News

Oct 30, 2012
Companies related to the trade show industry have been busy as of late with a spate of new hire announcements and promotions, signaling optimism about the future. Choose Chicago, the city’s CVB, named D. Bradley Kent senior vice president of sales and services. Kent most recently served as the vice president of industry relations for Freeman and he will join Choose Chicago Dec. 3. "Brad is an influential leader with tremendous respect throughout the industry,” said Don Welsh, Choose Chicago’s president and CEO.  He added, “Choose Chicago has an aggressive… more
Oct 29, 2012
Not only will there be nearly 25 percent growth of digital health and fitness technology at the Consumer Electronic Association’s 2013 International CES, but the event also will feature a record number of automotive manufacturers, as well as being billed as the “largest app event in the world.” More than 215 exhibitors will showcase the latest digital health and fitness technologies when International CES runs Jan 8-11 at the Las Vegas Convention Center and other venues around the city. “Health and fitness technology is booming and will continue its dominance on the… more
Oct 29, 2012
The Professional Convention Management Association, with support from the PCMA Education Foundation, announced the launch of the “Industry Business Forum for Local Leaders” series. The invitation-only program is designed for global convention center and DMO executives and their local board members and policy makers, with programming focused on how strategic industry business issues impact their organizations and local communities, according to PCMA officials. The Forum program content was developed by PCMA staff and leadership, along with the professional support and guidance from Bruce… more
Oct 28, 2012
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events is reaching out to bring younger attendees to the organization’s Expo! Expo!  Annual Meeting & Exhibition by naming the “20 Under 30” award honorees, who will receive free registration and lodging for three nights when the event runs in December in Orlando. The “20 Under 30” program provides education for professional growth in the exhibitions and events industry and helps program participants become better, more productive employees. The award program is sponsored by the Austin (Texas) Convention & Visitors Bureau and… more
Oct 27, 2012
As Hurricane Sandy takes aim at the East Coast, potentially impacting a wide swath of the region, shows have been postponed or cancelled altogether at several venues. New York is predicted to take the brunt of the storm and with mass transit being closed down and low-lying areas of the city evacuated, Reed Exhibitions decided to postpone its ISC East event at the Jacob. K. Javits Convention Center of New York. “Due to the State of Emergency declared by the Governor of the State of New York and the clear impact and potential danger presented by Hurricane Sandy, we have made a decision… more
Oct 25, 2012
The positive trend for Viad, parent company of Global Experience Specialists, continued into the third quarter, with the company scoring a 42.2-percent spike in revenues to $307.5 million, compared with $216.2 million during the same time period in 2011. Viad’s Q3 income also soared to $20.4 million, compared with $1.2 million during the same time period last year. The improved financial results primarily were driven by positive show rotation and strong throughput at Viad's Marketing & Events Group and expanded revenue at the company's Travel & Recreation Group. Same-… more
Oct 24, 2012
On Oct. 5, BlueStar’s VARTECH 2012, a trade show for vendors and resellers of POS, ADC, Mobility, RFID, Digital Signage and Security technologies, took to the seas.   This marked the first time the show took place aboard the Carnival Imagination, a four-day cruise to the Bahamas.   Having their show aboard a cruise ship has been a dream of Mark Fraker’s, vice president of marketing, BlueStar, for a long time.   For the past several years, he’s been proposing that idea to Blue Star CEO Steve Cuntz, and each year, Cuntz said there was no way they are having… more
Oct 24, 2012
With Tarsus Group’s recent acquisition of Turkish Organizer CYF Fuarcilik A.S., not only does Tarsus become one of the leading show organizers in the country, but it also signals the completion of its 50/13 strategy one year early, in which 50 percent of the company's revenue will come from emerging markets by 2013. A 75-percent stake of CYF Fuarcilik A.S. was purchased by Tarsus for £6.2 million ($10 million) and includes two leading shows in Turkey:   - Eurasia Plant Fair (scheduled in December), an international exhibition in Istanbul last held in 2011 with a 10,800… more
Oct 22, 2012
Marina Bay Sands has had its busiest MICE month ever, with 13 tradeshows and several key conferences scheduled for the Singapore-based venue in October. The 13 tradeshows – approximately four times the monthly average since Sands Expo & Convention Center opened in April 2010 – will attract up to an estimated 46,000 delegates from industries as diverse as architecture, property, travel and hospitality as well as energy, according to venue officials. “October marks a milestone for us as our team builds on the MICE momentum since we opened in April 2010,” said John… more
Oct 22, 2012
International sports, venue and entertainment organization AEG Facilities has expanded its Convention Center Management and Services Division by naming Brad Gessner vice president of Convention Centers. AEG currently operates convention centers in Australia, Kuala Lumpur, Oman and Qatar. “We recognize there is demand in the industry to change the model of success for great convention centers and destinations,” said AEG Facilities President Bob Newman. He added “As operators of some of the world’s most successful convention centers, we are in a position to utilize… 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.