Aug 10, 2015
Emerald Expositions’ASD Marketweek not only scored 14-percent growth in buyer attendance, compared with last year, but also VIP attendance surged 23 percent throughout the four-day show. The increase was attributed to a number of different strategic marketing and internal restructuring initiatives, according to show organizers. “We substantially enhanced our marketing budget this year to invest in a rebranding campaign, increase outreach campaigns including print and digital media buys, expanded engagement across all social media platforms, expanded our VIP buyer program, and launched a… more
Aug 07, 2015
A study jointly released by ASAE: The Center for Association Leadership, Center for Exhibition Industry Research, Destination & Travel Foundation, Meeting Professionals International and Professional Convention Management Association Education Foundation, revealed that on average, one in three group room nights in the United States are booked outside of the event contracted room blocks. “Despite general agreement that many attendees book outside the room block, the meetings industry traditionally relies on the historical room block pick-up as one of the most important metrics to value an… more
Aug 05, 2015
International Carwash Association (ICA) and Automotive Oil Change Association (AOCA) will collocate AOCA’s annual convention and trade show with The Car Wash Show, beginning next year. The Car Wash Show, the world’s largest car wash convention and trade show, attracted nearly 7,000 car wash and related business professionals this year – a 22 percent increase in attendance, compared with last year. AOCA’s iFLEX, the international fast lube exhibition, regularly attracts more than 700 attendees. “Adding the leading event in the fast lube industry to The Car Wash Show is just another example of… more
Aug 05, 2015
Townsquare Media, a diversified media, entertainment and digital marketing services company that owns and operates radio, digital and live event properties, bought the Phoenix-based Bridal Fashion Debut shows for an undisclosed sum. The shows, held each January and June, have more than 1,000 exhibit booths with 900 exhibiting companies and attract 20,000-plus attendees each year. “Will Hegarty and his team created the Bridal Fashion Debut events many years ago and built up the business into the two largest Bridal Expos in the United States,” said Nick Curci, president of Corporate… more
Aug 05, 2015
Naylor Association Solutions, which provides integrated communications, event management, online learning, career services, association management software (AMS) and advertising, exhibit and sponsorship sales for the North American association marketplace, has acquired Schaumberg, Ill.-based WJ Weiser and Associates, a provider of association management solutions.  WJ Weiser services include everything from full outsourced management of associations to specific services such as accounting and financial management, branch and chapter management, and information and technology services. “… more
Aug 04, 2015
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society partnered with Interbike, an annual bicycle show, to present Bike MS: Las Vegas. The fundraising cycling event will return to the Las Vegas community Sept. 19 and bring together hundreds of cyclists, volunteers, and people who want to change the course of MS, an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system. “MS has touched so many of us through friends and family, that when the MS Society approached us about supporting a ride in and around Interbike, we just knew we had to get involved,” said Pat Hus, vice president of Interbike… more
Aug 01, 2015
The second quarter of 2015 was a good one for Phoenix-based Viad, the parent company of Global Experience Specialists, with revenues surging 23.7 percent to $317 million, compared with $256.4 million during the same time period the year before. GES had a particularly strong quarter, with revenues increasing to $286.6 million, a 26.5 percent increase, compared with $226.6 million during the same time period the year before. “GES delivered much stronger results in the second quarter than we had previously expected,” said Steve Moster, president and CEO. He added, “The upside came from a number… more
Jul 29, 2015
U.K.-based Informa released its 2015 first-half revenue results today, and at the same time, announced Charles McCurdy would be brought on as the chief executive for the company’s Global Exhibitions division, replacing Will Morris, who is retiring at the end of the year. "I'm really excited about joining Informa's Global Exhibitions business," McCurdy said. "It has a deeply talented organization and powerful shows that are performing well. I'm looking forward to joining the team!" McCurdy most recently was CEO of George Little Management, and prior to this, he was CEO of Canon Communications… more
Jul 29, 2015
UFI, the global association of the exhibition industry, has just released the 11th edition of The Trade Fair Industry in Asia. The report reveals that net space sold in Asia grew by 6.8 percet in 2014. BSG’s research shows that 18.6 million m2 of space was sold by exhibition organisers to their clients in Asia in 2014. This represents growth of total net space sold in 2014 of 6.8 percent - rising from 17,453,000 m2 in 2013 to 18,641,750 m2. The growth is similar to the 6.6 percent recorded in 2013. Of that total, more than 56 percent was sold in China and 11 percent in Japan. Among the more… more
Jul 29, 2015
U.K.-based Tarsus Group released its interim results for the first half of 2015 (ending June 30), and the news was positive, with revenues reaching $53 million, up from $36 million last year and $41 million in comparable year 2013 (when biennials run). Taking into account not only acquisitions, but also biennial shows, organic revenue growth rose 14 percent and visitor growth increased 9 percent. "Our record trading performance in the first half was very encouraging and we also made further strategic progress with our replications in Emerging Markets,” said Douglas Emslie, Tarsus Group… 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.