Nov 29, 2012
Based in the U.K., with shows around the world, dmg :: events has decided to expand its footprint with a new division in the United States, naming industry veteran Michael Green president to run it. The new division will be a part of dmg :: events’ existing sector and geography groups of Energy, Digital Marketing and the Middle East. The group, called dmg :: events USA, will be headquartered in Dallas and will be responsible for dmg :: events’ U.S.-based Digital Marketing businesses – ad:tech, iMedia Summits, iMedia Connection, Digital Collective and CMO Collective (23… more
Nov 14, 2012
Peter W. Nathan, president of PWN Exhibicon International, one of the most well-known and storied icons in the trade show industry, has announced he will retire after 58 years of service. “It’s time … I’ve been in this industry 58 years,” Nathan said. “Not that I’m going to fade away. There are a number of volunteer opportunities I want to work with.” Nathan, who is turning 80, started in the industry when he was a 22-year-old and worked with Saul Poliak of Clapp & Poliak. “I had a fabulous mentor,” Nathan said. “His… more
Oct 30, 2012
Companies related to the trade show industry have been busy as of late with a spate of new hire announcements and promotions, signaling optimism about the future. Choose Chicago, the city’s CVB, named D. Bradley Kent senior vice president of sales and services. Kent most recently served as the vice president of industry relations for Freeman and he will join Choose Chicago Dec. 3. "Brad is an influential leader with tremendous respect throughout the industry,” said Don Welsh, Choose Chicago’s president and CEO.  He added, “Choose Chicago has an aggressive… more
Sep 26, 2012
Two well-known industry veterans have been named to new posts recently, with Reed Travel Exhibitions bringing on Michael Lyons as the new exhibition director for AIBTM, the Americas Meetings & Events Exhibition, and Michael Krouse was tapped as the president and CEO of the Ontario (Calif.) Convention & Visitors Bureau. Lyons is a 30-year member of the meetings and events community and will lead AIBTM's efforts to enhance its position as the premier global exhibition for the U.S. meetings, events, incentive and business travel industry, according to Reed officials. "We are… more
Sep 05, 2012
Overall unemployment in the United States still might be down, but hiring in the trade show industry has continued to pick up speed though the summer and into the fall. L.A. Mart proudly recently brought back Frank Joens as senior vice president and general manager of the venue in Los Angeles. Joens returns to the L.A. Mart after a brief break in his decade-long tenure of service with the building. He began his career at the L.A. Mart in 2001 as director of marketing and then two years later was promoted to director of leasing, where he helped his team achieve a more than 90 percent… more
Jul 30, 2012
Summer might be a slow time for actual trade shows being held, but it’s been a busy time for new hires, signaling a boost in business. The Georgia World Congress Center recently announced the selection of Mark Adams as director of sales for the 3.9 million square foot facility. "We are all looking forward to the addition of Mark Adams to our GWCC team,” said Mark Zimmerman, general manager of the convention center. He added, “I am confident that with his experience he will make an immediate impact on our sales program.” Adams joins the GWCC after working as… more
Jul 08, 2012
Trade show veteran Kevin O’Keefe has taken a new post at GLM as senior vice president, leaving his position at UBM Canon Communications at which he oversaw several 2011 TSNN Top 250 shows, such as Medical Design & Manufacturing West, East and Midwest, as well as other shows in the UBM Canon portfolio. O’Keefe has worked in the trade show industry for 20 years and will assume many of the duties of GLM’s departing Senior Vice President Phil Robinson, who has decided to leave the company as of Aug. 1 after 22 years, but will remain as an advisor through year-end, according… more
Jun 20, 2012
The Face2Face Series is sponsored by MarketArt. Talk to most trade show managers and executives and you might notice a common theme: they seem to have no idea what they’d be doing if they weren’t working in the trade show industry. The same rings true for 23-year industry veteran Alan Sims, who like many trade show lifers, began working in and around events right out of school, realized it was a good fit and never looked back. “Relationships are important to me and face-to-face interaction is important, so (the industry) suits my skill set well,” Sims said. He… more
Apr 16, 2012
The Face2Face Series is sponsored by MarketArt. While some people might anticipate big challenges with a sense of trepidation, David Audrain thinks they’re what keep life interesting. But then, this 19-year trade show veteran, who recently became president and CEO of Clarion Events North America, has never been one to shy away from daunting propositions. Like the time he had to learn everything he needed to know about being a show manager – in nine weeks. “When I moved to the U.S., I ended up working for the Texas Restaurant Association, managing part of their membership… more
Mar 12, 2012
For nearly 20 years, Dorothy Belshaw has worked for George Little Management, most recently as vice president and show director of the New York International Gift Fair, but now she’s taken a new position as president of the International Market Centers’ Gift Division. "I am very pleased to have a true industry leader and professional join our executive team. Dorothy brings the leadership and experience to accelerate the growth of our Gift+Home show in Las Vegas,” said Robert Maricich, CEO of International Market Centers. He added, “As a recognized and proven… 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.