News
Feb 13, 2023
The Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) in Orlando, Fla., recently kicked off 2023 with two simultaneous, industry-leading trade shows held Jan. 4-6 that boasted sizable upticks in attendance and strong buying activity.
ASI Show Orlando
As the first promotional products industry show of the year, ASI Show Orlando attracted 4,500 supplier and distributor professionals to a lively show floor packed with more than 700 booths showcasing the leading in-stock products of 2023. Of the nearly 400 exhibiting companies, 65 were new to Orlando this year.
The show also attracted 351 woman-owned… more
Feb 10, 2023
Emerald, in collaboration with Abasto Media, is spicing up its portfolio with the recent acquisition of Cocina Sabrosa Food & Beverage Trade Expo, the only B2B event in the U.S. solely dedicated to the Latin food and beverage sector.
Formerly a regional event in Southern California, Cocina Sabrosa will be enhanced and expanded to create the first U.S.-based, national Latin food and beverage industry event serving restaurateurs, grocers, suppliers and entrepreneurs within the growing business segment. “It’s an honor and privilege to work alongside Abasto to launch this premiere nationwide… more
Feb 10, 2023
Temporary exhibitor growth of 15% and strong order writing characterized International Market Center’s (IMC) Atlanta Apparel February 2023, as buyers were out in full force to source fashion for the upcoming seasons and take advantage of educational and networking opportunities.
“Atlanta Apparel buyers and brands brought the energy to educational and networking events, temporary exhibits and permanent showrooms this February,” said Caron Stover, International Market Center’s (IMC) senior vice president, apparel. “Throughout this market, including the successful extra day of temporary… more
Feb 09, 2023
The new year is bringing plenty of fresh technology solutions to help event professionals, exhibitors, sponsors and destinations stay on top of the ever-changing events landscape, as well as industry recognitions. Read on for some of the latest event tech developments.
International Market Centers
International Market Centers (IMC) launched a new feature to its RepZio sales app that incorporates market badge scanning, creating a direct connection between market activity and RepZio customer data. The new exhibitor-friendly feature debuted at IMC’s Winter 2023 Las Vegas Market, held Jan. 29-… more
Feb 07, 2023
As the trade show industry gears up for a busy 2023, event-related companies throughout the U.S. and across the pond are moving forward with strategic acquisitions and partnerships designed to empower and prepare them for a year of robust growth. Take a look!
Skyline Exhibits
Eagan, Minn.-based trade show exhibit company Skyline Exhibits kicked off the new year on a strong growth trajectory by acquiring two of its authorized dealer offices—one in New York and one in California—as part of a strategic effort to provide a seamless client experience and additional expert resources.
Serving… more
Feb 06, 2023
The global retail industry is about to get a new conference and exhibition to meet the needs of a rapidly growing marketplace. Beginning in 2024, Retail’s Big Show will expand to the Asia Pacific region with the inaugural NRF 2024: Retail’s Big Show Asia Pacific, set for June 11-13, 2024, at the Marina Bay Sands Convention Centre in Singapore. The new event will launch six months after NRF 2024: Retail’s Big Show, scheduled for Jan. 14-16 at Javits Center in New York City.
Aiming to integrate regional leaders across the retail industry to collaborate at a Pan Asia Pacific level, the new… more
Feb 03, 2023
Ungerboeck, a global leader in venue and event management software, has become Momentus Technologies, a new identity designed to unify the company’s vertical-specific software under one brand to deliver end-to-end solutions for the changing needs of the industry. “As people return to in-person events, creating positive, impactful experiences both physically and virtually has taken on greater importance,” said Alex Alexandrov, CEO of Momentus. “This new identity is rooted in the company’s heritage, technology and people—three key drivers that have made the company and its solutions what they… more
Feb 02, 2023
UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, released the 30th edition of its Global Exhibition Barometer research, which points to a positive outlook for 2023 and beyond following the quickening pace of the industry’s recovery in 2022.
With results indicating a full recovery expected in 2023 in most markets, with the exception of a few locations such as China, and revenues predicted to reach more than 90% of 2019 levels on average, the time has come to concentrate on thriving in a post-pandemic world while addresses the challenges that lie ahead, according to Kai Hattendorf,… more
Feb 01, 2023
Peter Nathan, founder of the Society of Independent Show Organizers (SISO) and international trade show trailblazer, passed away on Jan. 28 at 89. He spent nearly 60 years working in the exhibitions, conferences and events industry and left an indelible mark in the lives of event professionals and the industry at large along the way.
After graduating from University of Connecticut, Nathan served in the U.S. Marine Corps, attaining the rank of captain. After leaving the military, he joined Clapp & Poliak and is credited for organizing the first U.S. events in the former Soviet Union and… more
Feb 01, 2023
What is the average cost of trade show labor in Las Vegas? What is the average cost of electrical labor in Orlando? What is the average cost for materials handling in New York? How do these averages by city compare to the national average?
The 2022 Material Handling & Labor Rate Survey — a new report by The Exhibitor Advocate, a non-profit organization dedicated to amplifying the voice of exhibitors — provides some benchmarks to review high-level exhibitor costs in 16 U.S. cities, from Las Vegas and Orlando to Chicago and Atlanta.
“We believe this data is a valuable and important… 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.