Q&A with NA Nora, Vice President of Operations at CloserStill Media
Q&A with NA Nora, Vice President of Operations at CloserStill Media

LOS ANGELES — Nora Ellingwood has joined CloserStill Media in a new role as vice president of North American operations. trade show director (TSE) spoke with Ellingwood about her career, new role and keys to success in the events industry. Andrew: Can you describe your career? Nora: I started my career as a receptionist at MAGIC and quickly progressed to positions such as Marketing Coordinator and Account Manager. Through several acquisitions – first Advanstar, then UBM and finally Informa Markets – I had the opportunity to grow with the business, gaining new experience and responsibilities with each transformation. These experiences shaped my ability to deal with change and helped me develop the skills needed to manage large-scale operations and complex events. After working in the fashion industry for almost twenty years, I started my own consulting company. This chapter gave me the opportunity to expand my expertise by working with clients from industries outside of fashion, gaining valuable insights and…

global trade tiktok
China considers selling TikTok U.S. operations to Elon

Chinese authorities are reportedly considering selling TikTok's U.S. operations to Elon Musk, a major development. For more details, the original report can be accessed here. According to Bloomberg, the move is a strategic response if the popular social media app faces a potential ban in the United States. The expected deal could significantly reshape the competitive dynamics of the social media landscape. Data from the IndexBox platform, which reaches millions of users every day, underscores the growing economic impact of TikTok in the United States. Speculation about a sale to a high-profile entrepreneur like Elon Musk underscores the platform's global importance and ongoing geopolitical tensions affecting technology companies. Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform

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Future-proofing global operations: How to innovate security

Improve efficiency and compliance: Security innovations such as AI-driven surveillance and ergonomic tools help export and logistics companies improve operational efficiency, maintain compliance and build trust with global partners. Protect and attract the workforce: Implementing advanced safety technologies reduces injuries and fosters a positive work culture that supports a safer workplace, increases productivity, and increases employee morale and loyalty. financial and reputational benefits: Safety solutions can deliver significant economic benefits by reducing injury-related costs and reducing downtime. They also enhance the company's reputation as a responsible, reliable partner in global markets. Flexible integration: Scalable, modular security solutions enable enterprises to gradually adopt new technologies, making it easier to manage costs and adapt to specific industry needs as their business expands globally. Also read: Logistics technology trends to watch in 2025 For export-driven manufacturers and logistics providers, operational efficiency and compliance are top priorities. As safety and regulatory requirements continue to increase, many companies are adopting workplace safety innovations to protect…

Canoo Halts Operations With ‘Mandatory Unpaid Break’
Canoo halts operations due to ‘mandatory unpaid breaks’

In addition to this, another report claims that Canoo has never produced any vehicles in Oklahoma Canoo is reportedly putting employees on unpaid leave until 2025 and excluding them from the system. A former senior employee claims Canoo lied about making electric vehicles at its Oklahoma factory. The company is facing lawsuits and furloughs, making the future of the electric car brand uncertain. Kanu appeared to be traveling up the creek without a paddle. On December 18, the company sent employees home for "mandatory unpaid leave" that will last until the end of 2024. As of now, the EV startup's prospects in 2025 remain uncertain. In short, all is not looking good for the once-promising electric car maker. All of this caps off a challenging year for Canoo. In April, reports emerged that the company was spending twice as much as its full-year 2023 revenue on the CEO’s private jet. By August, the company was facing litigation over failure to…

Strike fears drive import surge at U.S. ports
Future-proofing global operations: How to innovate security

Improve efficiency and compliance: Security innovations such as AI-driven surveillance and ergonomic tools help export and logistics companies improve operational efficiency, maintain compliance and build trust with global partners. Protect and attract the workforce: Implementing advanced safety technologies reduces injuries and fosters a positive work culture that supports a safer workplace, increases productivity, and increases employee morale and loyalty. financial and reputational benefits: Safety solutions can deliver significant financial benefits by reducing injury-related costs and reducing downtime. They also enhance the company's reputation as a responsible, reliable partner in global markets. Flexible integration: Scalable, modular security solutions enable enterprises to gradually adopt new technologies, making it easier to manage costs and adapt to specific industry needs as their business expands globally. Also Read: Safety First: Best Practices for Heavy Hauling Operations For export-driven manufacturers and logistics providers, operational efficiency and compliance are top priorities. As safety and regulatory requirements continue to increase, many companies are adopting workplace safety innovations to…

