The second quarter of 2015 was a good one for Phoenix-based Viad, the parent company of Global Experience Specialists, with revenues surging 23.7 percent to $317 million, compared with $256.4 million during the same time period the year before.

GES had a particularly strong quarter, with revenues increasing to $286.6 million, a 26.5 percent increase, compared with $226.6 million during the same time period the year before.

“GES delivered much stronger results in the second quarter than we had previously expected,” said Steve Moster, president and CEO.

The Association of Women in Events, a new organization launched in March 2015, recently announced its founding board of directors.

The association received more than 65 applications for membership on the inaugural board, and founders spent several weeks vetting candidates for these important leadership roles.

The Board of Directors is expected to guide the vision of the association throughout the first formative years and shape the community surrounding the organization.

Reed Travel Exhibitions’ IBTM Americas spent this year in Chicago and will head to Nashville, aptly named “Music City”, June 15-17 next year.

ibtm america 2015 featured more than 5,200 pre-scheduled appointments with mutually matched suppliers and buyers in a closed show environment that mixed business with networking and education.

Following on the heels of the North American Meetings Industry Day, Meetings Mean Business will launch the first-ever Global Meetings Industry Day April 14 next year, which  will showcase the impact that business meetings, conferences, conventions, incentive travel, trade shows and exhibitions have on people, business and communities.

Emerald Expositions’ 2015 edition of NY NOW, the Market for Home, Lifestyle + Gift, to be held Aug. 15-19 at New York City’s Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, will have a record-breaking amount of new exhibitors.

This year’s Summer NAMM show drew 13,936 attendees July 9-11 in Nashville, which was a 13-percent increase, compared with 2014.

The National Association of Music Merchants show saw another increase in exhibiting companies, making it the largest mid-year event since 2006, with 494 exhibiting companies representing more than 1,600 brands.

Running traditionally in later January, Emerald Expositions’ Outdoor Retailer will move to Jan. 7-10 show dates for next year in response to not only attendee and exhibitor feedback, but also to shift the event away from the nearby Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah.

The 2016 show originally was scheduled Jan. 20-23.

The International Association of Exhibitions and Events Public Events Council will be accepting applications until Sept. 30 for its Top Public Events Recognition Program, which recognizes best practices in the business-to-consumers segment of the exhibitions and events industry.

The 2015 Society of Independent Show Organizers’ Leadership Conference will not only take a look at what the Millennials really want, but also what it takes to be a CEO and how the SXSW grew into the massive festival it is today, among a host of other topics.

“This Leadership program is the most comprehensive we have ever had for younger professionals taking on more responsibility,” said SISO Executive Director Lew Shomer.

Adding to its expanding portfolio in Southeast Asia, U.K.-based Tarsus Group acquired 50 percent of the AMB Group via a joint venture vehicle - AMB Tarsus Exhibitions Sdn. Bhd. - from Andrew Siow and Richard Yew.

“AMBT is an excellent strategic acquisition and allows Tarsus to build scale in South East Asia with an entrepreneurial partner,” said Tarsus Group Managing Director Douglas Emslie.

He added, “Many of the ASEAN economies are growing strongly and the AMBT joint venture will offer us first-mover advantage in some key sectors in these exciting markets.”