News
Oct 14, 2012
UFI, The Global Association for the Exhibition Industry’s Congress, coming up Nov. 6-9 in Abu Dhabi,United Arab Emirates, is on track to break all-time attendance records that were set at the 2010 event in Singapore that drew 425 attendees (including all delegates, speakers, staff and accompanying persons).
“We are now a few past that and aiming for 450-plus,” said Paul Woodward, UFI’s managing director. “There are already over 50 countries represented. This is, to put it mildly, really encouraging!”
Last year’s event in Valencia, Spain, drew 405… more
Oct 11, 2012
SMG has two new feathers in its cap, scoring venue management contracts for Miami’s James L. Knight Center and South Dakota-based Sioux Falls Convention Center.
Both contracts previously were held by Global Spectrum and mark the 6th and 7th straight RFP convention center wins for SMG, according to Gregg Caren, SMG’s senior vice president of strategic development.
“From a company standpoint, wins are always great when these (RFPs) only come out a few within a year,” Caren said. “It validates we are a real leader for convention center management and marketing.… more
Oct 11, 2012
Even after securing several new exhibitors in the past six months, Market Center Management Company has decided to scrap plans for the Nashville Medical Trade Center, citing not enough long-term leases signed to continue with the project.
“Ending a development venture with such clear benefits for the health care industry has been a difficult decision, but ultimately we were unable to meet our internal leasing targets,” said Bill Winsor, president and CEO of Dallas-based MCMC, in a statement.
He added, “As we said from the outset, we would only proceed if we… more
Oct 09, 2012
Kelso & Company, a private equity firm located in New York, has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Swank Audio Visuals and merge it with another AV company Kelso owns, PSAV Presentation Services.
“PSAV and Swank are industry leaders with impressive histories of growth, innovation and best-in-class customer service,” said Steve Dutton, vice president at Kelso.
He added, “With PSAV and Swank as one combined entity, hoteliers will benefit from a single source of audiovisual and technology support for every size hotel and event around the world.”
Swank Audio… more
Oct 09, 2012
Based on hundreds of show that are managed on a2z’s platform, the event technology company has released its latest Quarterly Exposition Industry Analysis.
While overall attendance has started to rebound at several shows, the third quarter wasn’t as kind to net square footage.
The data collected by a2z revealed that NSF in Q3 of 2012 was down by approximately 5 percent, compared with Q3 last year.
“If you have been following our previous a2z index reports, then you may have noticed that in Q1 and Q2, our NSF pacing indicated that Q3 of 2012 was behind by several points… more
Oct 09, 2012
Two of Las Vegas’ megashows, SEMA Show and MAGIC Marketplace, both will stay in Las Vegas into the near future, with extensions of their leases at the Las Vegas Convention Center for five years and three years, respectively.
“SEMA and MAGIC committed to Las Vegas in the early years, as we were evolving into a meetings and convention destination,” said Rossi Ralenkotter, president and CEO of the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority.
He added, “We appreciate their long-standing commitment to Las Vegas and their roles in supporting thousands of local jobs and… more
Oct 08, 2012
The Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre’s management company, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (Management) Ltd (“HML”), hired three new senior executives.
They were hired in positions in the Security, and Food & Beverage Departments, and the new executives have been charged to reinforce and advance the HKCEC’s contributions as a corporate citizen, and its reputation for providing world class service to customers and visitors.
“At HML, we are absolutely committed to playing our role as a responsible corporate… more
Oct 08, 2012
Interior Lifestyle China, the China International Trade Fair for Household Products and Accessories, has attracted a 10-percent increase in exhibitors to its recent show, compared with 2011.
The show, organised by Messe Frankfurt (Shanghai) Ltd, is being held Oct. 10-13 at the Shanghai Exhibition Centre, with 248 exhibitors from 15 countries – Brazil, China, Denmark, Greece, Iran, Japan, Spain, Switzerland, The Netherlands and the United Kingdom.
There also are pavilions from Germany, France, Italy, Hong Kong and Taiwan.
“This is our largest ever event and it… more
Oct 08, 2012
The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau is making a significant investment; US$30 million for a three-year plan that will focus on attracting mega-events from key Asian and ASEAN+6 markets.
The plan, which targets corporate Incentive travel, includes the launch of the ASEAN Visitors Promotion Campaign.
Thailand’s MICE industry has a major role as a bridge to ASEAN economies and in boosting business opportunities both at home and abroad, according to TCEB officials.
TCEB expects the industry to generate revenues of US$ 6 billion (180 billion baht) during the coming three years… more
Oct 08, 2012
Marketing Design Group was bought by its executive vice president, Kimberly Hardcastle-Geddes, and Vincent Polito, president of VP International, for an undisclosed sum.
Hardcastle-Geddes has taken on the president role at the company, and Polito, who runs an events portfolio, will be collaborating with MDG to achieve key organizational objectives and capitalize on new market opportunities.
"I've been impressed with MDG's work for many years; my clients have been thrilled with the results, and I think the potential is unlimited,” Polito said.
He added, “Throughout… more
Partner Voices
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Protecting Natural Resources
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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
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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.