People News: Moves at Reed Exhibitions, ASM Global, KBIS and More
November 18, 2020
From presidents and board of directors to fine-cuisine-minded appointments in the Midwest, here’s the latest news about professionals in the trade show industry that you need to know.
Fernando Fischer was named president of Reed Exhibitions Americas on Nov. 11. Previously CEO of Reed Exhibitions Brazil for three years, he had joined Reed Exhibitions as U.S. president in January this year. In his new role, Fernando continues to directly lead the company's operation in the United States and adds Latin America under his regional management, where he has Claudio Della Nina, managing director of LATAM, in the local management of Brazil and Mexico operations.
On Nov. 4, ASM Global announced Bob Newman would assume the new role of chairman of ASM, transitioning from his current role as president and CEO. Newman, who was previously president of AEG Facilities, will continue to serve as CEO while a search is conducted for a successor CEO.
As of Nov. 16, Emerald has appointed Jason C. McGraw as vice president, responsible for oversight of Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) and CEDIA Expo. Additionally, Amy Hornby has been appointed to a newly created position of director of key accounts for the same two shows.
Last month, Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority’s board of directors selected Charles Harris to be the organization’s next president and CEO. Through direction of the board, Harris will be responsible for planning, coordinating and directing all activities associated with the operation of the RSCVA and its facilities. He began his new role Nov. 16, and most recently was chief marketing officer and executive vice president of public affairs for Visit Anaheim.
SEARCH Foundation, a 501(c)3 dedicated to assisting hospitality and event professionals in crisis, last month announced its new incoming board of directors, which includes:
- Chairwoman Kate Patay
- Vice Chairman Patrick McMichael
- Treasurer Larry Green
- Secretary David Lombardo
- Immediate Past Chairman Rick Turner
- Executive Advisor Joann Roth-Oseary
- Directors: Nick Borelli, Judy Brillhart, Evan Carbotti, Mark Catuogno, Thuy Diep, Bobby Dutton, Jerry Hellman, Stephanie Jayko, Frank Puleo, Michele Polci, India Rhodes, Thomas Whelan Jr. and JC York
Interprefy, a Zurich-based provider of cloud-based interpretation services for meetings and events, has appointed Annett Polaszewski-Plath as its new CEO. She will take over from founder Kim Ludvigsen, who will transition out of the role and continue to serve as vice chairman of the board. Polaszewski-Plath most recently served as managing director at Eventbrite DACH.
The Wisconsin Center — a quasi-governmental body that operates Wisconsin Center, UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena and Miller High Life Theatre in downtown Milwaukee — has new leadership in the kitchen. Newly appointed General Manager Julio Henriquez and Executive Chef Christopher Pulling, both of Levy Restaurants, demonstrated the venue’s five-star hospitality through a private, socially distanced Oktoberfest-themed tasting event at Wisconsin Center on Oct. 27.
Have more people news to share? Send announcements to lpsavas@tsnn.com.
Partner Voices
HERE, hosting responsible meetings and caring for our communities are top priorities. Through its 'Focused on What Matters: Embracing Humanity and Protecting the Planet' philosophy, MGM Resorts commits to creating a more sustainable future, while striving to make an impact in the lives of employees, guests, and the communities in which it operates.
Water Stewardship Efforts
MGM Resorts understands the importance of using water efficiently, especially in the desert destination of Las Vegas. Conserving water has always been part of the mission, but MGM Resorts has expanded its ambition into water stewardship.
In 2022, MGM Resorts President and CEO Bill Hornbuckle signed the CEO Water Mandate—a UN Global Compact initiative mobilizing business leaders to advance water stewardship. MGM Resorts International was the first gaming company to take this important step.
MGM Resorts replaced 200,000 square feet of real grass with drought-tolerant landscaping in Las Vegas.
MGM Resorts pledges to reduce water withdrawal intensity by 33% by 2025 and by 35% by 2030.
From 2007-2021, use of more than 5.6 billion gallons of water was avoided because of conservation efforts.
Caring for One Another
MGM Resorts’ Food Donations Program collects and preserves unserved food from conventions held at MGM Resorts properties, then safely donates to food insecure people in the community. Since the program’s launch in 2016, more than 3.7 million meals toward a 2025 goal of 5 million meals have been donated into the community. Donations include:
Unserved perishable prepared foods from events
Perishable unprepared food from MGM Resorts’ kitchens
Nonperishable food items from minibars and warehouses
The collaboration with Southern Nevada’s primary food bank, Three Square, has developed the infrastructure needed to safely collect, transport, and store food from MGM Resorts properties in Las Vegas, reducing food waste while serving the community.
Fostering Diversity and Inclusion
To MGM Resorts, a diverse and talented workforce is essential to success. By cultivating innovative strategies that consider multiple perspectives and viewpoints, the company creates an inclusive workplace culture that benefits its employees and community. MGM Resorts takes pride in being a welcoming home for veterans, individuals with disabilities, people from diverse backgrounds, LGBTQ+ community members, and more. This commitment to inclusion is reflected in the company's recruitment and hiring practices and its social responsibility initiatives. From the workplace to the community, MGM Resorts' commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion remains unwavering, and its efforts continue to create a more equitable and sustainable world for all.
MGM Resorts understands its responsibility to contribute to the social and economic progress of the communities in which it operates. HERE, we embrace humanity.
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