May 11, 2023
May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month in the U.S., a time to honor and recognize the contributions and influence of those in the AAPI community to the history, culture and achievements of the U.S., in addition to the industries in which they work. It’s also an ideal opportunity to learn about the AAPI community through their valuable insights. Trade Show News Network checked in with five AAPI events industry professionals to get their thoughts on how their organizations support the AAPI community, AAPI event professionals to watch, advice for the next generation of… more
May 05, 2023
The U.S. Travel Association, which has been diligently advocating for the end of COVID-19 restrictions along with several other tourism and events industry entities, overwhelmingly welcomed the Biden-Harris Administration’s announcement May 1 to repeal the COVID-19 vaccine mandate for inbound travel to the U.S. “[The] action to lift the vaccine requirement eases a significant entry barrier for many global travelers, moving our industry and country forward, said Geoff Freeman, president and CEO of U.S. Travel. However, he added, the return of international visitors should be as efficient… more
May 04, 2023
U.S. trade shows are continuing their robust return to face-to-face, attracting industry professionals from far and wide to connect and conduct business on bustling show floors. Here are two major events that pulled off successful and record-setting editions recently.  ProMat  Following a four-year, pandemic-induced hiatus, the manufacturing, logistics and supply chain community came together for a record-setting ProMat 2023 trade show and conference, held March 20-23 at Chicago’s McCormick Place. Typically held biennially in the Windy City, the pent-up demand resulted in the show boasting… more
May 01, 2023
OneSystem Plus delivers organizers the most speed, control, and customization out of any other registration and housing platform. Most show organizers have gotten used to the limitations of traditional registration and housing platforms on the market today. If you are a smaller event, a SaaS platform is great for configurability, compliance, and a quick turnaround, but lacks customization, basic integration, and the ability to handle large group support. For organizers of large events, a custom platform offers a different but similar experience. It can handle large events, is fully… more
May 01, 2023
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, buffets were a staple feature at most corporate meetings and events. But during the pandemic, this versatile, practical and popular meal option was basically eliminated due to health and safety concerns, as buffets typically involve guests handling shared utensils and serving dishes, thus potentially increasing the risk of virus transmission. To minimize this risk and keep both employees and guests safe, many hotels and event venues temporarily eliminated self-serve buffets and replaced them with alternatives such as plated or pre-packaged meals, or… more
Puerto Rico
Apr 27, 2023
Trade Show News Network (TSNN) is thrilled to unveil that it will be celebrating the 2023 TSNN Awards Oct. 27-29 on the beautiful island of Puerto Rico. This celebration event for the trade show industry will feature a bevy of awards celebrating all of the amazing innovation at trade shows in the past year, as well as the people who are the best of the best at what they do. The 13th Annual 2023 TSNN Awards gala celebration and educational conference are just two of the event’s highlights. “We are beyond delighted and honored to hear Puerto Rico was selected as the host destination for the… more
Apr 26, 2023
A new fashion sourcing trade show and a consumer event celebrating military culture will be making their debut in September and November of this year, respectively.   SOURCING at MAGIC New York Informa is gearing up to launch an East Coast version of its long-standing SOURCING at MAGIC fashion trade show, held biannually at the Las Vegas Convention Center.   Set for Sept. 19-21 alongside COTERIE and MAGIC at the Javits Center in New York City, SOURCING at MAGIC New York will resemble its Las Vegas sister expo, featuring an array of global exhibitors and categories from textile… more
Apr 25, 2023
Global live event leader Freeman recently acquired Denver-based Impact Point Group, a technology-focused, boutique consultancy firm offering a full suite of strategic advisory and event management services. A nationally certified women-owned business, Impact Point Group’s client roster boasts market-leading tech brands, including Cisco, Atlassian and DocuSign, to name a few. According to Adam Charles, executive vice president of Freeman’s Agency, the acquisition comes as Freeman continues to invest in growth opportunities for its agency business.  “Impact Point Group brings a proven… more
Apr 21, 2023
 Caesars Entertainment, long renowned for its celebrity chef establishments, has further elevated its Las Vegas dining scene with three delectable restaurants by Martha Stewart, Gordon Ramsay and Chris Santos, all of which are available for group bookings. The recently opened additions join an already impressive list of Caesars Entertainment dining options by top chefs and restaurateurs, including Dominique Ansel, Michael Chow, Giada de Laurentiis, Guy Fieri, Bobby Flay, Nobu Matsuhisa, Gordon Ramsay, Buddy Valastro and Lisa Vanderpump. The Bedford by Martha Stewart Global lifestyle icon… more
Apr 17, 2023
What are exhibitors and sponsors seeking from trade shows, how has that changed since 2019 and what can trade show organizers do to deliver better ROI? Jenn Harrison, who has served as trade show manager for General Dynamics Mission Systems for more than 16 years, and Cheryl Soares, who has served as manager, trade shows and foodservice promotions for the California Milk Advisory Board for more than 17 years, shared their perspectives at the Society of Independent Show Organizers (SISO) CEO Summit, held March 20-23 at the Four Seasons in Las Vegas.   The session, “Customer Spotlight:… 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.