Nov 11, 2013
"Zombie Apocalypse" and "Jesus is Lord" custom vehicles next to each other. That pretty much captures the spirit of the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show that took over the Las Vegas Convention Center Nov. 5-8.   From a 2,000-horsepower '68 Charger to a SpongeBob Square Pants Highlander, with a whole aquarium in the back, the most outrageous rides challenged the limits of imagination and drove the business of customization at what looked like a swirling mass of people, cars and parts. The anchor of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week,… more
Oct 21, 2013
Self-installing car seats and organic bedding wasn’t just baby talk at ABC Kids Expo, the largest maternity and juvenile products trade show that took place Oct. 15-18 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. With 1 million square feet, 14,000 attendees and 1,100 exhibitors, this has been the second best year for the show. Many of its areas are growing, but with economy just barely coming back and Internet commerce rapidly gaining speed, the model for success is changing. “Majority of our attendees used to mom-and-pop stores,” said Larry Schur, ABC Kids Expo president.… more
Oct 17, 2013
The third edition of IMEX America, a trade show and conference for incentive travel, meetings and events, brought a taste of global destinations Oct. 15-17 to the Sands Expo & Convention Center in Las Vegas. Modeled after IMEX Frankfurt, IMEX America brought about 2,700 mostly U.S.-based hosted buyers (up from 2,400 last year) and 1,700 attendees, who got a chance to connect with about 2,700 exhibitors representing 200 countries. The size of the showfloor was up 17 percent at 140,000 square feet. “This has clearly been another year of significant growth,” said Ray Bloom,… more
Sep 23, 2013
It’s not all about tight Lycra shorts at Interbike, the largest cycling trade show and outdoor demo event in North America that took place Sept. 18-20 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. After a record warm spring in 2012 and consequent high sales, the numbers have been flat for many cycling retailers during the past several months. But a few obstacles on the course didn’t scare this hardy crowd, and the 2013 show, owned by Emerald Expositions, was on par with last year, with about 850 exhibitors, 25,000 attendees and 320,000 square feet of space. A move to the… more
Sep 06, 2013
With SURFACES and StonExpo/Marmomacc America already key components of Hanley Wood Exhibitions’ portfolio, the company has decided to add TileExpo onto The International Surface Event to cover even more product sectors. In addition, the company will launch The International Surface Event East Oct. 19-22 at the Miami Beach Convention Center. “We are thrilled to launch these two events. TileExpo will be the perfect complement to SURFACES and StonExpo/Marmomacc Americas,” said Dana Teague, vice president of Hanley Wood Exhibitions. She added, “Launching The… more
Aug 28, 2013
Working around trade shows and events, the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority (LVCVA) has completed a $20 million renovation of the Las Vegas Convention Center. The 54-year-old facility now sports a few façade, better parking, updated interior and an improved experience for attendees and exhibitors. "The Las Vegas Convention Center is home to many of the top trade shows in the country," said Terry Jicinsky, senior vice president of operations for the LVCVA. "It is important to keep the facility fresh and offer its more than a million yearly guests the… more
Jul 28, 2013
Viad, the parent company of Global Experience Specialists (GES), saw a Q2 uptick in net income this year to $6.3 million, compared with $6.1 million in the same period last year, as well as an increase in revenue to $249.3 million, compared with $246.5 million during the same period in 2012.                                                  “Our… more
Jul 07, 2013
The National Shooting Sports Foundation has chosen show management company ConvExx to oversee the SHOT (Shooting, Hunting & Outdoor Trade) Show, which previously was managed by Reed Exhibitions. Las Vegas-based ConvExx also manages one of the largest shows in the U.S., the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show, ranked in the top 10 on the 2012 TSNN Top 250 Trade Show list. "We're excited to have ConvExx on board as our new management partner," said Chris Dolnack, NSSF senior vice president and chief marketing officer. He added, "ConvExx offers a unique… more
Jun 30, 2013
The SEMA Show, produced by the Specialty Equipment Market Association, has expanded rapidly into international markets, with more than 15,000 overseas buyers expected at the Nov. 5-8 show at the Las Vegas Convention Center. “As global demand for the industry’s products soars, there is huge opportunity for our members,” said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of events and communications. He added, “We have a comprehensive international relations program to help U.S. manufacturers connect with buyers in the most relevant markets.” The SEMA Show offers… more
Jun 16, 2013
With International Pow Wow breaking records in Las Vegas recently, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) and U.S. Travel Association announced the event will head back to the city in 2020. "We plan on breaking more IPW records in 2020 by bringing even more international delegates and media to Las Vegas than ever before," said Clark County Commissioner Tom Collins, chairman of the LVCVA Board of Directors. He added, "As the Entertainment Capital of the World, the energy and excitement that can only be found in Las Vegas is a huge draw for the delegates of IPW… more
Partner Voices
One of the most iconic names on the Las Vegas Strip just got an upgrade. Mandalay Bay has everything that your business needs from a refreshed convention space designed to inspire productivity and creativity, to an impressive selection of world-class restaurants and amenities. If you're looking for a venue that's both inviting and innovative, you have to be here. New Wave Experiences Mandalay Bay continues to invest in a new wave of enhancements both in the convention space and within the resort as a whole. New restaurant openings including Orla by Michael Mina, drawing inspiration from the award-winning chef’s childhood in Egypt and with flavors and décor inspired by the spices found in markets common to coastal Mediterranean towns, as well as Caramá by Wolfgang Puck, bringing the essence of Italy and spirit of Wolfgang into one concept, are recent additions. The Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas also experienced a recent remodel of all 424 rooms. Swingers, a high-end, adults-only golf and entertainment concept will debut in Fall 2024. Enhanced Technology Creating a truly effective conference venue requires careful thought into what a business needs: the right technology, capacity, and inspiration to bring ideas to the next level. As part of the resort’s refresh, Mandalay Bay implemented state-of-the-art technology upgrades, installing cutting-edge Cat6A Ethernet cabling throughout the convention center. This advancement doubles the frequency of data transmission, enabling lightning-fast speeds up to 9400% faster. The convention center now boasts 11 dynamic digital walls, spanning up to 24' x 13', strategically positioned for brand placements, sponsorships and targeted event messaging. Additionally, attendees can benefit from 20 double-sided 55" mobile flexible display units, facilitating effortless navigation to meeting rooms and events. RFID locks were installed on all meeting room doors, and over 200 motion detection cameras have been placed throughout the space. Refreshing New Design & Fine Art The newly remodeled convention space provides a bright and vibrant atmosphere that complements Mandalay Bay's tropical-inspired brand. Featuring white-washed walls and ceilings adorned with bold floral patterns in cerulean and coral tones, the space is complemented by warm walnut accent walls. In addition to the redesign of all pre-function spaces, meeting rooms and ballrooms, Mandalay Bay's 1 million square feet of exhibit space has undergone a rejuvenation, including new paint, covered pillars and relocated strobe lights. Sustainable Spectacles Mandalay Bay is committed to Focused on What Matters and creating more responsible meetings. Refillable water stations all available around the resort, cutting unnecessary plastic usage from single-use bottles. The Mandalay Bay campus’ recent upgrades represent a bold step forward in redefining the Las Vegas experience. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and unparalleled service, Mandalay Bay sets a new standard for excellence in business hospitality. Whether you're seeking cutting-edge conference facilities, world-class dining options, or simply a luxurious retreat, an unparalleled meeting experience awaits.