News

Jan 11, 2019
The Meetings Mean Business Coalition (MMBC) has announced its plans to continue promoting the intrinsic value of face-to-face meetings and events while protecting the industry from financial or reputational threats.  During a press conference at PCMA’s Convening Leaders conference, held Jan. 6-9 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh, Penn., MMBC Co-chairs Julie Coker Graham and Trina Camacho-London shared the coalition’s approach for building on the momentum of 2018, a year they described as a record success, and how they will be laying the groundwork for 2020. “We made a… more
Jan 10, 2019
While the B2B exhibition channel is highly valued by both men and women, there are many nuanced differences in what is valued most by each gender. This is the basis for the sixth report in the Attendee ROI Playbook series, published by the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR).  Released this week, Gender Differences and Similarities takes a deep look into how gender influences what industry members strive to achieve at B2B exhibitions, how they navigate events and what is most important to them. For example, men comparatively focus more on the business of attending events for… more
Jan 09, 2019
As part of its new vision that business events can be the drivers of social positive change, PCMA has committed to combat child exploitation by signing The Code of Conduct for the Protection of Children from Sexual Exploitation in Travel and Tourism.  In partnership with ECPAT-USA, the leading U.S. policy organization that works to end the commercial, sexual exploitation of children around the world, The Code is the only voluntary set of business principles that companies and organizations in the travel, business travel and tourism industries can implement to prevent and eradicate human… more
Jan 09, 2019
According to the Freeman Show Organizer Data Pulse Survey, 74 percent of show organizers use event data to inform their event strategy, event objectives and planning. Yet nearly half of non-profit show organizers find it challenging to get meaningful insights from their event data. “Research has shown that attendees go to an event to learn, network and have fun,” said Richard Maranville, chief digital officer at Freeman. “However, until now, the industry didn’t have an all-encompassing solution to compile metrics and data that ultimately could help increase audience acquisition, retention… more
Jan 08, 2019
The annual trade show for independent grocers, the NGA Show, has announced plans to feature seven specialty pavilions with exhibits specifically focused on meat, produce, specialty foods, coffee, technology, seasonal merchandise and Latino cuisine.  To be held Feb. 24-27 at the San Diego Convention Center, the new pavilions are designed to provide attendees with greater opportunities to make connections with specialty exhibitors as well as learn about the latest developments in the grocery industry, according to show officials.  “We thank our returning partners, the North American Meat… more
Jan 07, 2019
By Douglas Emslie, Tarsus Group Managing Director I strongly believe that we as an industry need to do more to give back to our communities. To practice what I preach, this year I will be running the Boston marathon on behalf of a local Boston charity that does a fantastic job for the Newton community – NWW Committee for Community Living. HERE is a link if you would like to support my running on behalf of this great non-profit! I’m planning to write a monthly blog on my challenge, which will go out on TSNN.com and on social media. So here is my first-ever blog!The year 2018 ended as it… more
Jan 07, 2019
Not all that long ago, all meetings were conducted face-to-face. More recently, technology enabled virtual meetings. Today, a hybrid model allows for more participants spread across a wider geographical area but the challenge has continued to be around engagement. How do you keep remote participants engaged and how do you keep and share the data generated within the meeting? Park MGM andCiscohave an answer: the new 7,000 square foot Ideation Studio. With the opening of the Studio, Las Vegas’ Park MGM is the world’s first hotel to offer groups Cisco Webex Boards and Cisco Webex Teams … more
Jan 04, 2019
After its on-schedule completion at the end of 2018, the long-awaited Moscone Center expansion project was celebrated with a grand opening gala event on Jan. 3.  The $551 million expansion adds more than 157,000 gross square feet of flexible meeting space to Moscone North and South and increases the center’s total exhibit space to more than 504,000 sq. ft. “Our two main goals have been to create contiguous space and flexibility for the Moscone Center,” said Lynn Farzaroli, senior director of the Moscone expansion for San Francisco Travel Association. “It’s a brand-new center with state-of-… more
Jan 03, 2019
Across the world, trade show visitors are reporting overall satisfaction with the shows they attend but at the same time, 22-27 percent of show visitors from mature markets believe that shows are “getting worse.” Meanwhile, younger C-suite show participants are asking for trade shows that are more entertaining while still helping them meet their business needs. These are some of the core findings of the recently released 2018/19 Global Visitor Insights Study, which was jointly conducted by UFI – the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry and London-based event research specialists,… more
Jan 03, 2019
Despite the cold front and accompanying rain that visitors endured at Expo! Expo! IAEE’s Annual Meeting & Exhibition 2018, held Dec. 10-13 in New Orleans, technology was shining bright inside at the conference.  With an overall focus on enhancing the attendee experience, the new technologies showcased at the event did not disappoint and will likely be a strong focus for trade show marketers in the new year. While exhibitors offered many technologies that attendees could interact with and learn about, these three stood out as trends to watch in 2019: Getting into a ZenSpace: Exhibitors… 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.