News

Jul 19, 2024
One of the fastest-growing segments of the trade show industry in 2024: international attendance and exhibitors. In fact, international travel to the U.S. is growing quickly, with volume expected to reach 98% of 2019 levels in 2024 (up from 84% recovered in 2023), according to the most recent data from U.S. Travel Association (USTA). After international participation in U.S. trade shows flat-lined during COVID, event organizers, like Money20/20 and Plant Based World Expo, are capitalizing on the rebound by investing in attracting foreign companies to their U.S. events with international… more
Jul 18, 2024
PCMA and the Strategic Alliance of the National Convention Bureaux of Europe (SANCBE) are gearing up to launch Convene 4 Climate, a sustainability conference for the global business events industry. Set for Oct. 2-3 in Barcelona, the inaugural gathering is open to select participation in a workshop-based environment and aims to drive responsibility, harness the power of technology, and deliver transformative solutions to address climate change challenges.  The big picture: Convene 4 Climate’s curated programming will explore three central themes–Reimagine, Inspire, and Movement–and allow for… more
Jul 17, 2024
Marketplace Events (MPE)—an independent producer of nearly 70 home and garden shows, 18 sport and outdoor shows, 16 holiday shows and 10 regional trade shows in North America—recently expanded its business in Canada with the acquisition of 31 events from Master Promotions, Ltd., elevating its total trade and consumer show portfolio to 111 events, which includes 66 in the U.S. and 45 in Canada.  The 31-show deal—which includes 14 sport/outdoor shows, seven home shows and 10 trade events owned by one of Canada’s largest independent trade and consumer event management companies—marks MPE’s… more
Jul 16, 2024
A new event has officially launched for the trail running community: TrailCon: The Trail Running Industry Conference, an annual gathering of trail running brands and enthusiasts, media, industry executives, and thought leaders. Designed to provide a forum for dialogue, inspiration, and collaboration to help shape the future of the global sport, the debut event kicked off with “A Taste of TrailCon,” a preview held on June 26 at The Village at Palisades Tahoe. The event attracted 379 retailers, brands, athletes, race directors, and media. Staged against the stunning backdrop of Olympic Valley… more
Jul 15, 2024
What’s trending for service contractors who serve the trade show and events market? AI, sustainability and inflation were hot topics on the program at this year’s Exhibition Service Contractors Association (ESCA) Summer Educational Conference (SEC), held June 23-26 at the historic Omni Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, Va. This year’s annual conference drew more than 200 executive- and senior-level leaders who represent service contractors large and small – from public companies like GES to family-owned businesses like Expo Convention Contractors Inc. New attendees and exhibitors reflect the… more
Jul 11, 2024
What’s trending for exhibitions in Europe? In this TSNN exclusive, we interviewed UFI European Regional Director Nick Dugdale-Moore, who shared insights from the recent UFI European Conference, discussed key trends in the European market, and previewed what’s next on UFI's calendar of events. Held June 11-13 at Messe Zürich in Zurich, Switzerland, the event attracted 300 delegates from 41 countries, including top trade show executives, show directors, and senior- to mid-level professionals from Europe and beyond. Here are nine highlights from our conversation. Watch or listen to the full… more
Jul 10, 2024
The Caesars Entertainment team, led by Director of Marketing Reina Herschdorfer, curated a wellness speaker list for its inaugural Global Wellness Summit for meeting planners held June 4-7 in Las Vegas. All speakers are featured on Caesars wellness menu but can also be booked independently. Related: Behind the Scenes at the Inaugural Global Wellness Summit for Event Organizers How are event planners incorporating wellness speakers into their events? One corporate event planner who attended the Global Wellness Summit told us they’re offering wellness tracks, in addition to industry-specific… more
Jul 10, 2024
Following its July 1 acquisition of event registration, onsite and lead services provider Convention Data Services (CDS) from global events company Freeman, Maritz is now poised to be the dominant player in registration, housing, lead retrieval, onsite support, and data services for some of the largest U.S. trade shows and business events. Both Maritz, a meetings and event management company, and Freeman are privately owned companies, and terms of the transaction were not disclosed.  While Maritz officials would not disclose its client portfolio by press time, CDS boasts a who’s who of… more
Jul 09, 2024
Four convention centers across the U.S. are upping their game with new staff and labor training offerings, renovation projects, extended partnerships and property enhancements to improve the event experience for meetings and trade show guests and clients. Unions and Management Unite To Debut Trade Show Training Center in Philadelphia  To provide its staff and labor partners with training and skill-building in safety, technical skills development, customer service and hospitality, the Pennsylvania Convention Center (PCC) in Philadelphia has launched an onsite training center with a… more
Jul 08, 2024
Food and beverage purveyors from around the world descended on the Javits Center from June 23-25 for the 68th iteration of the Summer Fancy Food Show, which spanned 330,000 square feet of the iconic New York City convention center.  Fueled by a seemingly endless supply of samples from a staggering 2,400 exhibitors, the 29,000-plus food industry professionals in attendance certainly got their steps in over the course of the three-day trade show.  Flavorful Features Similar to the Summer Fancy Food Show the Specialty Food Association (SFA) hosted last year at Javits, the bi-level show floor… 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.