News

Feb 05, 2012
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) welcomed the latest budget from the Hong Kong government which features several measures aimed at bolstering the city’s small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The 2012 budget warned of an uncertain global economic outlook and included promises to: waive business registration fees, reduce charges for import and export declarations and profits taxes. According to the HKTDC’s economists, the total value of the territory’s exports will be limited to 1 percent growth this year. The HKTDC will increase its efforts in promoting… more
Feb 05, 2012
The Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC) has officially unveiled its latest US$149 million expansion. Managed by international venue management group, AEG Ogden, the venue was expanded by 25,000 square meters and will provide more than 50 percent of additional convention space. Management are expecting a minimum of 300 additional events will be held annually, in addition to the 1,000 existing events held at BCEC each year. Located in the central business district on Grey Street, the expanded BCEC now consists of 44 meeting rooms, which includes three stand-alone tiered… more
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
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 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 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
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.