James J. Murren (Jim) is Chairman and CEO of MGM Resorts International, headquartered in Paradise, Nevada.
Jim Murren attended Roger Ludlowe High School in Fairfield, CT, where he was a member of the Flying Tigers cross country team coached by J. Carter O’Dwyer. Murren received his undergraduate degree at Trinity College where he studied art history and urban planning and continued studies in Rome, Italy. He joined the Wall Street firm of Cyrus J. Lawrence as a securities analyst, and earned the Chartered Financial Analyst certification in 1991.
He was elected a member of the firm’s Board of Directors, becoming the youngest member ever of the company’s board. During his career on Wall Street he brought about a pivotal recapitalization of MGM Grand, Inc. in 1996, and served as a Managing Director and the Director of U.S. equity research for Deutsche Bank.
In 1998, he moved to the corporate sector, joining MGM as CFO and member of its Board of Directors. In 1999, he became President, and was promoted to Chief Operating Officer in 2007; he became Chairman and CEO in December 2008, his 10th year at the company. Under his tenure, the company embarked upon an extremely successful decade of growth. Murren was the architect of $15 billion of acquisitions including Primadonna Resort & Casino in 1998, Mirage Resorts in 2000, and Mandalay Resort Group in 2005 acquisitions that helped transform MGM into the world’s largest gaming company. He was repeatedly honored as the gaming and lodging industry’s top CFO by Institutional Investor magazine.
World Liberty TV’s Executive Producer went one on one with this Legendary Chairman, CEO James J. Murren. See this great interview on why MGM is a leader in the Hospitality Business.
Fanatics Fest NYC is a one-in-a-lifetime fan event that features sports legends, A-list celebrities, limited-edition merch drops, immersive brand and league activations, rare collectibles, live breaking, and more – all in the heart of New York City.
Fanatics Fest NYC offers something for every type of sports fan, from live trading card breaks and athlete meet and greets, to immersive brand activations and exclusive merchandise drops.
Dive into a world where sports, culture, and collecting come together, highlighted by our main stage programming, the Fanatics Superstore, Sports and Trading Card Memorabilia Museum, and so much more. Be On Location at Fanatics Fest NYC!
Imagine a gathering where fans come together to share their passion, meet like-minded individuals, participate in activities, and maybe even meet some celebrities or experts in their field.
Whether you’re a die-hard sports fan, a gaming aficionado, or a dedicated follower of a particular TV show or movie franchise, Fanatics Fest could be the ultimate destination to celebrate what you love.
Experience Fanatics Fest in a unique way with exclusive hospitality and unparalleled athlete interactions.
Dozens of guests were in attendance, including sports legends such as Tom Brady, Derek Jeter, LeBron James, Kevin Hart and so many more to name. Fans were able to have photo ops and autographs from their favorite athletes.
Fans were allowed to bring their own items to be signed for autograph sessions. However, items were also being available for purchase on-site at the Fanatics Superstore.
Some panels took place, NFL greats Eli and Peyton Manning alongside rising stars Caleb Williams, CJ Stroud, and Bryce Young as they break down what it takes to build Hall of Fame careers and capture Super Bowl glory.
Franchise Faces is a powerhouse panel exploring leadership, pressure, and the mindset of champions. Panelists: Peyton Manning, Eli Manning, Caleb Williams, Bryce Young, CJ Stroud, moderator was Kay Adams.
Immersive brand and league activations: the thrill of sports like never before with immersive activations and exhibits from the biggest leagues and brands.
Hit the court, step into the ring, or take the field to show off your skills with the NFL, NBA, WNBA, UFC, WWE, MLB, NHL, Premier League, F1, Netflix, FIFA Dick’s Sporting Goods, and more.
Kids Zone; Bring the whole family to Fanatics Fest NYC and dive into the action at the DICK’S Sporting Goods Kids Zone!
Packed with interactive games, exciting challenges, and hands-on activities, it’s the perfect spot for young sports fans to practice their skills. The Kids Zone is where little fans create big memories.
Merch village; Introducing Merch Village – built for the city that never sleeps. Inspired by the energy of NYC’s iconic street markets and pop-up scenes, this is where sports culture, style, and exclusivity collide. Shop collabs you can’t find anywhere else and rep your teams with the freshest official gear in the game.
Fanatics collect breaking arena: Fanatics Collect is taking the digital card-breaking experience to the next level with the debut of the first-ever Breaking Arena, live at Fanatics Fest.