Mary Gabriel joins Kubik as vice president of operations
Mary Gabriel joins Kubik as vice president of operations

Submitted by Suzy Santos, Cube Odenton, MD – Kubik is pleased to announce Mary Gabriel as our new Vice President of Business Development! With a strong background in experiential marketing, trade show exhibits and business development, Mary will bring a burst of innovation and energy to our team. Mary's journey in marketing and advertising spans more than 20 years, during which time she has held senior positions at top companies such as MC², SPOON Exhibits & Events and EEI Global, Inc. Most recently, as Account Director at MC², she achieved the impressive feat of growing $5 million in first-year sales and seamlessly transitioning clients to virtual events during the pandemic. Here’s a glimpse into Mary’s extraordinary achievements: New Business Development: Mary successfully launched the Midwest division of SPOON Exhibits & Events, pioneering offices in the Detroit metro area and establishing a strong presence in the automotive industry. Her ability to identify emerging trends, build strong client relationships and lead high-performing…

Speedy Freight strengthens U.S. operations with new Dallas office
Speedy Freight strengthens U.S. operations with new Dallas office

UK-based same-day delivery and logistics company Speedy Freight has significantly expanded its footprint in the US market with a new headquarters and 50,000 sq. ft. warehouse in Irving, Texas. This $1.5 million strategic investment places the company at the center of U.S. logistics, close to Dallas-Fort Worth Airport, a key hub for the global supply chain. The Dallas facility will serve as Speedy Freight's U.S. headquarters and training academy, offering state-of-the-art training programs certified to ISO 9001, 14001 and 27001 standards. This marks a key step in the company’s mission to become a leader in logistics brokerage and franchising, focused on delivering tailor-made, high-quality logistics solutions. Promote U.S. market expansion Speedy Freight's U.S. operations aim to capture market share in key services such as full truckload (FTL), less than truckload (LTL), haulage and expedited solutions. Leveraging proprietary in-house technology, the company is dedicated to supporting small and medium-sized businesses with efficient and customizable logistics systems. In addition to freight services,…

Storylink Creative expands operations with new warehouse
Storylink Creative expands operations with new warehouse

Author: Travis Stanton, Storylink Creative Storylink Creative is excited to announce the opening of a new warehouse facility in Plymouth, Minnesota. This strategic expansion is designed to streamline operations, improve service delivery, accommodate growth and enhance the overall customer experience at trade shows and events. The new 33,000-square-foot warehouse will serve as a second center for storage, assembly and logistics of exhibits and related materials. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology and optimized workflows, the facility will enable Storylink to improve inventory processes and respond more quickly to customer needs. "The expansion of our warehouse and distribution center in Plymouth highlights our growth and ability to execute higher levels of operational efficiency," said Candy Kirchner, president and chief operating officer. “With the addition of the new facility, we will provide an environment for exceptional modular design, experiential spaces and innovative solutions that will allow us to reach new heights.” The new facility will support the company’s growing portfolio of clients across a…

global trade logistics
Simplify financial operations for logistics companies

As logistics companies grow, so do their financial challenges. Tracking multiple accounts, processing cross-border transactions, and complying with regulations can quickly get out of hand. That’s where trust accounting software comes in—a tool designed to simplify the chaos and keep your operations running smoothly. In this article, we’ll explore how trust accounting software can revolutionize a logistics company’s financial operations. What is trust accounting? Fiduciary accounting is a financial management system designed to handle funds held on behalf of others, such as clients, stakeholders or third parties. It operates under strict rules to ensure these funds are managed transparently and ethically. Unlike standard accounting, fiduciary accounting keeps these client-specific funds separate from the company's operating finances, preventing misuse or improper allocation. For example, in a real estate company, a trust account can be used to handle deposits for real estate transactions, ensuring that the buyer's and seller's funds are protected. Likewise, law firms use trust accounts to manage client retention…

The role of artificial intelligence in streamlining operations and reducing costs
The role of artificial intelligence in streamlining operations and reducing costs

