News
Sep 04, 2024
Bringing together more than 70,000 sports fans and collectors, the first-ever Fanatics Fest took over New York City’s Javits Center August 16-18. The turnout was a staggering 20,000 more attendees than the so-called “ComicCon of sports” initially anticipated.
The event was the brainchild of Michael Rubin, the founder and CEO of Fanatics—a digital sports merchandise and collectibles company valued at a cool $31 billion—who ensured that there was something for every sports fan. He tapped event agency Freeman to execute his vision, which included opportunities to get autographs and take… more
Sep 04, 2024
At events, capturing memorable moments is more important than ever. In a recent interview for Tech Talk, CEN’s Danica Tormohlen sat down with Jonathan Jow, director of strategy for BoothEasy, to delve into how the company is elevating event experiences with its instant photo and video services.
For event organizers looking to not only raise the bar on the attendee experience but also create FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) on social channels, photo and videos services like BoothEasy offer a compelling blend of technology and creativity to make every moment count.
At the recent DMC Network… more
Sep 03, 2024
Entrepreneur, speaker, and internet personality Gary Vaynerchuk, who you probably know as Gary Vee, welcomed 5,000 fans to his conference-meets-festival, VeeCon, for its 2024 iteration. This year, attendees descended on the sprawling, nearly 6 million-square-foot L.A. LIVE entertainment district for the three-day event, which last year took place in Indianapolis at Lucas Oil Stadium.
The expanded layout and footprint was the most notable change at the third edition of VeeCon, according to MyLinh Chau, the executive vice president of VeeFriends, Vee’s entertainment company that first gained… more
Aug 30, 2024
Attendees of next month’s Predict, the Annual Exhibition Industry Outlook Conference will have the opportunity to experience an inspiring lineup of external experts covering a diverse range of pressing global topics when they converge Sept. 12-13 at the MGM National Harbor Hotel & Casino in Oxon Hill, MD.
Produced and hosted by the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR), the annual event brings together B2B exhibitions industry executives to learn and discuss emerging trends that could impact trade shows over the next three to five years. Predict’s forward-looking programming is… more
Aug 28, 2024
In a groundbreaking move set to elevate the exhibitions and events industry, the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) and Trade Show News Network (TSNN) have solidified a multi-year strategic partnership during Connect Marketplace, creating a powerful collaboration that will shape the industry through 2026. This is not just a partnership—it's a deliberate, strategic alliance that will define the future of the exhibitions industry.
Kicking off with a co-located, spectacular awards program at The Novo on December 16 during Expo! Expo! IAEE’s Annual Meeting and Exhibition… more
Aug 28, 2024
Following its initial announcement on November 7 of last year, premium live experiences company Legends has completed the acquisition of live events and venue management company ASM Global. Announced on August 23, the finalized deal combines two leading premium live events companies while expanding Legends’ services portfolio and geographic reach across five continents.
Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed, and ASM Global will continue to operate under its name for the time being.
With this acquisition, ASM Global’s venue strategy and management capabilities are poised to… more
Aug 27, 2024
After 25 years of operating as a non-union hotel-resort and convention center, The Venetian Resort Las Vegas, which encompasses The Venetian and The Palazzo on the Las Vegas Strip, have established a tentative agreement with Culinary Workers Union Local 226 and Bartenders Union Local 165 on a new four-year contract covering more than 4,000 employees in the resorts’ food, beverage, housekeeping, bar, lounge, and bell departments.
Reached in the early hours of August 20, the milestone contract contains standard union protections that the Culinary Union has negotiated and won over its 89-year… more
Aug 27, 2024
Sponsored by Fern Expo
A Look at Technology Advancements Reshaping Event Management
By Jim Kelley, VP Marketing and Industry Relations, Fern Expo
Trade shows and conventions are no longer merely events. They’re gathering places for like-minded people who want to make meaningful connections and be a part of memorable experiences.
From enhancing attendee engagement to streamlining event processes, event organizers are finding that technology—whether behind the scenes or attendee-facing—plays a powerful role in keeping their events relevant and ensuring that both attendees and… more
Aug 26, 2024
RELX, which owns independent event organizer RX, backed its full-year guidance after delivering revenue and profit growth in the first half of 2024, according to a press release.
In late July, the Financial Times Stock Exchange (FTSE) 100 Index company reported pretax profit for the half year that ended June 30 rose to 1.3 billion pounds ($1.68 billion), with underlying revenue growth of 10% over the same period last year.
By the numbers: Revenue rose to GBP4.64 billion ($6.07 billion), up from GBP4.5 billion ($5.89 billion), with underlying growth of 7%. Revenues came in 2.2% below… more
Aug 23, 2024
U.S. resort and souvenir trade show and conference producer RedlineXpo has added to its event portfolio with the launch of California Action Retailer + Venture (CARV) Expo, which will showcase the latest surf, skate, bike, and outdoor retailers from across the country.
Set for June 20-22, 2025, at the San Diego Convention Center, the new trade show will span more than 70,000 square feet and feature a wide range of manufacturers showcasing products from apparel and hard goods to wellness and more in a casual setting designed to foster connection and networking opportunities for buyers and… 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.