This immersive, one-of-a-kind activation brings the energy and thrill of the Fanatics Live App straight to the show floor. Get in on the action with live breaking events like Pick Your Team, Fill the Seats, Instant Rips, and much more!
museum of greatness, presented by sports illustrated: Get ready to witness over $200 million worth of the rarest and most legendary trading cards and memorabilia ever assembled — from the likes of Brady, Ohtani, Jordan, Kobe, LeBron, Messi, Ruth, Mantle, and more.
Many of these pieces have never been seen by the public — some pulled straight from players’ personal collections and over 30 world-class collectors, in collaboration with Fanatics Collectibles and Fanatics Authentic.
Topps trade night: Topps Trade Night kicks off at Fanatics Fest NYC on Saturday, June 21 from 6-9 PM at the River Pavilion inside the Javits Center. Enjoy athlete appearances, giveaways, free food, and card trading—plus a special appearance by Jayden Daniels. All attendees must be inside the Javits Center by 7:00 PM.
I Must say Mr. Michael Rubin, founder of Fan fest, is a genius alongside his team putting a mega event of this kind, I personally have attended many events in many years, I have never seen anything like this in my years, Fan Fest has a little for everyone in attendance, I met people from Europe who bought their whole family to be part of this experience, they went on to say we look coming back next year.
This will be our vacation. I want to thank Mr Ron Berkowitz , Publicist for the event, for giving us an opportunity to cover this event.
See more about Fanatics Fest NYC at Javits Center -2025, in our World Liberty TV, Channels and blogs by clicking here.
Questex’s International Beauty Show (IBS New York) and the International Esthetics, Cosmetics, and Spa Conference (IECSC New York) returned to the Javits Convention Center March 23-25, 2025, debuting an unprecedented lineup of new exhibitors, immersive experiences and exclusive professionals-only pricing on must-have beauty and spa products and services.
“We are excited to showcase over 430 trailblazing brands with a record-breaking 166 new exhibitors,” said Elizabeth Fantetti Trevorrow, Event & Partnership Director, Questex’s Wellness Group. “The co-located shows offer unique opportunities for innovative brands to promote and launch new products and services to tens of thousands of hair stylists, colorists, barbers, nail technicians, makeup artists, lash specialists, estheticians, spa and salon owners & managers, and wellness professionals.”
Featured Brands: IBS New York 2025 exhibit floor will feature hundreds of high-profile brands, including: L3vel3 (New!), Salonory (New!), CHI by Farouk, DNA Hairtools and Extensions, HALOCOUTURE Extensions, Hairtalk Extensions, Lashbox LA, Parlux, Pibbs Industries, Pureo Natural Products, Turbo Power and many more!
IECSC New York 2025 exhibiting brands include: COSGRAM USA (New!), SmrtSkn (New!), Christine Valmy, Procell Therapies, Circadia, Dermalogica, Celluma, Esse, DMK, FaceReality, Healthyline, HydraFacial, Perfect Corp, Eminence Organic Skin Care, FarmhouseFresh, Geneo, MerryLaz, Silhouet-Tone USA and more!
New Can’t Miss Experiences at the 2025 New York Shows. The Glam & Go Showcase Stage Beauty’s biggest names will take the spotlight as they demonstrate their latest innovations and the hottest trends on The Glam & Go Showcase Stage.
Live Fashion Hair Demonstrations: Led by industry legend, Byrd Mena, Live Fashion Hair will be at IBS NY for the first time ever and will showcase jaw-dropping education by elite, international artists and influencers.
The Business District: The Business District is a new prime show floor destination for salon and spa professionals seeking solutions to enhance their business operations.
The Fades & Blades Barber Battle: powered by L3vel3 and sponsored by Rolda, Cocco and Andis, will be held on Sunday, March 23rd and will pit twenty-four barbers in a friendly competition The Show also offers hours of tailored content exclusively for the barber community
Powerhouse Pavilion: Completely redesigned for 2025 as a dynamic classroom featuring panel discussions led by industry educator, barber and activist Rodrick Samuels.
Say Yes to You Lounge: Step into our instagrammable inspiration zone, customize your badge with fun flair ribbons, and refresh your professional image with a free headshot session.
We had the pleasure of meeting a good few vendors at IBS NY and IECSC NY we like to share their product information below.
IBS NY + IECSC NY Press Room: which was sponsored in 2025 by Farouk Systems Inc., the visionary behind the iconic CHI® and BioSilk® haircare brands. CHI®, a global leader in haircare and styling tools, will unveil the latest expansion of the brand’s award-winning LAVA hair tool line and much more!
