News
Nov 26, 2018
As the desire for sustainable meetings and events grows, so does the need for sustainable cities in which to hold them. The city of Brussels, Belgium was ranked ninth in the 2009 European Green City Index and now, a decade later, the city is well on its way towards its goal of becoming the “Green city of Europe” by 2024.
“As Europe’s leading terminal for international high-speed trains, Brussels is becoming a greener place to meet,” said Elisabeth Van Ingelgem, director of the Convention & Association Bureau at visit.brussels.
She continued, “The city was voted the number one… more
Nov 21, 2018
Several trade show organizing, venue management and event services companies have been busy renewing contracts and snagging new business with a host of industry suppliers.
Independent show management company, ConvExx, has been selected by the National Confectioners Association to handle attendee and exhibitor services for the annual Sweets & Snacks Expo.
ConvExx’s responsibilities will include registration and attendee services, exhibitor outreach, housing oversight and assistance with the show’s special programs, such as the Most Innovative New Products Awards.
“ConvExx is excited to… more
Nov 21, 2018
The social media platforms of Vision Expo West 2018 reached an all-time high with a double-digit percentage increase across impressions, engagements and video views compared to the year before.
Held Sept. 26-29 at the Sands Expo & Convention Center in Las Vegas, Vision Expo West and its East Coast edition, Vision Expo East, are B2B conferences and exhibitions for eyecare and eyewear professionals presented by co-owners Reed Exhibitions and The Vision Council.
In the 30 days following the Show, reports indicate impressions, engagements and video views climbed up by the thousands,… more
Nov 20, 2018
Data has never been such a big focus for corporate marketers, according to The Freeman Data Benchmark Study, a new report by brand experience company, Freeman. In fact, data plays a critical role in all aspects of corporate marketing, the study shows, from developing successful marketing strategies and campaigns to deciding where to allocate budgets and best reach target audiences.
Released earlier this month and produced in partnership with Chief Marketer, the report examines how brands are leveraging data across the entire marketing mix, demonstrating that data is becoming a top priority… more
Nov 20, 2018
Known as the largest and most influential North American gathering of policy, technology and market leaders in energy grid storage, Energy Storage North America (ESNA) concluded its sixth annual conference and exhibition designed to empower collaboration on the global intersection of power and transportation.
Held Nov. 6-8 at the Pasadena Convention Center in Pasadena, Ca., ESNA 2018 hosted approximately 2,000 attendees, representing more than 800 organizations and more than 30 countries.
Produced by Strategen and Messe Dusseldorf North America, and part of the larger World of Energy… more
Nov 20, 2018
The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) concluded its IAAPA Attractions Expo 2018 on a high note by shattering its own attendance records and boasting the largest trade show floor in the event’s history.
A record 42,000 global attractions industry professionals from around the world converged Nov. 12-16 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando to learn, buy and network at the annual Expo, which doubled as IAAPA’s centennial celebration.
“There is no better way to celebrate IAAPA’s centennial anniversary than with a remarkable and record-breaking… more
Nov 19, 2018
As part of a nearly $9 million marketing plan following Hurricane Michael and this year’s red tide blooms, VISIT FLORIDA has relaunched Florida Now, a landing page that provides real-time information from destinations across the state and is designed to encourage the continuation of tourism and event bookings to Florida.
Relaunched Nov. 1, the new landing page features a collection of Hurricane Michael recovery information and updates including an interactive map with photos, videos, twitter feeds and webcams.
“Following Hurricane Michael, VISIT FLORIDA has been working with both the… more
Nov 19, 2018
Last week, an overwhelming majority of voters from the City of Miami Beach approved the lease of public land for a privately-funded convention headquarter hotel that will be connected to the newly renovated and reimagined $620 million Miami Beach Convention Center.
The yes vote on ballot item No. 388 sets the completion of Greater Miami’s convention center district in motion, according to City officials.
“The City of Miami Beach residents have spoken loud and clear,” said City of Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber. “A super majority of nearly 64 percent is no easy feat and this is a huge… more
Nov 19, 2018
The Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) announced today the release of the fifth report in the Attendee ROI Playbook series, Generational Differences and Similarities.
“This document is more than a fact sheet,” said CEIR Senior Research Director, Nancy Drapeau, PRC. “It summarizes all aspects in this study, pinpointing how the value proposition for attending varies and is the same generationally. Career-stage needs, information source preferences and influence of the experiential aspect of attending from a generational perspective are discussed. Results signal the high importance… more
Nov 15, 2018
Matthews Southwest Hospitality, a national hospitality industry developer based in Dallas, released an initial conceptual design of the proposed headquarters hotel that would be attached to the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, giving the public a first glimpse at the proposed exterior of the $558 million addition to the city’s hospitality inventory.
In addition to Matthews, the project team includes Preston Hollow Capital, Provident Resources Group, The Convention District Development Associates and Omni Hotels & Resorts.
“The design of the new convention center… 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.