News

Feb 01, 2012
In an effort to streamline operations and save costs, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced a plan to combine the Chicago Convention & Tourism Bureau and Chicago Office of Tourism and Culture, naming current CVB head Don Welsh president and CEO of the new entity. Joining the two organizations not only is meant to save $1.3 million in administrative costs that will be reinvested in national and international marketing campaigns, but also sets a goal of attracting 50 million visitors per year by 2020, resulting in nearly $4 billion a year in additional annual revenues for Chicago’s… more
Feb 01, 2012
After a tough couple of years grappling with the downturn in the economy, Hanley Wood Exhibitions’ World of Concrete had a stellar show when it ran Jan. 24-27 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, with upticks in exhibit space and attendees, compared with the 2011 event. The show drew 52,088 total professional registrants, an increase from 48,554 last year, and showcased just more than 1,200 indoor/outdoor exhibitors on a 552,500-plus net square foot showfloor, an increase of 40,000 net sq. ft., compared with the 2011 show. “There was a very positive and optimistic buzz on the… more
Jan 31, 2012
MCI, an association management company, has joined up with the IMEX Group, organizers of worldwide exhibitions for the meetings, events and incentive travel industry, and Meeting Professionals International to support the Future Leaders Forum.   The forum is geared toward attracting students who would like to pursue a future in the meeting industry to take part in education days, networking opportunities and internships. To mark MCI’s involvement, the initiative has been renamed the IMEX-MPI-MCI Future Leaders Forumand also will be promoted with new branding. In 2012,… more
Jan 31, 2012
Two big shows just named power keynotes: President Bill Clinton, founder of the William J. Clinton Foundation, will address attendees at the 2012 National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show, and the National Association of Broadcasters has chosen Marina Gorbis, executive director of the Institute for the Future, to address NAB Show attendees. The NRA Show is on tap May 5-8 at Chicago’s McCormick Place, and NAB Show is scheduled April 14-19 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. “President Clinton has a unique perspective on our nation and the world,”… more
Jan 31, 2012
U.K.-based Clarion Events has chosen David Audrain in the newly created position of president and CEO of its North American division, and Deutsche Messe has named Larry Turner president and CEO of Hannover Fairs USA.   “North America is our No. 1 target growth market, and with almost 20 years experience in the North American exhibition industry, Audrain is the perfect person to help us expand our business into this market, including targeting management contracts,” said Simon Kimble, CEO of Clarion Events.   Audrain previously headed Messe Frankfurt’s North… more
Jan 31, 2012
When the National Association of Home Builders International Builders’ Show opens Jan. 22.24 at the Las Vegas Convention Center next year, it will run one day shorter, from four to three, than it has in the past. In addition, the Produce Marketing Association’s three-day show will be one day less when that event runs Oct. 27-28 at the Anaheim Convention Center. This year’s show, on tap Feb. 8-11 at Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center, is expected to draw 50,000 attendees and 800 suppliers. The show is down from a high a few years ago of more than 67,000… more
Jan 30, 2012
This year, the American Meat Institute’s AMI Expo will be collocated with three other shows in Dallas, but in 2013, the show will break away from that collocation and instead team up with the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association’s and American Feed Association’s International Poultry Expo in Atlanta. For the 2012 show, the AMI Expo is collocated with the Food Marketing Institute’s Food Retail Show, the Untied Fresh Produce Association’s United Fresh 2012 and the U.S. Food Showcase May 1-3 at the Dallas Convention Center. This year will be the first time AMI Expo… more
Jan 29, 2012
And the good news just keeps on coming, with several shows across a broad spectrum – from fancy foods to convention managers to retail – all reporting record-breaking numbers. The National Association for the Specialty Food Trade reported that their recent Winter Fancy Food Show, which was held Jan. 15-17 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, drew the biggest crowds the show had ever had, with 18,000 buyers checking out the marketplace devoted exclusively to specialty foods and beverages on the West Coast. The showfloor also was completely sold out, covering 206,000 square… more
Jan 26, 2012
Germany-based Messe Duesseldorf posted gains in not only overall sales, from $359 million in 2010 to $382 million in 2011, but also revenue surged from $443 million in 2010 to $476 million last year.   Subject to final approval of the balance sheet, the company is reporting a post-tax result of $20 million for financial year 2011, compared with $10.6 million in 2010.    Almost one-third of the company’s total sales were generated from the Messe Duesseldorf’s ever-growing international portfolio.   “Our growing international presence and the high number of… more
Jan 25, 2012
Evidence of Reed Exhibition's global expansion plan is likely the strongest in China, where the company currently has six member companies: Reed Exhibitions China, Reed Sinopharm, Reed Huabo, Reed Huaqun, Reed Exhibitions (Shanghai) and Reed Guanghe. Managers from all of those member companies recently were brought together at the Reed Exhibitions Greater China 2012 China Summit. Every year, the one-day conference, which takes place in Beijing, brings together executives from the top echelons of Reed worldwide with the company's senior managers in China. This year, Reed Exhibitions'… more
Partner Voices
HERE, hosting responsible meetings and caring for our communities are top priorities. Through its 'Focused on What Matters: Embracing Humanity and Protecting the Planet' philosophy, MGM Resorts commits to creating a more sustainable future, while striving to make an impact in the lives of employees, guests, and the communities in which it operates. Water Stewardship Efforts MGM Resorts understands the importance of using water efficiently, especially in the desert destination of Las Vegas. Conserving water has always been part of the mission, but MGM Resorts has expanded its ambition into water stewardship. In 2022, MGM Resorts President and CEO Bill Hornbuckle signed the CEO Water Mandate—a UN Global Compact initiative mobilizing business leaders to advance water stewardship. MGM Resorts International was the first gaming company to take this important step. MGM Resorts replaced 200,000 square feet of real grass with drought-tolerant landscaping in Las Vegas. MGM Resorts pledges to reduce water withdrawal intensity by 33% by 2025 and by 35% by 2030. From 2007-2021, use of more than 5.6 billion gallons of water was avoided because of conservation efforts. Caring for One Another MGM Resorts’ Food Donations Program collects and preserves unserved food from conventions held at MGM Resorts properties, then safely donates to food insecure people in the community. Since the program’s launch in 2016, more than 3.7 million meals toward a 2025 goal of 5 million meals have been donated into the community. Donations include: Unserved perishable prepared foods from events Perishable unprepared food from MGM Resorts’ kitchens Nonperishable food items from minibars and warehouses The collaboration with Southern Nevada’s primary food bank, Three Square, has developed the infrastructure needed to safely collect, transport, and store food from MGM Resorts properties in Las Vegas, reducing food waste while serving the community. Fostering Diversity and 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 understands its responsibility to contribute to the social and economic progress of the communities in which it operates. HERE, we embrace humanity.