Sep 25, 2017
Set to open in just more than two weeks, Reed Exhibitions’ JIS (Jewelers International Show) October 2017 show will relocate to Fort Lauderdale, after receiving news from the Miami Beach Convention Center that it would be unavailable to host the event because of Hurricane Irma disrupting construction activity and the building not being cleared for public occupancy.
The show now will take place during the same dates Oct. 8-11 at the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center, just 30 miles north of Miami.
“Knowing the important role that JIS October plays in delivering… more
Sep 12, 2017
Since opening its doors March 1, the Albany Capital Center in New York has been a busy building.
To date, the six-month-old convention facility has hosted 83 events, with 47 contracted events still to come this year for a total of 130 events scheduled. Total events for 2017 span 184 event days, resulting in 4,225 booked hotel room nights and drawing upwards of 60,000 guests to downtown Albany.
Meanwhile, ACC Operator SMG is continuing to focus on bringing new and more group business to the facility and the Capital Region, with additional events in the pipeline through 2019 and beyond.
“It’… more
Aug 24, 2017
Out with the old and in with the new. Nowhere has that expression been more accurate than in Las Vegas, where hotel and meeting space makeovers practically are routine.
Case in point, the Monte Carlo Resort and Casino, currently undergoing a $450 million revamp and rebrand project that will transform the 21-year-old property into a luxury resort by the end of 2018.
Last spring, MGM Resorts International and New York-based Sydell Group announced their partnership to reimagine and transform the Monte Carlo into two distinct new hotel experiences: Park MGM and a Las Vegas version of Sydell’s… more
Aug 22, 2017
After almost three decades of service, the San Diego Convention Center’s Sails Pavilion roof, known for its white peaks that are visible from the air, land and bay, is coming down and will be replaced with a brand new structure.
“The white sails roof atop our 90,000 square foot Sails Pavilion exhibit space is part of what has made the San Diego Convention Center one of the most recognizable venues, worldwide,” said Clifford “Rip” Rippetoe, president and CEO of the San Diego Convention Center Corporation.
He continued, “Thanks to a collaborative effort between our staff, our Board of… more
Aug 18, 2017
Swim Collective and Active Collective have announced plans to collocate their biannual West Coast shows starting in 2018.
The events are set to take place Jan. 11-12 and Aug. 1-2 at the Anaheim Convention Center.
Swim Collective features more than 300 curated luxury and on-trend fashion brands showcasing the latest swimwear, surf, resort and beach accessory collections to an audience of swimwear specialty retailers, better boutiques, luxury resorts, cruise retailers, gift stores, online stores, surf specialty retailers and department stores from across the U.S. and abroad.
Launched in… more
Aug 06, 2017
The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCCA) recently issued a design and feasibility Request for Proposal (RFP) for master planning services for the 70-acre campus of the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center (BCEC) in South Boston.
“It has been a dynamic and disruptive decade in our industry which has mirrored the dramatic changes that have occurred in South Boston,” said David Gibbons, MCCA's executive director.
He added, “This is an exciting and appropriate time for the Authority to evaluate where we stand in the convention marketplace. We are asking our customers what… more
Jul 12, 2017
Cobo Center has entered into an eight-year contract with the North American International Auto Show that will keep one of the U.S.’s largest and world’s most influential auto shows in downtown Detroit through 2025, according to Claude Molinari, general manager of SMG/Cobo Center.
“With the leadership and work of the Detroit Regional Convention Facility Authority (DRCFA), along with SMG, Cobo Center is truly a world-class venue,” said Rod Alberts, NAIAS executive director.
He continued, “The significant renovation (at Cobo Center) has allowed the auto show to expand our footprint and has… more
Jul 10, 2017
Instead of nine different credentials for workers to use in order to move around in the San Diego Convention Center, the venue now will have just one credential - the ESCA Exhibition Industry Worker Identification System WIS Badge.
“We are pleased to announce that the San Diego Convention Center is now the 17th U.S. venue to implement the ESCA Worker Identification System (WIS),” said Mitt Arnaudet, WIS National Administrator and ESCA Member Services Director.
He added, “We are in discussions with many other facilities and will be announcing the 18th venue later this month.”
ESCA is the… more
Jun 06, 2017
SMG, known for its management of convention centers and venues, has scored a management contract for a whopping 4.3 million square foot convention center in Shenzhen, China.
The Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center is set to become one of the largest convention centers in the world. It also will be SMG’s new flagship venue in China’s growing trade show market.
“We are honored by our selection, which reflects our unique combination of resources, relationships and expertise in the industry,” said SMG President and CEO Wes Westley.
He added, “We look forward to operating a world-… more
May 30, 2017
How many convention centers can boast having their very own farm, not to mention a slew of beehives pumping out delicious honey for in-house menus and catering? And out of those select few, how many facilities also have an enthusiastic young college intern ready and willing to help with beekeeping and farmhand duties?
The Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland is fortunate enough to be such a venue, with a sustainable working farm situated on a quarter acre of land at the north end of the property.
Operated by Levy and SMG, the “Real FarmVille” is home to 500,000-1.5 million… 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.