Feb 27, 2018
If you are considering taking your event to The Netherlands – most people likely would focus on Amsterdam, but there are two other affordable and easy-to-access cities to look at as well: Rotterdam and The Hague. “We think that Rotterdam is the new and exciting choice for event organizers, with the same level of service and quality that can be expected from all cities in the Netherlands as a destination country,” said Catherine Kalamidas, account manager for Rotterdam Partners Convention Bureau. She added, “The good thing is that the Netherlands is such a small country that you can actually… more
Feb 23, 2018
Located in the heart of the historic city of Monterey, the new $60 million Monterey Conference Center is open for business after two years of renovations. The official ribbon cutting ceremony took place on Jan. 31, followed by a celebration that included live music, hors-d'oeuvres and guided tours of the property. The Conference Center is a modern, LEED-certified meeting facility that features more than 40,000 square feet of flexible meeting space and can fit groups of up to 3,200 attendees. The exterior of the building presents a striking first impression with natural stone, a large oval… more
Jan 05, 2018
The holiday spirit extended before and after the new year to the signing of plenty of new contracts for suppliers and venues serving the trade show industry. The Expo Group will provide event-related services to International Carwash Association as ICA seeks to boost the experience of their attendee, exhibitor and sponsor stakeholders at The Car Wash Show. The Car Wash Show is the largest convention in its sector, bringing together buyers and sellers from more than 30 countries. The Car Wash Show is ranked No.148 on the Trade Show News Network Top 250 list. “The Expo Group has the… more
Dec 11, 2017
Private equity firm Onex Corporation has agreed to acquire SMG Holdings Inc., in partnership with its existing management team. “SMG is the global gold standard in venue management,” said Amir Motamedi, a managing director with Onex. “We’re excited to work with Wes, his management team and the general managers within each of SMG’s venues to continue to provide the same world-class service their clients have come to expect.” SMG is the leading global manager of convention centers, stadiums, arenas, theatres, performing arts centers and other venues. The transaction is expected to close in… more
Nov 21, 2017
Detroit’s Cobo Center is demonstrating its ongoing commitment to sustainability by increasing its environmental initiatives for the coming year, including a living green roof observation area and new lactation suites for nursing moms. According to Claude Molinari, general manager of SMG/Cobo Center, the facility is planning to install a visitor observation area near its living green roof at the old heliport location on the roof deck. “Last year, we installed honeybee hives and saw our living roof and organic herb gardens thrive,” Molinari said. He continued, “Next year, we will create an… more
Oct 23, 2017
SMG has been busy helping the Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland amp up its sustainability goals by partnering with show organizers and exhibitors to cut back on event waste while giving back to the local community. To help the HCCC reduce its environmental impact by diverting more recyclable items from landfill, the facility operator recently unveiled its Sustainability Donation Program, a green initiative that provides clients, exhibitors and contractors a simple and environmentally friendly solution to reduce the amount of waste they generate at an HCCC event. By serving as a… more
Oct 18, 2017
The Mohegan Sun Exposition Center expansion project is more than one-third complete and on schedule for a June 2018 opening. Last month, the leaders of Mohegan Sun and the Mohegan Tribe gathered with guests, including Lieutenant Governor Nancy Wyman and AZ Corporation, for a ceremonial topping-off to celebrate the progress of the $80 million project, which began last March. Over 300 signatures from ironworkers to state and local officials and Mohegan Sun and Tribe management adorned the steel beam. The resort and casino’s new Exposition Center will span 240,000 net square feet and… more
Oct 18, 2017
International Market Centers, operator of premier showroom space for the furnishings, home décor and gift industries, is coordinating exhibitor product donations and other humanitarian efforts in its High Point Market Fall show, running Oct. 14-18 in High Point, N.C., and at the Las Vegas Market Winter show, set for Jan. 28-Feb. 1, 2018 at the World Market Center in Las Vegas. “International Market Centers prides itself on being a ‘global good citizen,’ and we are delighted to mobilize our resources to help communities in need,” said Robert Maricich, IMC chief executive officer. IMC has set… more
Oct 17, 2017
A new salad dressing featuring honey harvested from the bee hives housed on the Javits Center’s green roof now is on the menu at the convention center’s Taste NY Bistro. The honey-infused vinaigrette, along with other New York homegrown ingredients, is featured in a new salad offered at the facility’s cafe-style restaurant location. Aptly named Jacob’s Honey, the homegrown honey was extracted last month by a team of Javits Center engineers in partnership with local beekeeping organization, New York City Beekeeping. This first batch of golden goodness was harvested from three wooden hives… more
Oct 05, 2017
The Art Basel art show plans to remain at the Miami Beach Convention Center for the long-term, as evidenced by a five-year agreement the show will sign with The City of Miami Beach on Oct. 5 at Miami Beach City Hall. This year’s event, set for Dec. 7-10, will mark the 16th edition of the modern and contemporary art show that draws visitors from across the U.S. and the globe to Miami Beach. Last year, the fair attracted 77,000 attendees and 269 international galleries spanning 29 countries across North and South America, Europe, Asia and Africa. “This agreement is comparable to locking in… 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.