Dec 09, 2019
China’s newest and largest convention center, Shenzhen World, opened in early November. The venue, which will be the biggest exhibition and convention center in the world once its Phase 2 construction is completed, is also aiming to be the most sustainable and most intelligent. One thing is certain: The impressive facility will play a significant role in growing the region’s economy.
Located in the Pearl River Delta, Shenzhen is China’s technology innovation hub and home to more than 3 million businesses. The city has grown from a small fishing village to a metropolis in just three decades… more
Nov 27, 2019
It’s a big month for Portland, Oregon: Last week, its Oregon Convention Center officially completed a momentous $40 million renovation. It marked the first large-scale renovation to take place at the facility since it was built three decades ago, and also took place during OCC’s busiest year to date — a feat in itself.
The renovation included updates to public spaces throughout the venue to improve accessibility, creating a new plaza to serve as a flexible outdoor space option for events, and elevated design touches that reflect the building’s surroundings.
“We made sure to keep our local… more
Nov 21, 2019
Rich in history, tradition and culture, Scotland is an easy-to-reach, yet often new destination for meeting attendees. The number of direct flights from the U.S. east coast has grown significantly over the past several years, and many major European cities offer connections to Scotland’s five international airports.
There’s a lot more to the country than golf, Scotch whisky, bagpipes, sheep and haggis (a boiled Scottish dish made from sheep offal, onion, oatmeal and other ingredients), although all of those are plentiful.
“Scotland offers historic cities, castles, distillery tasting… more
Nov 20, 2019
The forthcoming expansion of the Wynn Las Vegas convention center, set to be complete in February 2020, is getting more high tech. Cox Business announced this week that it will support the property with increased connectivity.
When the expansion is complete, Wynn Las Vegas will have 300,000 new square feet of rentable space, offering a total of 560,000 square feet across four pillar-free ballrooms, 57 meeting rooms, a 20,000-sq.-ft. outdoor pavilion and a 20,000-sq.-ft. adjacent lawn.
Cox Business has provided managed Wi-Fi services for the Wynn and Encore meeting and convention space since… more
Oct 01, 2019
Venue management companies AEG Facilities and SMG have completed their merger to create ASM Global, a new, stand-alone global facility management and venue services company that now operates more than 300 arenas, stadiums, convention centers and performing arts centers across five continents.
The completion of this transaction comes eight months after the companies announced the proposed merger. Onex, of which SMG is a portfolio company, and AEG’s subsidiary are now equal co-owners of ASM, according to ASM officials.
Headquartered in Los Angeles, with key operations based in the… more
Sep 20, 2019
The Boston Convention and Exhibition Center is getting ready to grow. On Sept. 19, the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority board of directors accepted a proposal announced by Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito on Sept. 16 that includes expanding BCEC and selling Hynes Convention Center to fund the project.
According to Governor Baker, the expansion plan will make Boston’s convention space more efficient by consolidating the city’s major convention business in one central location. It will also maximize new economic opportunities in both the Seaport and Back Bay… more
Sep 04, 2019
Detroit’s Cobo Center has been officially renamed TCF Center. The new name follows a 22-year naming rights partnership between TCF National Bank, a subsidiary of TCF Financial Corporation, and the Detroit Regional Convention Facility Authority.
DRCFA awarded naming rights to Chemical Bank — now a division of TCF Bank following its successful merger of equals on Aug.1 that transformed the two companies into TCF Financial Corporation — earlier this year following a competitive process.
The new name and signage were revealed on Aug. 27 by TCF Executive Chairman Gary Torgow, TCF President and… more
Aug 28, 2019
There’s nothing like hosting a big event to celebrate the expansion of a convention center, and that’s exactly what Kalahari Resorts and Conventions did earlier this month.
Following the completion of a $35 million expansion to its now 212,000 square feet of meeting space, Kalahari Wisconsin Dells hosted THAT Conference as the first event in the new space from Aug. 5-8.
The family-friendly, technology-focused conference — dubbed “Summer Camp for Geeks” — showed off Kalahari’s convention space and amenities to more than 1,700 attendees, spouses and children, who took part in more than 200… more
Aug 15, 2019
Atlantic City has a long and rich history. The New Jersey city has been home to the Miss America pageant since 1921, and its 5-mile boardwalk, constructed in 1890, is the oldest in the country and the longest in the world.
Best known for its casinos, boardwalk and beach, the city also has much to offer in the way of teambuilding activities. From beach yoga on to spa experiences, a waterfront cruise, beer pairings and chocolate making, there are plenty of options to suit any group’s needs.
Music, Pampering and Dining at the Hard Rock Hotel
My window at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino… more
Aug 07, 2019
Facility leadership and showfloor trade partners of Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia have signed a five-year extension and amendment of its 10-year labor agreement. The contract builds on the competitive work rules and expanded exhibitor rights initially put in place in 2014.
Known as the Customer Satisfaction Agreement, the extended labor agreement, which went into effect Aug. 1, allows exhibitors to setup and teardown their own booths without limitations on booth size. This marks a significant shift from the facility’s previous practice, which limited exhibitors to… 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.