Ray Bloom, chairman, and Carina Bauer, CEO, of IMEX Group, are joined by the rest of the world in being “shocked and saddened at the events that have taken place in Las Vegas over the past 24 hours” when a lone gunman shot more than 500 people at the Harvest 91 festival from his room on the 32nd floor of Mandalay Bay, killing more than 50 concertgoers.
However, they can confirm that IMEX America will be going ahead at the Sands Expo next week from Oct. 10–12 with Smart Monday on Oct. 9.
“Both IMEX America and the Sands have very strong security in place, with both visible and plainclothes security teams in the venue and at the tradeshow,” says Bloom. “Over the coming days we will be working closely with the Sands, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority and the Las Vegas authorities to assess any additional security measures that are needed at this time. We will take their full advice in ensuring the best possible security and safety of our guests. We will send you further information as it becomes available.”
“In the meantime,” Bloom adds, “if you have any questions at all please don’t hesitate to contact us and we are very much looking forward to welcoming the industry to IMEX America next week.”
Consumer Technology Association Issues a Statement on the Las Vegas Shooting
“We are all shocked and saddened by the tragic shooting last night in Las Vegas,” said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, Consumer Technology Association. “As host to CES, the city is like a second home to the entire CES family. We, like so many across the nation, are waiting to hear that our family and friends are safe. Our hearts and prayers are with the entire Las Vegas community.”
EDPA Las Vegas Encourages Membership to Donate Blood Today in Lieu of Annual Tim Provo Memorial Blood Drive
“Just over 12 hours ago our community was rocked with tragedy,” said EDPA board member Rebecca Thompson. “And in lieu of donating blood at our annual Tim Provo Memorial Blood Drive our Las Vegas chapter would like to ask you to donate your life-giving blood today. The injured are in need of this resource. Whether locally in Las Vegas or around the country, if you can, please donate.”
Thompson continues: “To the loved ones of those we lost last night in this senseless act, know that we are holding you in our prayers. To the injured and their families and friends, we are praying for you to come through this. We are still receiving word of industry friends and colleagues that were either at the event and/or had friends and family at the event. Sam Arjune from Exhibit City News was injured and we are hearing reports of two others that were there and possibly injured. If you have any information, please consider sharing on our EDPA Las Vegas Chapter Facebook page.”
The addresses where United Blood Services is accepting donations today and the remainder of this week: 6930 W. Charleston Blvd, Las Vegas, and 601 Whitney Ranch Dr., Henderson.
The Convention Services Association Also Issues a Statement on the Las Vegas Shooting
“Our city is heartbroken by the tragic massacre that took place in Las Vegas Sunday night,” writes Michelle Parsons. “The Convention Services Association, on behalf of the our membership community and the hundreds of thousands of employers and employees, sends our hearts and prayers to the victims and their families, who are our fellow residents as well as visitors to our city. We appreciate the bravery and quick action by the many first responders and law enforcement agents, as well as the many employees, businesses and fellow Las Vegans who immediately stepped up to aid those in need. They are heroes and we are proud of them. There are so many stories of all the local “angels” who have opened there hearts, homes and personal services. We salute you all and thank you from all of us.”
“We’ve been there for you during the good times. Thank you for being there for us now. #VegasStrong”
The iconic marquees of the Las Vegas Strip and resort community will display a message of strength and gratitude Oct. 3, 6:30 p.m.-7:30 a.m. on Oct. 4. The Las Vegas marquees will read: “We’ve been there for you during the good times. Thank you for being there for us now. #VegasStrong”
Following this week’s tragic events, Rossi Ralenkotter, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority president and CEO, shared this powerful message: “The thoughts and prayers of all of Las Vegas go out to the victims and their families. This was a horrific, yet isolated, incident. At this time, it is important to allow the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police to conclude their investigation into the incident and to attend to the needs of the victims and their families. Las Vegas is a strong community that will work through this tragic incident. We are grateful beyond words to our incomparable law enforcement, first responders and everyone who continues to help victims and their families.”
For more info on how to help, visit: visitlasvegas.com/how-to-help/
