News
Jun 30, 2014
The UFI Board of Directors, who are meeting this week in St. Petersburg, Russia, has announced that the next UFI President’s Triumvirate will be composed of:
Andrés Lopez-Valderrama (Corferias, Colombia), President 2014-2015
Sergey Alexeev (ExpoForum-International Ltd., Russian Federation), Incoming President
Renaud Hamaide (Comexposium/ViParis), Outgoing President
This decision becomes effective at the conclusion of the 81st UFI Annual Congress to be held Oct. 29-Nov. 1 in Bogota for the 2014/2015 term of office.
With this announcement, UFI has ensured that Sergey Alexeev can… more
Jun 30, 2014
EXPO PACK México 2014, recently held June 17-20 in Mexico City at Centro Banamex, closed with the show’s second consecutive sold-out event, according to show owner and organizer PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies.
With its 18,738 net square meters (201,694 square feet) of exhibit space, 1,025 exhibitors and 25,015 visitors, this year was one of the largest overall events in the history of EXPO PACK México’s history, according to show management.
EXPO PACK Mexico is an international marketplace and one of the largest processing and… more
Jun 30, 2014
When the Society of Independent Show Organizers’ annual Leadership Conference kicks off Aug. 11-13 in Atlantic City, three event technology companies will have the chance to fight for the honor of winning the 2014 Event Innovation Battlefield Award.
The competition will take place during the three-day event that will gather together top-tier managers and young leaders who are interested in the latest innovations and best practices to manage their more than 4,000 shows.
"The Event Battlefield is an important motivational hub for innovation, ideas, talent and products," said… more
Jun 30, 2014
When the Society of Independent Show Organizers’ annual Leadership Conference kicks off Aug. 11-13 in Atlantic City, three event technology companies will have the chance to fight for the honor of winning the 2014 Event Innovation Battlefield Award.
The competition will take place during the three-day event that will gather together top-tier managers and young leaders who are interested in the latest innovations and best practices to manage their more than 4,000 shows.
"The Event Battlefield is an important motivational hub for innovation, ideas, talent and products," said… more
Jun 29, 2014
More than 28,000 meetings took place during the 2014 BIO International Convention, the world’s largest trade show and convention for the biotech industry, June 23-26 at the San Diego Convention Center.
“We’re not your typical buyer-seller show,” said Robbi Lycett, senior vice president, Conventions & Conferences for Biotechnology Industry Organization that produces the show. “It’s all about partnerships.”
To help facilitate the meetings, the show offers BIO One-on-One Partnering tool that allows attendees to research and contact companies, as well… more
Jun 29, 2014
The latest edition of the Harvard Business Review (HBR)’s magazine includes an excellent article on how the role of marketing has changed in the last decade, and how the best marketing organizations are meeting the challenges of the digital age.
The authors discuss results from HBR’s study on the strategies and structures that superior marketing organizations are embracing to adapt to the changing times. The study included in-depth interviews with more than 350 top executives, as well as surveys of 10,000-plus marketers worldwide.
HBR divided the survey respondents into two groups… more
Jun 29, 2014
The latest edition of the Harvard Business Review (HBR)’s magazine includes an excellent article on how the role of marketing has changed in the last decade, and how the best marketing organizations are meeting the challenges of the digital age.
The authors discuss results from HBR’s study on the strategies and structures that superior marketing organizations are embracing to adapt to the changing times. The study included in-depth interviews with more than 350 top executives, as well as surveys of 10,000-plus marketers worldwide.
HBR divided the survey respondents into two groups… more
Jun 26, 2014
Earlier this week, it was announced that PMMI Director of Expositions A.J. Janosko, who was 45, passed away suddenly as the result of an accident over the weekend, and now the A.J. Janosko Education Trust has been established for his two sons.
In lieu of flowers, his family is asking people to please donate to the trust.
In addition, funeral arrangements are as follows:
Calling hours will be 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday, July 1, at Advent Funeral & Cremation Services (7211 Lee Hwy, Falls Church, Va.).
Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Wednesday,… more
Jun 25, 2014
The Minneapolis Convention Center will have a nearly $14.5 million facelift to enhance the “relationship building” for clients and to remain competitive by being more efficient, flexible and better able to respond to the needs of the customers, according to venue officials.
The enhancements will take place during a two-year period, while the MCC prepares for a busy time in its schedule
Some of the improvements include the Visitor Information Center, which is located in the main lobby and is being completely renovated, as well as moved closer to the facility’s main entrance… more
Jun 24, 2014
If you’re standing by a Jurassic Park dinosaur and notice a group of Stormtroopers walking by, chances are you’re at Advanstar Communications’ Licensing Expo.
The 2014 even took over Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas June 17–19 and saw a strong uptick in retailers and international attendance.
“We’ve spent a lot of time focusing on targeting retailers and retail attendance is up by 20 percent,” said Chris DeMoulin, president of Licensing & EVP Worldwide Customer Development at Advanstar Communications. “It’s a global show,… 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.