Artificial Intelligence and Traditional Automation Traditional automation involves rule-based systems for repetitive tasks without human intervention, done through tools such as scripts or data entry. While it is effective for simple tasks, it lacks adaptability and decision-making capabilities beyond set scenarios. In contrast, AI-driven automation uses artificial intelligence to learn from data over time, handling complex tasks such as pattern recognition and prediction. It can analyze large data sets, identify trends and make real-time adjustments, capabilities that traditional automation lacks. The main difference is flexibility and intelligence, as AI-driven automation can process unstructured data, evolve through machine learning, and provide insights, making it ideal for dynamic applications such as predictive maintenance and demand forecasting. Also read: The Impact of Automation and Artificial Intelligence on Supply Chain Efficiency: Changing the Logistics of the Future Integration of artificial intelligence and business systems Cross-departmental AI integration involves embedding AI tools into CRM systems to gain insights into customer behavior and into ERP systems…

GES expands its Middle East operations with new Qatar division
GES expands its Middle East operations with new Qatar division

GES has launched a new division in Qatar to expand its ability to provide customers with localized in-region support. Organizers in the region will be able to benefit from faster, higher quality and more personalized event and exhibition services, with GES offering a range of services including its event management platform Visit. GES has been operating in the Middle East for some time and has been a trusted partner to the UAE exhibition market for over 15 years. The establishment of the Qatar office is part of continued growth in the region, most recently opening an office in Saudi Arabia in 2021. "We are delighted to be bringing our expertise to Qatar at a time of significant growth for the events industry in the region. With our strong established presence in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, this new location allows us to be even more flexible in responding to the needs of our clients across the region requirements and continue…

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USMX and ILA reach labor agreement, port operations resume

The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) celebrates the signing of a new agreement between the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) and the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) that allows Eastern and Gulf Coast ports to quickly resume operations. Also read: Managing supply chains through disruption: ILA strikes on Gulf and East Coast in 2024 AAPA President and CEO Cary S. Davis emphasized the importance of collaboration between management and labor to keep the nation's supply chains functioning. While a full return to operations may take some time, Davis expressed gratitude for the successful negotiations and acknowledged the resiliency of the port system. Before the strike, AAPA sent a letter to President Biden warning of the possible economic consequences of a long-running labor dispute.

Gas glut prompts producers to change operations
Gas glut prompts producers to change operations

The Northern Hemisphere is experiencing its hottest summer on record, a time when air conditioning goes from a nice-to-have to a necessity and gas prices normally soar. Yet the abundance of natural gas around the world is prompting drillers to pump the brakes and limit supply. Also read: AI-powered surge boosts U.S. natural gas demand Much of the oversupply can be traced back to December. That winter was unusually warm, and there was a surplus of unburned natural gas. In March, the market was flooded with cheap gas, consumers were ecstatic, and producers sought a new round of production cuts. Prices rose slightly, but then plunged again as suppliers reduced output. Big producers like Coterra Energy and EQT are riding the wave. It’s a delicate supply game that, in many ways, is at the heart of market economics. Once prices fall to a level where drilling and supplying gas is no longer profitable, producers withhold supply to compete. The oil…

global trade port ningbo
Ningbo Port resumes operations after recent incident:

Container xChangeAn online container trading and leasing marketplace, To inform the global container trading and leasing community about the recent explosion aboard Yang Ming Marine's vessel YM Mobility at the Port of Ningbo, China. See also: Necessary measures to reduce the impact during Ningbo Port closure On August 9, 2024, a container carrying dangerous goods was YM Mobile The vessel berthed at Ningbo Beilun Phase III Terminal. Operational Update: As of 00:00 on August 12, 2024, Ningbo Beilun Phase III Terminal has resumed loading and unloading operations after being closed for 60 hours due to the explosion, and the terminal has begun to gradually resume normal operations. Christian Roeloffs, Co-founder and CEO, Container xChange Emphasize the urgent need to be prepared in the face of such disruptions. “For container trading companies and those engaged in container leasing, this event presents some immediate challenges that are worth considering. The disruption at Ningbo port, combined with pre-existing congestion at key Asian ports,…