News

Dec 13, 2011
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events is off to a positive start, raising $1 million for its public relations campaign to increase awareness about the long-term benefits of face-to-face exhibitions and events. The goal of the PR campaign is to tell the industry’s story, as well as give support to continue to bolster the trade show industry’s reputation as the No. 1 place to bring buyers and sellers together to conduct business. “I am thrilled by the support from hundreds of our colleagues and their organizations,” said Vinnie Polito, IAEE… more
Dec 13, 2011
Team San Jose - the city’s convention and visitors bureau that also oversees the San Jose McEnery Convention Center, along with other arts and entertainment venues – received a unanimous vote of confidence Dec. 13 from the city council and San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed to drop the RFP process to find another entity for CVB and venue management responsibilities. “This is a great signal to our customers and the community that Team San Jose is here to serve their needs,” said Bill Sherry, CEO of Team San Jose. He added, “(The) vote of confidence is a positive move… more
Dec 12, 2011
The Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute’s Expo Pack Mexico is getting a major vote of confidence from companies interested in the show, with 90 percent of the exhibit space being booked seven months out. The event will be held June 26-29 at Centro Banamex, Mexico City, and the high demand for the space several months before the show opens “clearly demonstrates exhibitor confidence in the market,” said José Martínez, Latin American office director for show owner and producer PMMI. “We are very pleased with the interest generated again by Expo… more
Dec 12, 2011
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events has entered into a reciprocity agreement with the Shanghai Convention & Exhibition Industries Association, providing additional global opportunities for IAEE and SCEIA members to connect to develop new exhibitions and face-to-face events. "We are very enthusiastic about entering into this agreement with our friends and colleagues at SCEIA, and offer a new benefit and community for IAEE members,” said IAEE President Steven Hacker. He added, “We are looking forward to collaborating and extending the available… more
Dec 12, 2011
While most of the rest of the world still is grappling with the long-lasting economic downturn, Germany-based Messe Frankfurt had good news to celebrate with the recent release of the group’s preliminary figures for 2011. The numbers indicate that not only will sales reach a new high of $598 million (€457 million) this year, beating forecasts, but also group sales are predicted to top $654 million (€500 million) for the first time ever in 2012. “Independent of event cycles, we are increasing our sales every year and remaining consistently profitable,” said… more
Dec 10, 2011
The mergers and acquisitions market has been anything but red hot for the past few years, but the first part of December saw not one, but two acquisitions. Travel and event company Wyndham Jade bought Taptopia, a privately-held mobile software solutions company for the event industry. Taptopia's solutions assist event organizers, convention centers and their related vendors to maximize the overall event experience for both attendees and exhibitors. As part of the acquisition, members of Taptopia's founding team will take leadership positions at Wyndham Jade. Bryan A. Scott,… more
Dec 10, 2011
People’s quest to stay young continues to drive the growth of Tarsus Group’s medical conferences, including the latest – the 19th Annual World Congress on Anti-Aging and Aesthetic Medicine (A4M) – which recently was held at the Sands Expo & Convention Center in Las Vegas. The four day event’s preliminary attendance numbers showed an increase, compared with last year, drawing more than 5,500 people. There also were 350 exhibitors, another increase, compared with last year, and the showfloor saw positive growth as well, according to Doreen Brown, CEO of A4M… more
Dec 06, 2011
As the nation’s leading trade show destination, it’s no secret that Las Vegas can be a magical place when it comes to increasing trade show participation. This was no exception for the International Association of Exhibitions and Events’ Annual Meeting & Exhibition, held Dec. 6-8 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The energetic event kicked off Tuesday night with a lively opening party at the Venetian Casino Hotel & Resort, where fire breathers and Cirque du Soleil-style performers entertained a jovial crowd that appeared more than ready to blow off some steam.… more
Dec 04, 2011
Hoping to continue the momentum from last year’s successful show, which drew 25,000 attendees, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council’s Hong Kong Baby Products Fair will open its doors Jan. 9-12 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The Hong Kong Baby Products Fair is collocated with the HKTDC Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair, Hong Kong International Stationery Fair and HKTDC Hong Kong International Licensing Show. Benjamin Chau, HKTDC’s  deputy executive director, said at last year’s show, “We had more buyers from the United States and… more
Dec 04, 2011
NürnbergMesse’s BioFach Japan recently kicked off its 11th edition Nov. 1-3 at the Tokyo Big Sight Exhibition Centre amidst growing interest in the organic food industry in Japan, with 168 exhibitors from 10 countries. “Last year’s BioFach Japan impressed with its most successful edition ever,” said Frank Venjakob, director of events for NürnbergMesse International headquartered in Germany. He added, “Whereas we welcomed more exhibitors and visitors to the 10th birthday than ever before, we faced a totally new situation this year.” The… 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.