announced earlier this year, these award recipients will be honored at the Annual Networking Luncheon and Awards Presentation during Expo! Expo! IAEE’s Annual Meeting & Exhibition, Dec. 3-5 at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.
The 2019 IAEE Award Winners were selected after careful consideration… more
Oct 21, 2019
Exhibitors trying to minimize their trade show exhibiting expenses might want to get their hands on “Demystifying Electrical Services for the Exhibitor,” the newest Industry Insights Series Report released by the Center for Exhibition Industry Research.
A must-read for new exhibitors in particular, the report details a step-by-step process for determining how much electrical power is needed for an expo booth; how to clearly layout where to install power, and other tips and tricks for minimizing cost and time, and ensuring a smooth installation.
“The logistics of planning an exhibit booth… more
Oct 17, 2019
The focus on sustainability in the world of corporate events will only continue to increase, according to CWT Meetings & Events. In the new M&E Future Trends Report bonus feature, The Future of Sustainable Events, CWT provides insights into the state of the industry and offers tips on how organizations can embed responsible business practices into meetings and events.
“Having a responsible business approach and company culture is ever more important as employees and consumers want to be associated with a brand that reflects their values,” said Ian Cummings, vice president EMEA, CWT… more
Oct 16, 2019
The Freeman Company has completed its previously announced sale of Encore Event Technologies, a global provider of event technology, staging and production services, to PSAV. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Known to event planners as the in-house or preferred audio-visual provider at many venues across the United States, PSAV has a presence in nearly 1,600 locations within 10 different countries. In August 2018, the company was acquired by investment firm Blackstone and becomes even larger with the Encore acquisition.
Like PSAV, Encore also operates as an in-house partner to… more
Oct 16, 2019
The Expo Group unveiled the top four honorees of The Expo Group Show Manager of the Year (SMOTY) Awards.
These awards are run independently of any industry associations with a judging panel of trade show professionals to honor unsung heroes of events and trade shows.
“This program is a way for us to give back to our profession by drawing attention to the people who impress everyone with their commitment, innovation and excellence,” said President and COO of The Expo Group Randy Pekowski.
He added, “By presenting these awards and making donations to the award winners’ choice of charities,… more
Oct 16, 2019
Event and trade show organizers looking for an overview of how industry giant Informa makes a difference through sustainability — and how they can follow suit — can turn to Informa’s “2018 Sustainability Report: The Role We Play” as a resource.
Released in conjunction with the company’s annual report earlier this year, the document provides examples of how Informa’s brands and content support the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, stories of the purposeful partnerships that Informa teams have formed with community groups, and insightful infographics that demonstrate how the business… more
Oct 15, 2019
The organiser, CloserStill Media, expected the event to draw some 18,000 senior decision-makers from across the Asia Pacific region. Exhibitors offered products and services covering cloud computing, cyber security, big data, data centres, e-commerce and digital marketing.
Cloud Expo Asia was co-located with other enterprise technology events including Cloud & Cyber Security Expo, Big Data World, Smart IoT Singapore, Data Centre World, eCommerce Expo Asia, and Technology for Marketing Asia.
Separately, CloserStill Media unveiled plans launch a new veterinary conference and exhibition,… more
Oct 15, 2019
International exhibition organiser, Informa Markets, opened its beautyexpo in Malaysia running from 4th to 7th October at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC).
The show featured six dedicated zones: Beauty Salon, Hair Salon, Make-up & Education, Nail Salon, OEM/ODM, and Halal Beauty. The organiser expects the show to attracted nearly 16,000 visitors.
A seminar programme, business matching platform, and workshop were held during the exhibition. The seminar programme featured sessions on industry insights and the latest topical trends in various geographic markets. The business-… more
Oct 15, 2019
Despite the ongoing protests, Hong Kong’s autumn peak trade show season is now well underway. The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) will open four trade shows later this month, including Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Autumn Edition), electronicAsia, Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Autumn Edition) and Hong Kong International Outdoor and Tech Light Expo.
Positioned as the world’s largest electronics marketplace, the concurrent Electronics Fair and electronicAsia will take place at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) running from 13th to 16th October. About 4,… 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.