For-Profit Perspective: 10 Takeaways from SISO’s Event Sector Benchmarking Survey

Hosted buyer/1-to-1 partnering events are currently the most attractive events model for independent organizers, with 18% of survey respondents planning an imminent launch and 32% indicating an interest in the model, according to results of the Events Sector Benchmarking 2024, a report from Collingwood and the Society of Independent Show Organizers (SISO).   

My Vision for 2025 as IAEE Chair

Submitted by lpsavas@tsnn.com on Wed, 02/26/2025 - 11:07

As I proudly embark upon my year as IAEE Chairperson, alongside my fellow board members, I am enthusiastic to fulfill our charge of amplifying the trade show industry’s collective voice, fostering vibrant professional communities, and creating pathways for continuous learning and development. It is also my sincere pleasure to work with IAEE President and CEO Marsha Flanagan, M.Ed., CEM in developing a vision that builds on IAEE’s strengths while embracing new opportunities for growth and innovation. 

Venue News: Savannah Convention Center Doubles in Size with Completion of $276 Million Expansion

The Savannah Convention Center (SCC) in Savannah, Ga., has completed a massive, $276 million expansion that has positioned the venue to not only serve long-standing events wishing to grow but also attract new and larger-scale meetings and conventions to the historic coastal destination. 

New Business Deals: CloserStill Media and Turnmill Make Major Acquisitions

Two leading global trade show and conference organizers kicked off 2025 by announcing strategic acquisitions. 

Closerstill Media Scoops Up Digital Health Intelligence 

Business events, exhibitions, and conferences producer CloserStill Media acquired Digital Health Intelligence (DHI), a London-based media business that serves the UK’s digital health community. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. 

What's New in Orlando for Meetings & Conventions: Q1 2025 Preview with Orlando Event Leaders

Fans of fiction and fantasy are not the only ones patiently waiting for the opening day of Universal Orlando Resort's Epic Universe on May 22. Organizers with events and trade shows planned in Orlando, Fla., in the back half of 2025 are clamoring to offer new experiences to their exhibitors and attendees.  

Celebrating Black History Month 2025 With Clarion North America’s Melissa Montes

Black History Month marks a significant moment to celebrate Black leaders in the event and trade show industries. It’s our mission to always spotlight the strategies, experiences, and insights of Black industry professionals—especially during a time when attacks on DEI programs have become prominent across business sectors. 

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.