News

Feb 13, 2023
The Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) in Orlando, Fla., recently kicked off 2023 with two simultaneous, industry-leading trade shows held Jan. 4-6 that boasted sizable upticks in attendance and strong buying activity. ASI Show Orlando  As the first promotional products industry show of the year, ASI Show Orlando attracted 4,500 supplier and distributor professionals to a lively show floor packed with more than 700 booths showcasing the leading in-stock products of 2023. Of the nearly 400 exhibiting companies, 65 were new to Orlando this year.  The show also attracted 351 woman-owned… more
Feb 10, 2023
Emerald, in collaboration with Abasto Media, is spicing up its portfolio with the recent acquisition of Cocina Sabrosa Food & Beverage Trade Expo, the only B2B event in the U.S. solely dedicated to the Latin food and beverage sector. Formerly a regional event in Southern California, Cocina Sabrosa will be enhanced and expanded to create the first U.S.-based, national Latin food and beverage industry event serving restaurateurs, grocers, suppliers and entrepreneurs within the growing business segment.  “It’s an honor and privilege to work alongside Abasto to launch this premiere nationwide… more
Feb 10, 2023
Temporary exhibitor growth of 15% and strong order writing characterized International Market Center’s (IMC) Atlanta Apparel February 2023, as buyers were out in full force to source fashion for the upcoming seasons and take advantage of educational and networking opportunities.    “Atlanta Apparel buyers and brands brought the energy to educational and networking events, temporary exhibits and permanent showrooms this February,” said Caron Stover, International Market Center’s (IMC) senior vice president, apparel. “Throughout this market, including the successful extra day of temporary… more
Feb 09, 2023
The new year is bringing plenty of fresh technology solutions to help event professionals, exhibitors, sponsors and destinations stay on top of the ever-changing events landscape, as well as industry recognitions. Read on for some of the latest event tech developments. International Market Centers International Market Centers (IMC) launched a new feature to its RepZio sales app that incorporates market badge scanning, creating a direct connection between market activity and RepZio customer data. The new exhibitor-friendly feature debuted at IMC’s Winter 2023 Las Vegas Market, held Jan. 29-… more
Feb 07, 2023
As the trade show industry gears up for a busy 2023, event-related companies throughout the U.S. and across the pond are moving forward with strategic acquisitions and partnerships designed to empower and prepare them for a year of robust growth. Take a look!  Skyline Exhibits Eagan, Minn.-based trade show exhibit company Skyline Exhibits kicked off the new year on a strong growth trajectory by acquiring two of its authorized dealer offices—one in New York and one in California—as part of a strategic effort to provide a seamless client experience and additional expert resources. Serving… more
Feb 06, 2023
The global retail industry is about to get a new conference and exhibition to meet the needs of a rapidly growing marketplace. Beginning in 2024, Retail’s Big Show will expand to the Asia Pacific region with the inaugural NRF 2024: Retail’s Big Show Asia Pacific, set for June 11-13, 2024, at the Marina Bay Sands Convention Centre in Singapore. The new event will launch six months after NRF 2024: Retail’s Big Show, scheduled for Jan. 14-16 at Javits Center in New York City.  Aiming to integrate regional leaders across the retail industry to collaborate at a Pan Asia Pacific level, the new… more
Feb 03, 2023
Ungerboeck, a global leader in venue and event management software, has become Momentus Technologies, a new identity designed to unify the company’s vertical-specific software under one brand to deliver end-to-end solutions for the changing needs of the industry. “As people return to in-person events, creating positive, impactful experiences both physically and virtually has taken on greater importance,” said Alex Alexandrov, CEO of Momentus. “This new identity is rooted in the company’s heritage, technology and people—three key drivers that have made the company and its solutions what they… more
Feb 02, 2023
UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, released the 30th edition of its Global Exhibition Barometer research, which points to a positive outlook for 2023 and beyond following the quickening pace of the industry’s recovery in 2022. With results indicating a full recovery expected in 2023 in most markets, with the exception of a few locations such as China, and revenues predicted to reach more than 90% of 2019 levels on average, the time has come to concentrate on thriving in a post-pandemic world while addresses the challenges that lie ahead, according to Kai Hattendorf,… more
Feb 01, 2023
Peter Nathan, founder of the Society of Independent Show Organizers (SISO) and international trade show trailblazer, passed away on Jan. 28 at 89. He spent nearly 60 years working in the exhibitions, conferences and events industry and left an indelible mark in the lives of event professionals and the industry at large along the way.   After graduating from University of Connecticut, Nathan served in the U.S. Marine Corps, attaining the rank of captain. After leaving the military, he joined Clapp & Poliak and is credited for organizing the first U.S. events in the former Soviet Union and… more
Feb 01, 2023
What is the average cost of trade show labor in Las Vegas? What is the average cost of electrical labor in Orlando? What is the average cost for materials handling in New York? How do these averages by city compare to the national average?  The 2022 Material Handling & Labor Rate Survey — a new report by The Exhibitor Advocate, a non-profit organization dedicated to amplifying the voice of exhibitors — provides some benchmarks to review high-level exhibitor costs in 16 U.S. cities, from Las Vegas and Orlando to Chicago and Atlanta.   “We believe this data is a valuable and important… 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.