News
Feb 06, 2019
Last month, representatives of global events, tourism and sustainability bodies ushered in the new year with the launch of four Principles for Sustainable Events designed to guide and motivate event organizers worldwide to embrace and implement green practices.
This multi-stakeholder group, convened by the Events Industry Council (EIC) through two forums held during IMEX in Frankfurt and Las Vegas, agreed that the focus of these principles should include:
Shared responsibility for implementation and communication between event organizers and suppliers
Identification of basic… more
Feb 06, 2019
This year has already been a busy one for trade shows, with five major events wrapping up in January. Take a look at some of the highlights, each indicators that the industry looks strong for 2019 and beyond.
World of Concrete
This signature event for the international concrete and mason industries marked its largest show in a decade, drawing 60,511 attendees and more than 1,500 companies—including 259 brand-new ones—exhibiting across nearly 777,000 net square feet of exhibit space at Las Vegas Convention Center. The show’s educational component enjoyed a 5 percent increase in attendance… more
Feb 06, 2019
Diversified Communications’ President and CEO Theodore Wirth promoted Mary Larkin to President of Diversified Communications’ U.S. operating division.
“In 2014, we took the unusual step and established a three-person EVP team. Bill Springer, Mike Lodato and Mary Larkin were able to grow the business, but three-person leadership teams are challenging at best and we felt it was the right time to appoint one leader,” Wirth said.
He added, “We greatly appreciate what Bill, Mike and Mary accomplished together and throughout their careers here and look forward to the future of Diversified… more
Feb 05, 2019
Is the next recession coming? Joe Popolo, CEO of Freeman, doesn’t seem to think so. In the past twelve months, the Dallas-based company completed several acquisitions and sales to stay nimble in the changing marketplace and is gaining ground around the world.
TSNN sat down with Popolo at EFI Connect, a conference for digital imaging and printing that took place last month in Las Vegas, where he shared his thoughts on growing a family company to a $3 billion business, the role of new technologies and overall market trends.
Freeman recently sold Encore Event Technologies to PSAV. What’s the… more
Feb 05, 2019
Full-service sourcing, housing and event management company Connections Housing has acquired Par Avion, a full-service convention housing and travel company based in Lawndale, Calif.
Both Connections Housing and Par Avion are women-owned business and are respected leaders in housing and travel services with mutual emphasis on executing superior and seamless events.
The announcement comes from company executives Nancy Hallberg and Kris Sieradzki, Connections Housing, and Toby Brenner, Par Avion.
“Both companies have been in business for 30-plus years with the paramount goal of… more
Feb 04, 2019
By Douglas Emslie, Tarsus Group Managing Director
Firstly a big thank you to everyone who has sponsored me for the Boston Marathon. I really appreciate it, and it will go a long way to help the charity achieve its goals this year.
For the first time, I’ve got corporate sponsors and a huge thank you to them - details of my various supporters are below - you have gone above and beyond. Finally, a big thank you to Rachel, Brian and Jeffery for their Herculean efforts on the fundraising - a fantastic team effort.
Training in January hasn’t quite gone to plan. I’ve picked up a hip injury -… more
Feb 04, 2019
Planners using Streampoint Solutions can now easily extend the software’s functionality with Pathable’s mobile event apps and conference microsites. Conversely, Pathable users now have Streampoint as a stable, affordable option for additional event management tools.
Streampoint provides event management software for the conference, tradeshow and special events community. Pathable is the latest in a growing list of the company’s application programming interface (API) partners, offering a wide range of complementary technology integrations.
“We are very excited about the integration with… more
Feb 01, 2019
Nominations are open for five available positions on the ASAE and ASAE Foundation Board of Directors. The organization is seeking diverse leadership as defined by race, ethnicity, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation, nationality, disability, appearance, geographic location and professional level.
The board positions include secretary-treasurer and four at-large directors, with all directors serving on the ASAE Board and two of the four selected also serving on the ASAE Foundation Board.
“Participation as a member of the ASAE Board is not only valuable for your professional growth, but… more
Feb 01, 2019
In its continuing mission to develop smart, seamless technology tools to help event planners execute events with less stress, The Expo Group has launched ExpoSuite, a single-source event technology service platform that combines show management, exhibitor, sponsor and attendee platforms into one digital experience.
Designed to ensure compelling, memorable, measurable and continuously improving experiences for all show participants, ExpoSuite helps event organizers measure event performance, analyze results and drive revenue, according to The Expo Group officials.
“Technology is at the… more
Jan 31, 2019
MGM Resorts International has re-established its MGM Resorts Scholarship Program for Children of Employees with an initial gift of $1 million.
Offering scholarships up to $2,500 to selected children of MGM Resorts’ full-time domestic employees (excluding executives) through a highly competitive application process, this philanthropic program is intended to help high school graduates increase their access to post-secondary opportunities, including universities, community colleges and recognized certification programs.
Although the scholarships will be funded by MGM Resorts, the program… 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.