Dec 13, 2016
Detroit’s Cobo Center recently completed a $2 million technology upgrade, which included an upgraded Nortel core switch that distributes the WiFi signal and along with several new Nortel edge switches located throughout the center.
“For the visitors that use our WiFi network, these upgrades will be like moving from a one lane highway to a three lane super-speedway,” said Claude Molinari, general manager of SMG/Cobo Center.
System improvements also include upgrading WiFi access points to 802.11ac Aruba APs and increasing the number of APs to 400 throughout the facility.
The network location of… more
Aug 09, 2016
The Destination Marketing Association International Annual Convention saw their attendee numbers rise, with 1,500 taking part in its recent event held Aug. 1-3 in Minneapolis.
Attendees spent the time engaging in general sessions, discipline-focused roundtables and networking.
Throughout the program, DMAI’s association and foundation leadership recognized and celebrated those whom have demonstrated commitment and promise towards the continued success of destination marketing worldwide.
This year, 42 industry representatives received their CDME certification; 18 DMOs were honored for… more
Jul 25, 2016
The American Society of Association Executives has named the host cities where its ASAE Annual Meeting & Exposition will be headed 2018-2022.
The meeting attracts thousands of association executives and hundreds of exhibitors each year, and also it’s the flagship education and exposition for associations and nonprofit organizations in the United States.
In 2018, the meeting will head to Chicago, followed by Columbus, Ohio, in 2019, Las Vegas in 2020, Dallas in 2021 and Atlanta in 2022.
Next year, the Annual Meeting & Exposition will go north of the border to Toronto.
“… more
Jul 24, 2016
During the recent Louisville Convention & Visitors Bureau’s annual Destination Marketing Forum not only were the results of a year-long Visitor Profile Study discussed, but also digital marketing agency Bandy Carroll Hellige unveiled a new brand platform, logo and creative for marketing the city’s tourism initiatives.
In addition, Tempest Interactive gave a preview of a new web site that will go live in August and is being developed to replace GoToLouisville.com.
“Louisville is a city in transformation. More than $1 Billion is being invested in developments ranging from the… more
Jul 21, 2016
The Anaheim Convention Center, the largest convention center on the West Coast, was awarded LEED Gold certification, a designation for sustainable-rated buildings.
The Anaheim Convention Center is the largest U.S. convention center to achieve LEED Gold certification. The honor follows the center’s earning of LEED certification in 2010.
“The Anaheim Convention Center is the West Coast’s premier gathering place with world-class facilities and neighboring attractions to match in the Anaheim Resort District,” said Tom Morton, executive director of Convention, Sports and Entertainment for the city… more
Jul 07, 2016
The 2016 Dwell on Design (DOD) Los Angeles conference ran June 24–26 at the Los Angeles Convention Center and saw great attendance for the show’s 11h year.
“We have seen great growth and changes over the last 11 years,” said Michela O’Connor Abrams, CEO of Dwell. “This has been an amazing year for us, starting with the great partnership with UK based Informa. It is hard to believe we already have a year under our belt, and the new ownership has brought such collaboration and inspiration as a team. We are now looking at the show through a global lens, and targeting 2018 as the year to take DOD… more
Jul 06, 2016
The International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM) has selected Brad Mayne as its new president and CEO, effective July 19. Mayne also will serve as the president and CEO of the IAVM Foundation.
“Throughout his career, Brad has garnered respect from every facet of our industry,” said Karen Totaro, CFE, IAVM chair. “He has worked across sectors in various leadership roles, including within IAVM, which have earned him awards and praise. We are excited to have him take over the helm of IAVM.”
IAVM represents public assembly venues from around the globe. IAVM's active members include managers… more
Jun 06, 2016
Meeting and convention-goers holding events in Cleveland just received a nice boost, with a new 600-room Hilton opening adjacent to the Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland.
To celebrate the opening, Hilton Worldwide executives, Hilton Cleveland Downtown management and employees, city and county officials, community representatives and invited guests gathered last week for a ribbon-cutting ceremony and reception.
“The opening of Hilton Cleveland Downtown signifies not only a historic occasion for the city of Cleveland, but for Hilton Hotels & Resorts,” said Shawn McAteer, vice… more
May 23, 2016
The Cobo Center’s green efforts are paying off, with the Detroit-based venue snagging the Sustainable Brands conference next year, which previously was held in San Diego.
“Sustainable Brands has been committed to reducing and managing the environmental impact of our flagship conference for years now and we are excited to be bringing our community to Cobo Center in May 2017,” said David Fiss, executive producer of Live Events at Sustainable Brands.
He added, “In 2013, we were the first event organizer in North America to achieve conformity to the ISO 20121 Standard requiring event organizers… more
May 10, 2016
Candied bacon and cold beer were just some of the offerings that whet the appetites of attendees at the Reed Exhibitions’ National Hardware Show that took place May 5-7 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. A global gathering of products for DIY home improvement, the event spanned about 600,000 net sq. ft., similar to last year, and featured 2,800 exhibitors, including 700 first-timers. It’s expected to attract about 30,000 attendees.
“All our buying categories, from garden retailers to wholesales, are up,” said Rich Russo, industry vice president for the National Hardware Show. “The sentiment… 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.