Association Show News

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Jan 22, 2019
Trade wars and a turbulent global economic outlook. Global opportunities, changing business models and disruption. The need for show organizers to remain flexible as well as pragmatic in running and planning their businesses going forward. These are just some of the pressing industry issues that will be addressed at the 2019 UFI European Conference, set for May 15-17 at the Vox Conference Centre in Birmingham, U.K.  Produced by UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, the annual event for exhibition professionals will focus on what organizers in Europe and beyond will be… more
Jan 17, 2019
The 53rd annual CES took place Jan. 8-11, attracting around 180,000 attendees and 4,500 exhibiting companies from more than 155 countries. Occupying 2.9 million net square feet of expo space at the Las Vegas Convention Center, this was the technology show’s largest-ever showfloor. Due to space constraints, the show’s attendance likely won’t grow much more. The goal is to keep attendance capped at around 180,000, says Sarah Brown, senior manager of event communications with Consumer Technology Association, which produces CES. Last year’s show saw 182,198 domestic and international attendees;… more
Jan 15, 2019
Pittsburgh put on one heck of a show for several thousand industry leaders last week at PCMA’s Convening Leaders annual conference, held Jan. 6-9 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. The theme hit hard on innovation in an ever-changing industry. “We built this conference around the theme 'Disrupt + Deliver' because that’s what the industry needs and wants,’’ explained PCMA President and CEO Sherrif Karamat. “We leave here with a greater commitment and better understanding of how business events can and must drive economic and social progress.’’ A roster of standout speakers included… more
Jan 09, 2019
As part of its new vision that business events can be the drivers of social positive change, PCMA has committed to combat child exploitation by signing The Code of Conduct for the Protection of Children from Sexual Exploitation in Travel and Tourism.  In partnership with ECPAT-USA, the leading U.S. policy organization that works to end the commercial, sexual exploitation of children around the world, The Code is the only voluntary set of business principles that companies and organizations in the travel, business travel and tourism industries can implement to prevent and eradicate human… more
Jan 08, 2019
The annual trade show for independent grocers, the NGA Show, has announced plans to feature seven specialty pavilions with exhibits specifically focused on meat, produce, specialty foods, coffee, technology, seasonal merchandise and Latino cuisine.  To be held Feb. 24-27 at the San Diego Convention Center, the new pavilions are designed to provide attendees with greater opportunities to make connections with specialty exhibitors as well as learn about the latest developments in the grocery industry, according to show officials.  “We thank our returning partners, the North American Meat… more
Jan 03, 2019
Across the world, trade show visitors are reporting overall satisfaction with the shows they attend but at the same time, 22-27 percent of show visitors from mature markets believe that shows are “getting worse.” Meanwhile, younger C-suite show participants are asking for trade shows that are more entertaining while still helping them meet their business needs. These are some of the core findings of the recently released 2018/19 Global Visitor Insights Study, which was jointly conducted by UFI – the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry and London-based event research specialists,… more
Dec 30, 2018
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events’ Expo! Expo! Annual Meeting & Exhibition attracted more than 2,300 attendees representing 26 countries (pending verified audit) to the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.   “I cannot think of a better way to celebrate IAEE’s 90th anniversary than with the Expo! Expo! we had last week,” said IAEE President and CEO David DuBois, CMP, CAE, FASAE, CTA.  He added, “The diversity in learning experiences offered, combined with one of our largest trade show floors ever and outstanding networking events in wonderful locations,… more
Dec 30, 2018
How can healthcare convention marketers leverage the power of digital persuasion to ignite social influence and maintain a competitive edge? To help answer this question, HCEA has unveiled that the award-winning author Erin Gargan King will kick-off HCEAInnovate 2019, on tap Feb. 24 at the Mandalay Bay Casino in Las Vegas. “Online media continue to dominate communication across industries – and especially the dynamic healthcare sector,” said Anne Trompeter, HCEAInnovate Chair. She added, “We are so excited to welcome Erin as opening keynote speaker to share her observations with our… more
Dec 18, 2018
The Association for Women in Events (AWE) has opened registration for its premiere women’s leadership event: ELEVATE!. The event is powered by AWE and is sponsored by Hilton and the Conrad Washington DC. The event will be hosted March 7 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and a networking reception will follow from 5 to 7 p.m. The event will include: ● Disruptive, compelling sessions with women in business and politics. ● Networking opportunities with women and men who are making a difference in the industry. ● World-class speakers and leaders who are changing the dialogue around how women do… more
Dec 18, 2018
Creating tension should be a key factor in developing compelling business events, said bestselling author and Marketing Hall of Fame honoree, Seth Godin. Tension, he added, contributes to the fear of missing out, and that can create the buzz that helps make business events successful. Godin will take participants at 2019 PCMA Convening Leaders on a journey that will have them wonder whether their events would be missed if they were gone. His session, "You Can't Be Seen Until You Learn to See", is the first keynote address for Convening Leaders, taking place Jan. 6-9 at the David L.… 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.