Sep 12, 2016
More and more, general service contractors are moving beyond their core business offerings to widen their services, such as Fern Exposition Services making a strategic investment in KiwiLive, a mobile web platform for audience engagement during and after live events. As a part of Fern's investment, KiwiLive's creator and CEO, Jeff Mason, will become director of Customer Technology Innovation for Fern. In this role, Mason will drive strategy related to the delivery of Fern services through technology. According to Aaron Bludworth, president and CEO of Fern, Mason's specific focus will be on… more
Sep 12, 2016
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events has unveiled the recipients of the 2016 Helen Brett Scholarship awards: Sarah Chung, Jordan Lacey and Mackenzie Thompson.  The Helen Brett Scholarship was established by Robert Kolinek and named for his grandmother, Helen Brett, who was a pioneer in the trade show industry.  The purpose of the scholarship is to assist individuals who are exploring the study of exhibitions and events management with the end goal of advancing their career in this field. “It is incredibly rewarding to honor my grandmother’s legacy by offering this… more
Sep 12, 2016
The 2017 PROCESS EXPO, the trade show for the food processing industry, produced by The Food Processing Suppliers Association, has sold more than 165,000 square feet of exhibit space to 264 companies to date, more than 75 percent of its floor space. PROCESS EXPO will take place Sept. 19-2 in the North Hall of McCormick Place in Chicago and will also feature many international exhibitors, as a result of its partnership with three German Messes who organize three food-focused trade fairs. "We are thrilled with the response from the industry for PROCESS EXPO 2017. We opened exhibit sales… more
Sep 12, 2016
Atlanta-based Shepard Expositions, a provider of trade show general services contractor and event production services, has expanded their service offerings by acquiring Virginia-based Aquarian, a producer of corporate events and large-scale entertainment shows. “By adding live event production to our portfolio of services, we’ll be in the position to more completely meet the needs of our clients as they look to more fully integrate all aspects of their events into a cohesive experience for their participants,” said Carl Mitchell, president of Shepard. He added, “Aquarian brings a full… more
Sep 12, 2016
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events has unveiled the recipients of the 2016 Helen Brett Scholarship awards: Sarah Chung, Jordan Lacey and Mackenzie Thompson.    The Helen Brett Scholarship was established by Robert Kolinek and named for his grandmother, Helen Brett, who was a pioneer in the trade show industry.    The purpose of the scholarship is to assist individuals who are exploring the study of exhibitions and events management with the end goal of advancing their career in this field.   “It is incredibly rewarding to honor my… more
Sep 12, 2016
The Center for Exhibition Industry Research released two more reports from its newest series - 2016 Changing Environment of Exhibitions. This study consists of 10 fact sheets articulating the power of exhibitions from the perspective of exhibitors, including its most recent: A Positive Outlook of an Industry or Company Linked to Increased Exhibition Industry and Exhibitions Foster Business Relationships. A Positive Outlook of an Industry or Company Linked to Increased Exhibition Industry affirms the longstanding trend documented in the CEIR Index that performance of the… more
Sep 09, 2016
SOURCE DIRECT, an import/export trade show group in the U.S., will be expanding to New York by partnering with NY NOW, the Market for Home, Lifestyle + Gift. The expansion will launch Feb. 5-8, 2017, at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York. SOURCE DIRECT at NY NOW will connect brands and product development executives in the home textile, accents, furnishings, home décor and gift products market seeking to purchase merchandise or find new overseas manufacturers or suppliers right here in New York City. “SOURCE DIRECT has tripled in size in the past three years and has generated a… more
Sep 09, 2016
By Elizabeth Johnson With the rise of digital entertainment options and the fall of attention spans, now just eight seconds on average, engaging attendees beyond a trade show or event has never been more important, or challenging.  Year-round attendee engagement has become critical for building a strong event brand and maintaining attendee retention rates.  On Event Manager Blog, Kerry Creaswood explained how engagement adds power to events. She wrote, “Event marketing is no longer about creating sales pitch opportunities. It’s about getting customers to form a connection with a… more
Sep 06, 2016
The Future of Events was meant to be a launch, scheduled Aug. 22-24 in Amsterdam, but every starter event’s worst nightmare occurred when organizers decided they needed to cancel it a month beforehand. A stellar line up of speakers had been scheduled, airline tickets and hotel accommodations were made. Despite the last-minute setback, some long-time event professionals banded together and decided to hold a brand new event any way, and it would all be online. “(We didn’t want) to lose the chance to have a brain date with the thought leaders of our industry that were scheduled to come to this… more
Sep 06, 2016
The Shenyang New World EXPO (EXPO) is only days from its special opening. The new venue will host China’s Annual National Planning Conference 2016 (ANPC) Sept. 24-26. Current advance registrations ensure that more than 7,000 delegates will attend the event from throughout China. Cliff Wallace, chairman of the EXPO’s private management and operating company said, “To host this prestigious event as EXPO’s opening event while celebrating the 60th anniversary Urban Planning Society of China (UPSC) as a part of the event is very special for our professional management team.” ANPC is being… 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.