News

Jul 01, 2019
May and June have been busy months on the hiring front. From many new promotions and hires at CVBs around the country to expanded sales teams, new association leadership, DMO development and more, the future of the trade show and meetings industry looks bright. Philip Schlitz has joined Chestnut, New York-based brand experience agency MC2 as the company’s first corporate vice president of strategic business development. Also at MC2, Ben Nazario (pictured at right) joined the leadership team as California division president. Prior to his most recent role as chief sales officer at Sparks, he… more
Jun 27, 2019
The second in the Center for Exhibition Industry Research’s “Head of Marketing Insights” series, “Aligning Exhibit Sales for Success” takes a close look at the B2B exhibitor’s decision-making process, pinpointing the areas where marketing leaders see the most value in these exhibitions.  The report, which is based on survey data from marketing executives at North American organizations that use exhibiting as channel in their marketing mix, examines how brand marketers build an exhibit program. It also offers suggestions on how show organizers can position sales efforts to align with these… more
Jun 26, 2019
For the second year in a row, Bizzabo was awarded Best Event Technology Solution of 2019 at the annual Software & Information Industry Association CODiE Awards.  The SIIA CODiE Awards recognize companies producing the most innovative business technology products across the globe.   SIIA, the principal trade association for the software and digital content industries, announced the full slate of CODiE winners during an award ceremony at InterContinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco hotel this month. “We’re thrilled to have retained our leadership position as the best event technology… more
Jun 26, 2019
We live in a time of immediate gratification where we can tap a few keys and have the world’s information at our fingertips. An era full of busy times, busy lives and a growing concern of impatient business professionals who all want immediate gratification has made the greatest impact on the consumer market, as we’ve seen the advent of digital marketplaces and their propagation into our daily lives. This can cause friction when the technology of instant gratification is not prepared to manage the dynamic and varying needs of buyers in the B2B world. That begs the question: How do we, as… more
Jun 26, 2019
With China’s population aged more than 60 surpassing ¼ of a billion this year and set to add a further 10 million to its ranks every year through 2025, CHINA AID reflects the rising success of elderly care focused businesses in China and the quickly developing senior care market seeking to meet the surge in demand. Produced by Shanghai Intex Exhibition Company and Tarsus Group, CHINA AID is the nation’s key gateway to its fast-expanding elderly care, mobility and rehabilitation markets, this year seeing growth of almost 20 percent in its show size, while increasing its exhibition attendance… more
Jun 25, 2019
International Association of Exhibition and Events has announced Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of the Consumer Technology Association, as the recipient of its prestigious 2019 Legend of the Industry award. He’ll officially be recognized at the Krakoff Leadership Institute event, planned for Aug. 5-6 at Lowes Miami Beach Hotel in Florida. This honor recognizes an IAEE member who’s demonstrated remarkable innovations and leadership in the industry. KLI attendees will have the opportunity for face-to-face conversations with Shapiro at the event. In his role at CTA, which he has held for 28… more
Jun 25, 2019
For the third year in a row, Cobo Center has kicked off its Cobo Cares program, which offers free exercise, networking and community engagement opportunities to local workers and residents in Detroit and Southeast Michigan. Launched in early May, the 2019 Cobo Cares season offers 13 exercise activities at the convention center through October, including Zumba, yoga and workout classes coupled with opportunities to give back to local nonprofit agencies that support needy area citizens. “The Cobo Cares program is a wonderful way to gather together and give back to our community while having… more
Jun 24, 2019
Eldorado Resorts agreed to acquire Caesars Entertainment in a cash-and-stock transaction valued at $8.58 billion, creating a mega-casino company in the U.S. The combined company will provide its guests with access to approximately 60 domestic casino–resorts and gaming facilities across 16 states. “Eldorado’s combination with Caesars will create the largest owner and operator of U.S. gaming assets and is a strategically, financially and operationally compelling opportunity that brings immediate and long-term value to stakeholders of both companies,” said El Dorado CEO Tom Reeg. He added, “… more
Jun 24, 2019
Hannover Fairs USA and IBTM will each launch a new show in 2020. The U.S. subsidiary of Deutsche Messe in Germany, Hannover Fairs USA, will debut Interschutz USA next year. Interschutz, currently the world’s largest trade show for fire and rescue services, takes place every five years in Germany. It will be complemented by Interschutz USA, set for Oct. 13-17, 2020 at Pennsylvania Convention Center in Pennsylvania. This new show will provide a global view of firefighting equipment and tactics, and demonstrate safety techniques that reflect the current and future strategies of U.S.… more
Jun 20, 2019
Know an incredible show manager? Now’s the time to nominate him or her for The Expo Group’s annual Show Manager of the Year awards, also known as SMOTY. These awards are independent of any industry associations and meant to honor the hardworking professionals behind events and trade shows. “This program is a way for us to give back to our profession by drawing attention to the people who impress everyone with their commitment, innovation and excellence,” said Randy Pekowski, president and COO of The Expo Group, which is headquartered outside of Dallas. This year’s SMOTY trophies will be… 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.