Jan 23, 2018
MGM Resorts International launched a new standardized program for the safe collection, preservation and service of surplus banquet food in a long-standing effort to reduce food waste and fight hunger in Southern Nevada. Created in partnership with Three Square Food Bank, the new program will enable MGM Resorts to donate prepared but unserved hot banquet food to Three Square, which will then repurpose the food into wholesome meals. The program is expected to provide 800,000 nutritious meals by 2020 to people combatting hunger. According to statistics from the U.S. Department of Agriculture,… more
Dec 19, 2017
Caesars Entertainment Corporation will develop CAESARS FORUM, a new 550,000 square foot conference center on the east side of the Las Vegas Strip. Featuring 300,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space, the $375 million facility will include two of the largest pillarless ballrooms in North America, according to Caesars officials. “Consistent with our post restructuring plans, Caesars Forum is the first installment of our growth strategy for the benefit of Las Vegas and our employees, which will also help meet the increasing demand for group business meetings of all sizes,” said Mark Frissora,… more
Nov 22, 2017
For the sixth consecutive year, Human Rights Campaign (HRC) has rated MGM Resorts International as among the nation’s leading companies for workplace equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) employees. Based on the company’s policies and practices relating to LGBTQ employees, MGM Resorts earned a perfect score on the 2018 Corporate Equality Index (CEI), an annual HRC survey that evaluates major companies for their non-discrimination and benefits policies and practices with respect to LGBTQ employees. “Diversity and inclusion are bedrocks of our company culture and… more
Oct 13, 2017
Shows in the packaging and construction/utility equipment industries drew strong attendance and growing showfloors recently in Las Vegas and Louisville, respectively. PACK EXPO Las Vegas and Healthcare Packaging EXPO 2017 pulled off its largest Las Vegas trade show to date, welcoming nearly 1,000 more attendees and increasing in size by almost four percent, compared with its 2015 event. Held Sept. 25-27 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the show attracted 29,500 attendees and 2,000 exhibiting companies spanning almost 900,000 net square feet. According to officials from the Association… more
Oct 03, 2017
MGM Resorts International will provide donations through the MGM Resorts Foundation in the amount of $3 million to fund humanitarian assistance to victims of the Las Vegas shooting, along with organizations who provide support to those who are first on the scene to assist in traumatic events. "There are simply no words to express our grief and outrage over this senseless and horrific attack on our community," said Jim Murren, chairman and CEO of MGM Resorts. "Yet in this devastating time, we are inspired. From the heroic stories of victims on the ground who placed the safety of strangers and… more
IMEX America
Oct 02, 2017
In the wake of the mass shooting last night on the site of the Route 91 Harvest country music festival outside the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, several shows scheduled in Las Vegas in the coming week have released statements. Global Gaming Expo (G2E), which is set to open Oct. 3-5 at the Sands Expo & Convention Center, attracts more than 450 exhibitors and 26,000 attendees. American Gaming Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman released the following statement: "The American Gaming Association and our Global Gaming Expo (G2E) partner, Reed Exhibitions, are closely… more
Aug 16, 2017
During the August Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority’s board of directors meeting, employee Bill Darwin was recognized for his upcoming 100thbirthday in a surprise presentation. Darwin officially will celebrate the milestone on August 19. An LVCVA employee since September 2008, Darwin works for the organization’s registration services to help staff various meetings, events and trade shows throughout the destination. He has worked for 102 shows in the destination via the LVCVA. “I believe tourism is the backbone of Las Vegas, and I love working at the conventions and meeting the… more
Aug 03, 2017
New Horizons Global Exhibitions is gearing up to launch Scafform Global Expo, set for Nov 7-9 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The inaugural event will be held side by side with the new Hydropower & Dams Global Expo and will be managed by ConvExx, a Las Vegas-based, independent trade show management company. NHG Expo acquired the U.S. and international rights to produce the shows from Istanbul-based DEMOS Exhibitions, producer and owner of trade shows and fairs for Turkey’s construction, geothermal and 3D printing industries, which include the biannual International Scaffolding and… more
Jul 25, 2017
MGM Resorts International has launched a new Military & Veterans Program (MVP) to recognize the exceptional sacrifices and efforts of those who serve in the U.S. armed forces. Conceptualized and developed by MGM Resorts’ Veterans Employee Network Group, MVP provides active military members, veterans and spouses with special recognition, offers, discounts and benefits at MGM Resorts destinations throughout the U.S. “As a company, we have always supported our country’s greatest heroes,” said Jim Murren, chairman and CEO of MGM Resorts International. He continued, “Our new Military &… more
Jul 06, 2017
Blackstone, through funds managed by Blackstone Real Estate Partners and Blackstone Tactical Opportunities, entered into a definitive agreement to acquire International Market Centers (“IMC”), an owner and operator of showroom space for the furnishings, home decor and gift industries, from Bain Capital Private Equity, LP and funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management, L.P.  Fireside Investments also is expected to partner with Blackstone in the acquisition. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. At the IMC venues, there are several trade shows, including the High Point… more
Partner Voices
Overview: The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality. In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way. “We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.” Amenities: The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.  The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need. Gold Key Members The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events. OCCC Events: This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.  The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:  AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023 200,000 Attendees $257 Million in Economic Impact MEGACON 2023 160,000 Attendees $205 Million in Economic Impact Open Championship Series 2023 69,500 Attendees $89 Million in Economic Impact Sunshine Classic 2023 42,000 Attendees $54 Million in Economic Impact Premiere Orlando 2023 42,000 Attendees $108 Million in Economic Impact