News

Feb 27, 2012
Trade association Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute has scored more than 1 million square feet of exhibit space and 1,300 exhibitors and their event still is nine months away. The biannual event for the packaging industry also is expecting 46,000 attendees to the show when its doors open Oct. 28-31 at Chicago’s McCormick Place. “Reaching this milestone this far out from the show makes a statement about the role PACK EXPO plays in the realm of processing and packaging,” said Charles D. Yuska, president & CEO of show owner/producer PMMI. He added, “But… more
Feb 27, 2012
UK-based UBM, through its UBM Asia division, has expanded even further in the Asia-Pacific Region, buying two trade shows and forming a joint venture to develop another one. Also, in the United States, UBM added onto its aviation division with another purchase. In China, UBM Asia formed a JV company, Shanghai UBM ShowStar Exhibition Co Ltd, with Shanghai ShowStar Exhibition Service Co Ltd, owner of the China International Exhibition & Symposium on Dental Equipment, Technology & Products, known as DenTech China. UBM acquired 70 percent of the JV company and will organize DenTech… more
Feb 27, 2012
The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International has decided to extend its MEET brand to all of its 2012 events and will kick the series off with HSMAI’s MEET Mid-America April 3-4 at Navy Pier in Chicago. The keynote speaker for the event also was announced - body language expert Janine Driver. HSMAI’s MEET Mid-America brings a new name and offerings to attendees: HSMAI’s TEEM UP: HSMAI's reverse trade show buyer appointment expo, which adds to the opportunities to learn about new meeting facilities and suppliers during the traditional HSMAI's MEET… more
Feb 27, 2012
Rumors recently had been swirling about the fate of the Trade Show Exhibitors Association, but now the organization’s fate has been sealed with its board voting to transfer its members, intellectual assets and administrative management to the Exhibitor Appointed Contractor Association.  Pending final approval of this agreement by TSEA’s members, the organization will be dissolved and a newly named umbrella industry association will be formed under the leadership of EACA’s Executive Director Jim Wurm. "This is a tremendous opportunity for greater visibility and… more
Feb 27, 2012
This year has been a busy one so far for association staffing and executive-level changes, with several appointments being announced. National Association of Convenience Stores appointed Molly Hoyt its meetings coordinator. Prior to joining NACS, Hoyt worked at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City, where she served as a meetings concierge and eventually assistant banquet manager, supervising all banquet functions at the hotel.   Destination Marketing Association International has named Cindy Kong, CMP, as its director of meetings effective Feb. 22.  Kong has more than 20 years of… more
Feb 26, 2012
Alan Steel, a 30-year veteran of the trade show industry, has been named president and CEO of the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center of New York. Steel is replacing Gerald T. McQueen, the center’s leader for the past 14 years, who resigned in October and stayed in his post until a successor was found. "I'm excited to have the opportunity to work with the various constituencies which interact with the Javits Center,” Steel said. He added, “It's obviously an interesting time here. My primary goals will be to make a real difference to the customer experience and… more
Feb 23, 2012
General service contractor Shepard Exposition Services has changed its ownership structure and now allows qualified employees to take part in an Employee Stock Ownership Plan, known as an ESOP. In order to qualify, employees need to be full-time or part-time, working a minimum of 1.000 hours per year. Shepard has 438 qualified employees and offices that operate in 10 markets across the United States. By giving employees an opportunity to be a part of the ownership of the company, it leads to improved service, increases in revenue and company stability, according to Shepard officials.… more
Feb 22, 2012
The Face2Face Series is sponsored by MarketArt. Ask Susan Newman about where she sees herself in 20 years, and she doesn’t miss a beat. “In the next 20 years, I will be coordinating Retail’s Big Show 2032,” she said. “I can’t see a better place to work. I am very grateful for where I am and what I get to do.” Although Newman has entertained starry-eyed notions of going to Hollywood and becoming an entertainment TV show hostess, the senior vice president of conferences for the National Retail Federation said she couldn’t imagine working in… more
Feb 21, 2012
The Hawai‘i Convention Center will host the seventh International Chemical Congress of Pacific Basin Societies (PACIFICHEM) in December 2015. PACIFICHEM has been held in Honolulu almost every five years since its founding in 1984 with 3,871 attendees. “Hawai‘i has exceeded our expectations every year, and we are excited to bring PACIFICHEM back to Honolulu in 2015,” said Nancy Todd, CMP, manager of American Chemical Society Meetings & Expositions Attendee Services & Contracts. She added, “We have seen continued growth at each congress, now attracting… more
Feb 21, 2012
Last year was a strong one for Reed Exhibitions Greater China, but the company has its eye on the future, with a focus on ensuring they have trained personnel to fill the ranks. China is in need of more trained professionals to work in the exhibition industry, and Reed China has made skill-building a priority. The company’s Reed Exhibitions China University opened six years ago, and the university’s goal is to inspire learning and teach exhibition industry professionals how to achieve greater effectiveness in their work, according to Reed officials. The university has four… more
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.    Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.    Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.   The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.    MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.     MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.