Apr 13, 2023
As the world gets ready to celebrate Earth Day on April 22, Trade Show News Network (TSNN) caught up with the Joint Meetings Industry Council (JMIC) Executive Director Alexander Alles to find out the latest on Net Zero Carbon Events (NZCE), an initiative to connect the events industry globally to the rapidly growing movement toward net zero by 2050. Alles was appointed to the newly created position in August 2022 to oversee the initiative as part of his duties.
When was the initiative launched?
In Nov. 2021, world leaders met in Glasgow, Scotland, at COP26 to present how their countries… more
Apr 11, 2023
The U.S. B2B exhibitions industry is continuing a robust rebound and demonstrating a continued improvement in Q4 2022 from the previous 11 quarters, according to the Center for Exhibition Industry Research’s (CEIR) 2022 Fourth Quarter Index results, which was released in late March.
Figure 1: B2B Exhibition Industry Cancellation Rate, %
The cancellation rate for in-person trade shows and events dropped to 1.3%, a substantial improvement compared to 97.9% in Q4 2020 and 14.8% in Q4 2021. This relatively low cancellation rate and the continued improvement in metrics outcomes for completed… more
Apr 10, 2023
Attendees and exhibitors are continuing to eagerly return to in-person trade shows, and the momentum of many B2B events and the industries they serve appear to be showing no sign of slowing down. Case in point: The ARA Show and Intersolar North America (ISNA) and Energy Storage North America (ESNA), which took place on opposite sides of the U.S. during the same week in Orlando, Fla., and Long Beach, Calif., respectively. Here’s a summary of these two successful events and what show organizers say was the secret to their robust attendance this year.
The ARA Show 2023
Upon the completion of… more
Apr 06, 2023
Independent trade show executives, suppliers and industry media convened March 20-23 for the 2023 Society of Independent Show Organizers (SISO) CEO Summit at the Four Seasons Hotel in Las Vegas.
The four-day event offered content on a wide variety of topics, from a global economic forecast and an update on the Net Zero Carbon Events initiative to a study on DEI at the top 20 exhibition companies and research on next-gen event-goers.
As in years past, the attendee and speaker list featured a who’s who of industry leaders (see who attended in 2023 here). The Tarsus team, which publishes TSNN… more
Apr 05, 2023
After 11 years as president and CEO of the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE), David DuBois will retire effective Dec. 31, 2023.
DuBois will lead the association through its strategic growth initiatives in 2023 and continue to build on his legacy of advancing IAEE’s mission and member community.
“IAEE is a large and diverse global association that represents a vast ecosystem,” DuBois said. “I look forward to continuing to lead the exhibitions and events industry's trade association, and over the months ahead, my goal is for IAEE to continue delivering valuable… more
Apr 03, 2023
Workplace culture can have a direct impact on the overall success of an organization, as it affects how employees perceive their jobs, colleagues and their employer. When staff are happy and motivated in their work environment, they tend to be more productive and engaged, as well as more likely to stay at a company long-term, thus reducing turnover and contributing to the organization’s productivity and financial success.
Contrast that with a toxic work culture that often leads to high employee turnover, low productivity and morale, as well as difficulties in attracting new talent, and it’s… more
Mar 31, 2023
E3, the world’s premier celebration of interactive entertainment, will not take place in person or digitally this year, according to an announcement by the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) and ReedPop, the show’s organizer.
Last July, ESA partnered with ReedPop, a boutique division of RX, to spearhead the long-awaited return of E3 to the Los Angeles Convention Center in 2023. The event, which was scheduled to take place June 13-16, had not been held since 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This was a difficult decision because of all the effort we and our partners put toward… more
Mar 31, 2023
Event Tech Live (ETL) has launched its first hosted buyer program for its shows in Las Vegas and London using the MustMeet platform by Grip, a leading AI-powered event tech provider built for meetings and matchmaking.
Grip’s MustMeet product, a powerful meeting scheduling system for event organizers, is being used by ETL to automatically schedule, manage and host a range of meetings for buyers and suppliers.
“Our hosted buyer initiative is about expediting the ETL experience for brands and businesses typically unable to commit a day to the show,” said Adam Parry, co-founder of ETL. “… more
Mar 30, 2023
The Kentucky General Assembly has passed legislation that includes a revision (from 6% to 0%) to the commonwealth’s sales tax on exhibit and sponsor space rental for face-to-face business events. Signed into law by Governor Andy Beshear on March 24, it states that business event organizers will be exempt from charging sales tax to their exhibitors and sponsors, essentially reversing a new 6% tax that went into effect on Jan. 1.
Some trade show organizers began collecting taxes from exhibitors and sponsors to be in compliance with the new law, while others informed exhibitors who signed new… more
Mar 29, 2023
Global B2B events, data and media platform Arc, which is backed by investment funds managed by EagleTree Capital, has tapped 25-year events industry veteran Mary Larkin as Americas CEO and Executive Committee member. In her new leadership role, she will be responsible for leading the company’s Americas businesses on its growth journey and will work alongside Americas Executive Vice President Tim Hart to further develop Arc’s North American business.
The announcement comes on the heels of two U.S.-based acquisitions that Arc has made within the past seven months that have added substantial… 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.