About IBS New York: Produced by Questex and presented by American Salon, IBS New York is the longest running professional beauty event in the country. IBS New York is for professionals only and reaches a wide cross‐section of participants including salon owners and managers, hair stylists, hair colorists, makeup artists, nail technicians, beauty and hair product manufacturers and distributors. Connecting serious beauty professionals with the best in the industry, the show brings hundreds of top beauty brands together under one roof for free educational classes by industry legends, workshops, and exclusive show-floor discounts.
About IECSC: Produced by Questex, the International Esthetics, Cosmetics and Spa Conferences (IECSC) are for professionals only and reach a wide cross‐section of participants from spa and wellness product manufacturers and distributors to spa owners, directors and managers, estheticians, massage therapists, cosmetologists, medical estheticians, and dermatologists. With dynamic trade show floors, in-depth conference programs, and presented by American Spa, the IECSC events provide the perfect meeting ground for the world’s most elite and qualified spa professionals looking to meet the top skin, cosmetic and wellness companies.
About QUESTEX: Questex helps people live better and longer. Questex brings people together in the markets that help people live better: hospitality and wellness; the industries that help people live longer: life science and healthcare; and the technologies that enable and fuel these new experiences. We live in the experience economy – connecting our ecosystem through live events, surrounded by data insights and digital communities. We deliver experience and real results.
It was very well attended event, companies in attendance from all over the World, showcasing and debuting their new Products at IBS NY + IECSC NY shows, see more Vendor interviews in our World Liberty TV, Wellness, Beauty and Health Channels by Clicking here.
MSC Meraviglia, the first ground-breaking mega-ship ship in the Meraviglia Generation to be introduced into the MSC Cruises fleet, has been designed to meet every need of today’s cruise guest – with cutting edge technology, flexible dining options, exclusive, world-class entertainment, facilities for families and children of all ages, luxurious pampering and wellness and comfortable accommodations. MSC Meraviglia is truly a next-generation cruise ship that has never been seen before.
At 1,034 ft. long and 214 ft. tall, with an impressive 19 decks and capacity of 5,700 guests (4,488 at double occupancy), MSC Meraviglia is not only poised to become one of the biggest cruise ships at sea, but also one of the hottest holiday destinations, packed with innovative features to provide an unforgettable experience.
Galleria Meraviglia: This 315-foot central promenade is filled with boutiques, restaurants and tranquil spots for shopping, eating and relaxing… as well as socializing with friends and family. And in the evening, it comes alive with music, parties and entertainment.
Horizon pool: The Horizon pool offers superb sea views and more open-air deck space for sun worshipers during the daylight hours.
At night, the area will be transformed into a stunning outdoor spot for dancing and all kinds of entertainment under the stars.
The Broadway Theatre: Every cruise offers at least 6 different shows – even on a 7-night cruise – featuring innovative world-class and standing ovation entertainment.
Carousel Productions at Sea: Enjoy an all-new entertainment concept blending breathtaking acrobatics, dance and live music to create exclusive original productions specially designed for MSC Meraviglia Class ships.
It offers avant-garde artistic and immersive performances combined with the innovative technology in a surprising mix of new expressions and experimentation that will make you feel part of the show.
On board MSC Meraviglia, you’ll have the unique opportunity to admire two spectacular productions: ROCK CIRCUS, featuring acrobats, musicians and the greatest rock hits, and HOUSE OF HOUDINI, a celebration of some of the most wondrous illusions of Harry Houdini.
The shows take place twice a night, six nights a week, only at the Carousel Lounge, a glamorous, modern, technology-packed venue.
Taste our Signature Cocktail while you enjoy a pre-show followed by this unique entertainment experience.
MSC Aurea Spa: The MSC Aurea Spa is a luxurious Balinese spa offering signature relaxation treatments to revitalize body and soul.
Complete with a thermal area, beauty salon and nail boutique, the MSC Aurea Spa will leave you feeling pampered from head to toe.
MSC Gym by Technogym: Equipped with state-of-the-art Technogym cardio and strength-training equipment, the panoramic gym on board MSC Meraviglia gym offers a wide range of innovative fitness courses and training programs designed to suit guests of all ages and abilities.
MSC Yacht Club: Discover a place where you can savor exclusivity and privacy in a world of choice. Indulge in the luxury of a private club, while enjoying access to the myriad recreation and entertainment possibilities that the rest of the ship affords.
STATEROOMS & SUITES: MSC Meraviglia has a variety of elegant staterooms including family options, luxurious duplex suites, balcony staterooms and ocean view staterooms.
