
May 05, 2014
It’s been a roller coaster ride over at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia and, with the local Carpenters’ union striking twice in the past year - most recently in the middle of a show last week - venue officials drew a line in the sand and issued an ultimatum to all six unions working in the center.
A deadline of a minute before midnight May 5 was set for the unions to sign a new “Customer Service Agreement” that would allow exhibitors to do more of their own work at the Pennsylvania CC, and two of those unions, Carpenters Local 8 and Teamsters Local… more

May 05, 2014
Reed Exhibitions Japan Ltd. will launch a new business-to-business trade show - 1st CONSUMER IT PRODUCTS EXPO (C-PEX) - in Tokyo next spring.
This new show will be part of of Japan’s largest and Asia’s leading comprehensive IT solution trade show - Japan IT Week, providing a new platform for consumer IT related business in Japan and Asia.
C-PEX will specialize in consumer IT products (Smartphones/Tablets/Wearable Devices, PCs, and related accessories) and will be a platform to launch such products into Japan & Asia as well as finding the latest products from the region.
As… more

May 05, 2014
The HKTDC Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair, billed as the largest fair of its kind in the world, and the Hong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair closed their four-day shows at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) and AsiaWorld-Expo, respectively, with more than 65,000 total buyers.
The buyers came from 151 countries and regions, with overseas buyers up by six percent, compared with last year.
Buyers from Asia, including the Chinese mainland, Taiwan, India and Indonesia, recorded double-digit percentage growth.
Traditional markets such as Japan, the United… more

May 05, 2014
The Association of Korean Exhibition Industry (AKEI) recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB).
The signing ceremony was held at the Landmark Hotel Bangkok attended by Yang-whan Jeong (vice-chairman of AKEI), Sang-kon Kim (deputy director of MOTIE), Nopparat Maythaveekulchai (president of TCEB), Patrapee Chinachoti (president of TEA) and executives and members of TEA in Bangkok.
AKEI is the representative organization in the Korean exhibition industry with its 53 members who conduct various roles from supporting and promoting… more

May 04, 2014
Medical World Americas, a unique collaboration between the Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau (GHCVB), Germany-based Messe Duesseldorf, the Texas Medical Center and Houston First Corp., debuted this week at the George R. Brown Convention Center.
Drawing more than 120 exhibitors, who came from across the U.S. and 11 countries, as well as 2,017 registered attendees from 33 states and 22 countries, the launch of the show was seen as a strong platform to grow from, according to organizers.
“The inaugural staging of Medical World Americas has set a foundation for the growth of… more

May 04, 2014
The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions has sold out the Asian Attractions Expo 2014 that spans more than 91,439 net square feet (8,500 net square meters), setting a new record for exhibit space at the event.
More than 5,000 attendees are expected to participate, which will take place June 17-20 at the China National Convention Center in Beijing.
The record-breaking trade show will feature new products and services for the amusement parks and attractions industry offered by more than 290 companies who are looking to connect with an estimated 3,500 buyers from 60… more

May 02, 2014
Celebrating its 25th anniversary, Coverings, the trade show for tile and natural stone, boasted the largest showfloor since 2008.
“We’re up about 12 percent compared to 340,000 square feet last year,” said Karin Fendrich, Coverings' show director. “It’s representative of what’s happening in the industry and the fact that opportunities are coming back.”
Attendance was at about 20,000, slightly up, compared with last year. Exhibitor numbers were unavailable, but expected to be on par with 2013. The show, owned by National Trade Productions,… more

Apr 30, 2014
For the second time in a year and right in the middle of the American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting, being held April 25-May 3 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, the Carpenters’ union that works at the facility went on strike.
Talks had been ongoing between the Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority and Local 8 of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, but ultimately broke down today.
“Over the course of months of discussions, the center and our management team at SMG have provided ample evidence to union leadership that work rule… more

Apr 30, 2014
Germany-based Messe Frankfurt will launch the 14th event in their worldwide Automechanika series in partnership with Calif.-based Advanstar Communications next year in Chicago.
The new show, Automechanika Chicago, will be held April 24-26 at Chicago’s McCormick Place and serve a steadily growing U.S. automotive aftermarket.
"We are excited about our partnership with Advanstar,” said Detlef Braun, member of the executive board of Messe Frankfurt.
He added, “Our combined experience in launching successful events only strengthens our ability to service this untapped niche… more
Apr 29, 2014
The Meetings Mean Business campaign - a national communications and advocacy platform that showcases the substantial value of meetings, conferences, conventions, incentive travel, trade shows and exhibitions - recently launched an industry-wide mobile app.
“It’s critically important that our industry continues to speak with one voice to communicate the value and benefits of meetings to communities, businesses and the economy,” said David Peckinpaugh, president of Maritz Travel and Co-Chair of Meetings Mean Business.
He added, “The MMB app is another significant tool to ensure that everyone,… 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.