Ohio School Boards Association Attracts 9,000 to Greater Columbus Convention Center

The largest educational trade show and second-largest education convention in the nation returned to the SMG-managed Greater Columbus Convention Center, as more than 9,000 attendees attended the 61st annual Ohio School Boards Association Capital Conference and Trade Show Nov. 13-16.

“This is the time that we get to shine for our members,” said Jeff Chambers, OSBA director of Communication Services.

Ohio School Boards Association Attracts 9,000 to Greater Columbus Convention Center

The largest educational trade show and second-largest education convention in the nation returned to the SMG-managed Greater Columbus Convention Center, as more than 9,000 attendees attended the 61st annual Ohio School Boards Association Capital Conference and Trade Show Nov. 13-16.

“This is the time that we get to shine for our members,” said Jeff Chambers, OSBA director of Communication Services.

Amusement Park, International Baking Shows Boast Largest Events in History

The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions’ 2016 IAAPA Attractions Expo, currently running in Orlando, and the 2016 International Baking Industry Exposition both can boast that their largest events in history are this year.

IBIE was held at the Las Vegas Convention Center with more than 1,000 exhibitors - 340 new to IBIE and a 28-percent increase, compared with 2013 - on more than 700,000 square feet of exhibit space.

Germany’s Massive Equestrian Show – EQUITANA – Set to Launch in U.S. Market

Billed as the ‘world’s largest’ equestrian event - held in Essen, Germany, and drawing 200,000 visitors and 850 exhibitors from 30 nations - a new EQUITANA show will be heading to the United States in 2018.

“EQUITANA USA will become a landmark event - one created with vision and purpose which markets the future of equestrian sports," says Robert Keegan from EQU Expo.

He added, “It is our responsibility as the show producer to set forth practical, professional and socially correct themes in order to awaken new interest and markets around the horse.”

Join #Expochat 1pm ET Nov. 16: Attracting International Attendees to Your Shows

With the election last week, international trade remains a big topic. What does it mean for trade shows? Major players in the global exhibition industry are taking a “wait and see” attitude.

However, the new Administration with their, “America First” position represents a terrific opportunities for US show organizers to increase their international visitors.

Join us for this week’s #Expochat led by Stephanie Selesnick, who will discuss bringing international visitors to your shows. 

Here are some questions:

Fatigue at Events and 4 Tips on How to Beat It

Steady on Superman, fatigue at events is real, and we’ve all had it!

Events and exhibitions can last all day or all night and your business or client requires you to be on your feet and on your best at all times. It’s true, this can be exhausting and dragging yourself through the day, with a constant smile on your face is a real challenge. Yet the best event organisers and coordinators somehow manage it, so what’s their secret?

Here’s some top tips for keeping those eyes open at your next event …

Get to know your venue

Katie Price

Katie Price from RAL Display, a market leader in Display Marketing, has years of experience working with events managers. 

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.