Gold Coast CEC Posts Strong Results in FY2017-18

The Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre (GCCEC) has reported strong results for the financial year 2017-2018. During the year, the venue generated revenues of A$372 million (US$270 million). That represents an increase of 14% over the previous year.

According to GCCEC, the venue recorded its best performance for the sixth consecutive year. During the fiscal year, a total of 154 events were held at the venue, welcoming more than 722,000 visitors. Among the events, about 76% were MICE-related events.

Chengdu Motor Show 2018 Attracts 580,000 Visitors

Organised by Hannover Milano Fairs Shanghai, the Chengdu Motor Show (CDMS) 2018 recently concluded at the Chengdu City New International Convention and Exhibition Center. The exhibition attracted more than 580,000 visitors to the show. That figure includes both trade and public visitors.

CDMS ran from 31st August to 9th September. The ten-day show featured 119 auto brands showcasing almost 1,400 vehicles, of which 71 were newly launched models. Occupying an exhibition area of 150,000 m2, the show is positioned as the leading automobile exhibition in western China.

MITEC Signs MOU with UBM to Host 5 Events

Malaysia’s newest venue, the Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre (MITEC) has signed an MOU with UBM Malaysia agreeing to host four events between 2019 and 2023 as well as a biennial event during the years 2019 to 2028.

The specific events were not named, but the two companies did state that they expect the events will generate MYR261 million (US$63 million) in economic impact for the local economy. According to MITEC, the venue has hosted 90 events since it opened in August last year. And MITEC reports that it has welcomed over 352,000 visitors in that period.

Mariela McIlwraith

Mariela McIlwraith is the Director of Industry Advancement with the Events Industry Council, where she oversees EIC’s Sustainability Initiative and the Industry Insights program. She is the co-author of “Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility in the Meetings and Events Industry,” is the Executive Editor of the Events Industry Council Manual, 9thEdition and co-author of “Meet Better: 167 Easy Ways to Make Your Events More Environmentally and Socially Responsible.”

UBM Opens New Show Serving Indian Beauty Industry

UBM India, UBM plc’s subsidiary, together with BolognaFiere launched the inaugural edition of Cosmoprof India at Sahara Star Hotel in Mumbai, running from 10th to 11th September 2018.

A total of 107 companies from 15 countries attended the two-day event. The new show provided opportunities for brands of finished products, especially those from the following categories: cosmetics & toiletries, beauty salon, hair, nail and accessories, and for the supply chain, contract manufacturing and private labels, applicators, primary and secondary packaging.

STB appoints New Chief Executive from Ministry of Defence

This week, the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) announced who will replace former chief executive Lionel Yeo who stepped down in May this year. STB has appointed Keith Tan as its new Chief Executive with effect from 29th October.

Tan is currently the Deputy Secretary (Policy) of Singapore’s Ministry of Defence where Tan is responsible for defence policy, strategic communications, national education and “Total Defence”.

Yoni Koenig

Yoni Koenig is the co-founder and chairman of Exit Reality, a premier integrator and operator of virtual reality solutions for events, location-based entertainment and gaming. An award-winning creative technology innovator with more than 20 years in digital production and experiential design, Yoni has led product teams for Electronic Arts, Microsoft, Sony, Vivendi-Universal, Disney Interactive and Disney Imagineering – creating games, animation and technology companies along the way.

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.