News

Aug 18, 2023
In August, multilingual meeting technology and services provider Interprefy debuted a major upgrade to its artificial intelligence (AI) real-time translation solution, which translates live speech from 45 languages and regional dialects into AI-generated audio and captions in 74 languages.  Interprefy’s solution now supports two-way translation and can simultaneously translate multiple spoken languages during live events and meetings — the first and only live translation solution capable of doing so, according to Interprefy officials. “As global communication continues to expand, so should… more
Aug 17, 2023
Business events, exhibitions and conferences producer CloserStill Media has agreed to acquire UK-based UKi Media & Events, an events and media business specializing in the transportation sector. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. The strategic move significantly expands CloserStill’s reach in North America, Europe and Asia, as well as lays the foundation for the company’s newly launched Future Transport and Infrastructure Group, representing an entirely new market segment for the company. “We are very excited to welcome UKi Media & Events into the CloserStill Group,” said Yancy… more
Aug 17, 2023
Trade show and event-related organizations are continuing their growth trajectories by promoting staff, welcoming new team members and launching new departments headed up by experienced industry leaders. Take a look!  RX   Effective Sept. 1, Rachel Travers will take the helm of the RX UK Hub business unit, which includes the UK, Middle East, Turkey, South Africa and India, as its new president. She joins RX from sister company Lexis Nexis, where she most recently served as vice president and general manager of Law360 in New York, and prior to that, as managing director of Lexis Nexis New… more
Aug 16, 2023
The devastating wildfires that tore through western Maui and destroyed much of the historic town of Lahaina has been named the deadliest U.S. wildfire in more than a 100 years, and one of the top 10 deadliest wildfires since 1871, according to research from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).  Starting in the early morning hours of Aug. 8, the deadly blaze was the result of a perfect storm of drought conditions and strong winds from Hurricane Dora as it passed south of the islands. More than 100 people have died, up to 1,000 people are still unaccounted for, approximately 2,200… more
Aug 15, 2023
The American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA) Foundation has established the No Room for Trafficking (NRFT) Advisory Council as part of its No Room for Trafficking program, which works to prevent human trafficking and support survivors. NRFT Advisory Council efforts include the development and oversight of the NRFT Survivor Fund, which provides community-based organizations with the resources they need to engage and support the survivors of human trafficking. Council members will help champion and shape the hotel industry’s unified efforts to support human trafficking survivors with… more
Aug 14, 2023
Two of ANDMORE’s leading home, gift and décor markets pulled off successful summer editions in Las Vegas and Atlanta recently. Las Vegas Market A combination of new product introductions, expansive programming and advanced at-market technology helped to deliver a positive market experience for buyers and sellers at the summer 2023 Las Vegas Market, held July 30-Aug. 3 at World Market Center Las Vegas. Buyers from all 50 states and around the globe converged at the annual event to discover the latest trends in furniture, home décor and gifts showcased by more than 1,000 suppliers.  “Las… more
Aug 11, 2023
Event technology solutions are evolving at warp speed again, giving event professionals even more tools to streamline the experience for them and attendees. Check out a few of the latest offerings to hit the market.   Cvent   Cvent, an industry-leading meetings, events and hospitality technology provider, unveiled its new Cvent Events+ solution, which is designed to deliver an always-on branded event hub to promote future events and webinars and showcase video content from past events. "Many of today’s event organizers and marketers are hosting more events — across… more
Aug 08, 2023
After more than nine years of planning, including a three-year feasibility period demonstrating significant demand from convention clients, the city of Indianapolis is about to get a larger convention center and a new 800-room headquarter hotel.  On Aug. 1, Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett and Visit Indy President and CEO Leonard Hoops were joined by community leaders, project representatives and some of the city’s largest convention clients for a groundbreaking celebration of the sixth expansion of the Indiana Convention Center (ICC) and construction of a new Hilton convention hotel.  Key… more
Aug 07, 2023
Freeman has acquired Sparks, a global brand experience agency with more than 750 employees. Sparks provides exhibit and event experiences to a diverse group of Fortune 1000 brands, including Google, Salesforce, Anheuser-Busch InBev and T-Mobile. Sparks will combine with Freeman’s agency business, which also caters to major corporate clients, including Amazon, Cisco and Kohler. “Our combination with Sparks creates a unique opportunity to accelerate Freeman’s vision to become a leader in the corporate space,” said Freeman CEO Bob Priest-Heck. “Sparks, like Freeman, is built by great people,… more
Aug 07, 2023
Exclusively Sponsored by Visit Tampa Bay With an award-winning airport, cutting-edge venues, a vibrant array of amenities and innovative tech grants, Tampa Bay can transform your meeting into an unforgettable success story.    Celebrated service for air travelers from around the world.   Occupying the number two spot on the J.D. Power North America Airport Satisfaction Study, Tampa International Airport (TPA) is home to world-class service. And now it can bring an even wider range of attendees to your meeting.   The crown jewel of your meeting.   Now meetings at the waterfront Tampa… 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.