Entertainment: Enjoy exclusive shows performed in innovative venues like the Carousel Lounge and the multi-purpose karaoke bar, comedy club, TV studio and bar.
Younger guests will love our amusement park and sports center. The whole family can have hours of fun in one of the most exciting water parks at sea.
RESTAURANTS & BUFFET:MSC Meraviglia’s main restaurants serve freshly prepared Mediterranean and international cuisine, while the ship’s specialty restaurants serve up Italian delicacies, succulent steaks, superb sushi and more.
BARS & LOUNGES: There’s a wide range of glamorous bars and lounges onboard, offering refreshment and relaxation in the ideal atmosphere for every moment.
So whether you’re looking for champagne, classic cocktails or freshly prepared patisserie, you won’t have far to go.
Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve: is MSC Cruises’ new private island located in The Bahamas that features uninterrupted sweeping views of crystal blue waters and over two miles of pristine beachfront spread across eight world class beaches allowing guests to guests to connect with the natural environment and its beauty, feel the warmth, fun, and hospitality of the Bahamian spirit and immerse themselves in an ecologically-intelligent atmosphere.
Ocean Cay is founded on a deep commitment to ecological principles that shape everything from how the venues are built and how the island is run, to the kinds of activities featured on the island.
Formerly a sand extraction site, MSC Cruises has made significant efforts to clear the island and the surrounding ocean bed from all discarded debris – while removing a total of 7,500 tons of scrap metal – and relocating coral with the longer-term vision of encouraging coral to grow and repopulate.
These efforts will give guests the opportunity to learn about the protection of the oceans and the importance of preserving coral reefs through dedicated edutainment programs.
It was truly a great experience for 7 days, it was our first cruise ever, and I am glad we had the honor of cruising on MSC Meraviglia, so much to do and see while you are on the cruise.
We went to all the shows at The Broadway Theatre, with seeing all six shows, which included 2 magic shows, Broadway show, disco show and much more.
The Food was excellent, foods from all over the world were served on different days, so you are not eating the same food each day, included, Italian, Indian, Chinese, Spanish, Caribbean and many more countries. Food is Kosher and Halal. Breakfast was great you can sit in a restaurant and enjoy waiter service at no cost or you can go to the breakfast at the buffet and enjoy varieties of breakfast.
Dinner in the night again you can sign up for one of the restaurants, where you get table service by waiters who work in the restaurant from all over the world. We had great waiters taking care of us, and asking us over and over again if we need anything else, they did this on all seven days as we ate in the same restaurant, food is served very fast, from appetizers, to entrée and desserts. Food was fresh daily and you can eat buffet up to 1am in the morning. You can leave a tip if you like which I think is necessary, but not mandatory.
We enjoyed attending shows at 6 days while we were on the cruise, The Broadway Theatre, which holds close to 1000 Thousand people and was packed each night, the shows are unusually forty-five minutes each. You can take a drink in the theatre as you watch the show.
There was a 2 Broadway shows, a live entertainment by a Canadian singer titled from the stage to screen. Then there were two magic shows, card tricks, mentalist and an illusionist.
The entertainers and singers perform in 4 of the six shows, and also the lady dancers were also host’s helping out with Magicians shows.
I would have liked to see a different cast every night not the same group over and over again. With that said, the entertainment was average in my opinion.
There were many outdoor pools, Jacuzzi’s which you can swim or relax throughout the day. There was no line or waiting period you were able to find something immediately or just jump in with a stranger which did not mind.
There were many activities for Baby’s Kids and young adults, gaming rooms, Computer rooms, daycare centers, while the parents are enjoying a night out, there is all kinds of activities for kids while they are being cared by one of the staff members.
The was dancing every night starting at 10-45 pm till 2am in the morning, at the promenade, with a live DJ and live entertainment bands, music from all over the world. I enjoyed Bollywood dancing and Bob Marley Tribute. There is local bars and waitress’s coming around serving cocktails, soft drinks, Ice cream and chocolate stores are close by if you want to take a break from dancing and indulge in a dessert you like.
We had a pleasure of speaking to master Chocolatier Albert Fabian Sim, who works for jean philippe, world renowned Chocolatier, you would be able to see exclusive interview with him in our Video below.
We stopped by Nassau capital of Bahamas, visited the Atlantis Resort, Cabbage beach and different locations throughout Nassau. We were not able to do too much because of the weather.
We were not able to go to Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, because of a storm and was instead diverted to Miami in Florida, I was really interested in visiting. But we had to be safe, maybe will get another opportunity next time.
One an average I would recommend this cruise, for couples or a family as there is so many things to do, eat and enjoy.
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