News

Dec 18, 2011
If someone told show management at the Radiological Society of North America that there was an economic downturn happening worldwide, they likely would say “What recession?” At the association’s recent 97th Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, held Nov. 27-Dec. 2 at Chicago’s McCormick Place, there were so many positive statistics that the event was a resounding success as a result. Based on audited numbers, the RSNA member attendance was 11,970, more than 4-percent higher than in 2010, and radiologist attendance was 16,272 - a record in the meeting's… more
Dec 15, 2011
December may be a slower month for trade shows, but the executive shuffle was in overdrive, with several companies announcing promotions and new hires. John P. Gallagher will take the reins as as president and CEO of Germany-based Messe Frankfurt's U.S. subsidiary Feb. 1. He will replace outgoing president and CEO David Audrain in the Atlanta office. Gallagher previously was senior vice president at E.J. Krause & Associates, where he oversaw events such as plastimagen in Mexico (plastics), Pap for Russia (paper and pulp) and China Paper. In his new role at Messe Frankfurt, he… more
Dec 14, 2011
U.K.-based Tarsus Group’s biennial Labelexpo Asia broke all previous records and had its largest show ever when it ran Nov. 29–Dec. 2 at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre. The four-day event attracted 18,019 visitors, a 9-percent increase, compared with the 2009 event, as well as 270 exhibitors, up 20 percent, compared with 2009. “We would like to thank everyone involved with Labelexpo Asia for their support and contribution in making 2011’s show the greatest yet,” said Roger Pellow, Labelexpo managing director. He added, “Not only has the… more
Dec 13, 2011
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events is off to a positive start, raising $1 million for its public relations campaign to increase awareness about the long-term benefits of face-to-face exhibitions and events. The goal of the PR campaign is to tell the industry’s story, as well as give support to continue to bolster the trade show industry’s reputation as the No. 1 place to bring buyers and sellers together to conduct business. “I am thrilled by the support from hundreds of our colleagues and their organizations,” said Vinnie Polito, IAEE… more
Dec 13, 2011
Team San Jose - the city’s convention and visitors bureau that also oversees the San Jose McEnery Convention Center, along with other arts and entertainment venues – received a unanimous vote of confidence Dec. 13 from the city council and San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed to drop the RFP process to find another entity for CVB and venue management responsibilities. “This is a great signal to our customers and the community that Team San Jose is here to serve their needs,” said Bill Sherry, CEO of Team San Jose. He added, “(The) vote of confidence is a positive move… more
Dec 12, 2011
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events has entered into a reciprocity agreement with the Shanghai Convention & Exhibition Industries Association, providing additional global opportunities for IAEE and SCEIA members to connect to develop new exhibitions and face-to-face events. "We are very enthusiastic about entering into this agreement with our friends and colleagues at SCEIA, and offer a new benefit and community for IAEE members,” said IAEE President Steven Hacker. He added, “We are looking forward to collaborating and extending the available… more
Dec 12, 2011
While most of the rest of the world still is grappling with the long-lasting economic downturn, Germany-based Messe Frankfurt had good news to celebrate with the recent release of the group’s preliminary figures for 2011. The numbers indicate that not only will sales reach a new high of $598 million (€457 million) this year, beating forecasts, but also group sales are predicted to top $654 million (€500 million) for the first time ever in 2012. “Independent of event cycles, we are increasing our sales every year and remaining consistently profitable,” said… more
Dec 12, 2011
The Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute’s Expo Pack Mexico is getting a major vote of confidence from companies interested in the show, with 90 percent of the exhibit space being booked seven months out. The event will be held June 26-29 at Centro Banamex, Mexico City, and the high demand for the space several months before the show opens “clearly demonstrates exhibitor confidence in the market,” said José Martínez, Latin American office director for show owner and producer PMMI. “We are very pleased with the interest generated again by Expo… more
Dec 10, 2011
The mergers and acquisitions market has been anything but red hot for the past few years, but the first part of December saw not one, but two acquisitions. Travel and event company Wyndham Jade bought Taptopia, a privately-held mobile software solutions company for the event industry. Taptopia's solutions assist event organizers, convention centers and their related vendors to maximize the overall event experience for both attendees and exhibitors. As part of the acquisition, members of Taptopia's founding team will take leadership positions at Wyndham Jade. Bryan A. Scott,… more
Dec 10, 2011
People’s quest to stay young continues to drive the growth of Tarsus Group’s medical conferences, including the latest – the 19th Annual World Congress on Anti-Aging and Aesthetic Medicine (A4M) – which recently was held at the Sands Expo & Convention Center in Las Vegas. The four day event’s preliminary attendance numbers showed an increase, compared with last year, drawing more than 5,500 people. There also were 350 exhibitors, another increase, compared with last year, and the showfloor saw positive growth as well, according to Doreen Brown, CEO of A4M… more
Partner Voices
Every day, MGM Resorts hosts organizations and individuals from around the world with a diverse array of business purposes, needs and expectations. But they all have one thing in common—a host committed to making their meetings sustainable and unforgettable through close partnership and responsible meeting practices. Harnessing the Sun Meetings at MGM Resorts are predominantly powered by the sun, thanks to its innovative 100-megawatt solar array. As the largest directly sourced renewable electricity project in the hospitality industry, the solar array features 323,000 panels and produces up to 100% of MGM Resorts’ daytime power needs in Las Vegas.* Built in 2021, the solar array reduces the carbon footprint of meetings—and all of MGM Resorts—while still delivering an enlightening and electrifying guest experience. Leading Water Stewardship Knowing water is essential to operations, guests and employees, MGM Resorts has long employed various conservation measures and has doubled down on its commitment in recent years to become a leading corporate water steward. In 2022, MGM Resorts President and CEO Bill Hornbuckle signed the CEO Water Mandate, a United National Global Compact, becoming the first gaming company to endorse the initiative. The company replaced more than 200,000 square feet of real grass with drought-tolerant landscaping in Las Vegas and pledged to reduce water use by 33% by 2025 and by 35% by 2030. Between 2007 and 2022, MGM Resorts saved more than 6 billion gallons of water through water conservation. Fostering Diversity, Equity & Inclusion MGM Resorts serves a world of diverse people, perspectives and experiences by cultivating a workforce culture that embraces all of humanity. From mindful recruitment and hiring practices to meaningful social responsibility initiatives, MGM Resorts is a welcoming and inclusive space for veterans, individuals with disabilities, people from diverse backgrounds, LGBTQ+ community members and more. The company’s commitment to supplier diversity drives innovation by extending competitive opportunities to local and diverse-owned suppliers, while the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program provides diverse-owned businesses tools and resources to enhance and grow their businesses. Paying it Forward MGM Resorts knows that great companies must serve the greater good. That’s why paying it forward is part of its approach to meetings and events. Through the Feeding Forward Program, MGM Resorts collects and preserves unserved and untouched food from conventions held at its properties, then safely donates to food-insecure people through a partnership with Three Square, Southern Nevada’s primary food bank. Since 2016, MGM Resorts has donated more than 3.7 million meals, with a goal of 5 million meal donations by 2025. Donations include unserved perishable prepared foods from events, perishable unprepared food from MGM Resorts’ kitchens and nonperishable food items from minibars and warehouses. From world-class venues and experiences to industry leading responsible meeting practices, MGM Resorts is proud to host meaningful and sustainable events. *Not including The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas