News

Feb 01, 2024
The 2024 International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE), which opened Jan. 30 and runs through Feb. 1, features 620,000 square feet of exhibit space with 1,434 exhibitors — the largest trade show floor in IPPE’s history, covering all four halls of the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta.  The vast trade show floor showcases the latest technology, equipment and services used in the production and processing of animal food, meat and poultry and egg products. About 30,000 visitors from 120 countries are expected to attend, but final numbers won’t be available until after the show… more
Jan 31, 2024
Raccoon Media Group, which was acquired by Cuil Bay Capital (CBC) in September 2023, has expanded in the U.S. with the acquisition of Abilities Expo, a series of seven exhibitions owned by industry veterans Lew Shomer and David Korse. In 2023, Abilities Expo attracted more than 30,000 attendees to its events in seven U.S. cities last year. The announcement brings Raccoon’s U.K. and U.S. show portfolio to 17 events, and the purchase bolsters Raccoon’s footing in the health and wellbeing market, joining Snowbound Expo, The Boston Run Show and The Boston Outdoor Expo in the company’s U.S.… more
Jan 30, 2024
On Jan. 10, American Psychological Association Senior Director, Meetings and Events Desirée Knight, who served as 2023 PCMA Chair, officially passed the gavel to Visit Indy President and CEO Leonard Hoops on the main stage at Convening Leaders 2024 (CL24) in San Diego.  Hoops, the first destination marketing organization (DMO) leader to chair the association, addressed the audience, which peaked at more than 4,200 during the three-day annual event – the largest ever, according to PCMA President and CEO Sherrif Karamat.  Prior to taking the stage, Hoops sat down with us at the Visit Indy… more
Jan 29, 2024
A group of six trade show industry associations have joined forces to form the Exhibitions Industry Collective, a coalition created to drive awareness on crucial, top-of-mind issues within the exhibitions ecosystem such as workforce development, sustainability and health and safety. The new Collective comprises key organizations including the Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (ECA), Exhibition Services & Contractors Association (ESCA), Experiential Designers & Producers Association (EDPA), International Association of Exhibitions & Events (IAEE), International Association of… more
Jan 26, 2024
Displaying everything from flying cars and transparent TVs to ice cream robots and artificial intelligence-enhanced products, CES 2024 was a triumph. Spanning over 2.5 million square feet (pending an audit) — an estimated 15% increase from last year’s 2.2 million net square feet — the 57th annual CES was the largest such show since COVID-19 decimated live events. The number of exhibitors jumped to more than 4,300, up from 3,200 in 2023, while more than 135,000 attendees gathered at a dozen venues, including the Las Vegas Convention Center, for the Jan. 9-12 show, compared to 115,000… more
Jan 25, 2024
Venue management company and live event producer ASM Global and distributed energy resource (DER) platform and virtual power plant operator Voltus Inc. announced a partnership designed to help ASM Global reduce energy consumption across all its convention and entertainment venues located in wholesale and regulated power markets in the U.S.  Voltus helps deliver less expensive, more reliable and more sustainable electricity, paying energy users to reduce or shift electricity use in response to grid stress, high prices and high emissions. Its commercial and industrial customers, as well as DER… more
Jan 24, 2024
Exclusively sponsored by Honeycomb Strategies. Start here: Take our 5-question carbon quiz! Test what you already know about carbon emissions, then scroll down to read more about our answers. 1. Freight logistics  Question: Which method of shipping to an event is the most carbon intense?  Correct Answer: Airplane.  This answer may not surprise you, but maybe you don’t know about the alternatives. Freight via container ship is 94% less carbon-intensive than air, and rail shipping is even less, though they require more transit time. For final-mile transportation, local electric fleets and… more
Jan 23, 2024
Originally contracted for Sept. 16-24, 2024 at Detroit’s Huntington Place, the annual Detroit Auto Show will move to Jan. 10-20, 2025. Following a three-year hiatus, the show was held in September in 2022 and 2023, but it will move back to its January timeframe and not be held in 2024.The Detroit Auto Show was launched in 1899 and held in January through 2019. “Our primary goal is to create an impactful auto show and showcase our great city and industry,” said Detroit Auto Show and Detroit Auto Dealers Association Executive Director Rod Alberts in a post on LinkedIn.  He continued, “After… more
Jan 22, 2024
In its first deals since the $4.6 billion acquisition by Blackstone last year, Cvent has acquired Jifflenow, a B2B 1:1 and group appointments scheduling solution, and iCapture, a lead capture solution. With these acquisitions, Cvent’s goal is to offer enhanced capabilities to enable sales and marketing teams to improve trade show performance and ROI through automated appointment scheduling and universal lead capture.  Related: Blackstone to Acquire Cvent for $4.6 Billion “Over the past nearly 25 years, we’ve helped power global meetings and events programs, and these acquisitions highlight… more
Jan 19, 2024
Informa, the international B2B events, digital services and academic markets company (owner of TSNN, ENN and Corporate Event News), reported a 30% increase in underlying revenue for the full-year 2023 and the merger of Informa Tech’s digital businesses with U.S.-based TechTarget.  During an investor presentation on Jan. 10, Informa Group Chief Executive Stephen A. Carter said the company’s 2024 guidance targets high single-digit underlying revenue growth, with reported revenue of £3,425m-£3,475m ($4,332m-$4,395m) and adjusted operating profit of £945m-£965m ($1,195m-$1,220m).  By the… 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.