News

Dec 28, 2016
For the past 12-plus years, Steve Moster has moved up the ranks of Global Experience Specialists (GES). Serving currently as president and CEO of Viad since 2014 and as president of GES since 2010, Moster joined Viad in 2004 as vice president of Exhibition Furnishings. His career evolved to sales and leadership roles with the company, including executive vice president — chief sales & marketing officer and as executive vice president — Products and Services, where he led double-digit revenue growth. Moster received his bachelor of engineering degree from Vanderbilt University and his… more
Dec 28, 2016
It’s not often that a business idea is sparked by a trip to the dentist, but that’s what happened to Julian Sandler. The dentist asked if he knew of anyplace where he could rent a computer. Sandler, a nuclear physicist turned serial entrepreneur, thought there had to be other businesses and organizations needing short-term computer rentals, which led him to found Rent-a-PC in 1984 with two employees. The company was based (and still is) in Hauppauge, New York, so early clients were primarily corporate accounts on the East Coast, renting brand-name PCs and peripherals. From the late… more
Dec 27, 2016
Hannover Fairs Canada (HF Canada), Deutsche Messe’s Canadian subsidiary, today has formed a partnership with SME to collocate Industrial Automation, Motion, Drive & Automation, ComVac, parts2clean, and CeMAT trade shows with the Canadian Manufacturing Technology Show (CMTS). “We were looking to secure a home for these five industrial events in Canada alongside a larger, well-established manufacturing technology trade show,” said President and CEO of HF Canada Larry Turner. He added, “The opportunity to showcase these five advanced manufacturing technology shows and their industrial… more
Dec 27, 2016
The TEAMS ’18 Conference & Expo will be held Oct. 1–4, 2018, at the Kentucky International Convention Center, which will reopen in 2018 following a multimillion-dollar expansion and renovation project. “We are pleased to be the first travel industry show that will be held at the newly expanded Kentucky International Convention Center,” said Timothy Schneider, president and CEO of Schneider Publishing Company, which publishes SportsTravel magazine and organizes the TEAMS Conference. He added, “We have had a longstanding relationship with Louisville, which proved to be an… more
Dec 22, 2016
Tarsus Group has made another acquisition this month and its second recent acquisition in China, with a 65-percent stake of Foshan Huaxia Home Textile Development Co., Ltd. ("Foshan Huaxia") from the Guangdong Home Textile Association and Association Member shareholders. Foshan Huaxia owns the Home Furnishing Expo (Hometex), the leading biannual home textiles exhibition in China. The acquisition of 65 percent of Foshun Huaxia was made for an estimated cash consideration of RMB174m (approximately £19.3m and $23.8 million). "Following the recent acquisition of Intex in Shanghai, we… more
Dec 22, 2016
Marketplace Events continued to expand its fast-growing home shows portfolio with the purchase of six more events from Southern Shows All events in this transaction are located in North Carolina: two home shows in Raleigh, two in Charlotte and one in Greensboro, along with the Southern Christmas Show in Charlotte.   Southern Shows will continue to own and produce their 11-show Women’s Show Series and the Southern Farm Show.  In a transition agreement, Southern Shows will continue to manage through completion the three home shows that take place in the first quarter of 2017 on… more
Dec 20, 2016
The Georgia International and Maritime Trade Center Authority (GIMTCA), which governs the Savannah International Trade & Convention Center (SITCC), has selected Songy Highroads, LLC., in partnership with Omni Hotels & Resorts, to develop a convention headquarters hotel. It will be located on Hutchison Island adjacent to the riverfront convention center, which is managed by the Georgia World Congress Center Authority (GWCCA). The next step of the agreement, which was unanimously approved by the GIMTCA board at its Dec. 14 meeting, is to work through development agreements, said Sherrie… more
Dec 19, 2016
International exhibition organiser, Messe Düsseldorf GmbH announced its Chinese subsidiaries, Messe Düsseldorf China and Messe Düsseldorf Shanghai, have achieved record breaking year in show results in 2016. In China, Messe Düsseldorf Shanghai organised 13 trade shows and conferences in the year, occupying a gross area of 500,000 m2. A total of 7,325 national and international exhibitors showcased their products at these shows, attracting more about 331,000 visitors. Messe Düsseldorf China supported 14 global trade shows hosted by Messe Düsseldorf Group, which help about 2,600 Chinese… more
Dec 19, 2016
History was made today when Hainan Airlines’ first flight from Beijing to Las Vegas touched down at McCarrran International Airport filled with excited Chinese travelers, media and company officials. A traditional water arches salute greeted the aircraft as it taxied to the gate. "We have just made history," said Hou Wei, senior vice president of Hainan Airlines, "flying the first commercial aircraft from Mainland China to Nevada, finally linking the capital of the People's Republic of China with the Entertainment Capital of the World, Las Vegas!" With China considered to be one of the… more
Dec 19, 2016
The Appointment Group Asia Pacific has announced the acquisition of a Sydney-based event company, Axis Events, to expand its business in the region. The financial details of the transaction were not disclosed. Founded by Paul Christie, Axis Events has 28 staff members and operates offices in Sydney, Melbourne and Singapore. Under the acquisition, Axis Events team and The Appointment Group team will remain an integral part of the expanded division. The Appointment Group Asia Pacific managing director, Shane Barr, said, “The acquisition of Axis Events represents an exciting time for all… 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.