News
Jul 28, 2020
Instead of kicking off the new year with its usual in-person fervor, CES 2021 will be an all-digital experience connecting exhibitors, customers, thought leaders and media from around the globe in early January next year. According to the Consumer Technology Association, which owns and operates the show, CES’s new virtual format will allow participants to hear from technology innovators, see cutting-edge technologies, learn about new products, and engage with global brands and startups — all from the safety of their home or office.
The decision to shift the massive global technology trade… more
Jul 27, 2020
Despite the ongoing pandemic, the trade show industry is still conducting business deals in preparation for better times ahead. Take a look.
Centerplate
Event venue food and beverage provider Centerplate has renewed its long-term hospitality partnership with the Roland E. Powell Convention Center in Ocean City, Md. The agreement, which extends through June 2025 and comes with an additional five-year option, precedes the venue’s 30,000-square-foot expansion project.
“While we work hard to transform the complex into a premier, next-generation meeting and entertainment destination, we are… more
Jul 24, 2020
When Jeff Fugate’s lost his decade-long position as senior vice president of sales and marketing for Experient due to the pandemic, it could have sent him into a tailspin. But instead of wallowing, Fugate used this life change to channel his passion into something he’d always wanted to do. As of July, he’s the owner of Empty Bowl Queso, a new company purveying New Mexico hatch green chile pepper cheese dip with the world (or at least, the Washington, D.C. area—for now).
He’s far from the only trade show professional launching a new business or perfecting a hobby lately. All facets of the… more
Jul 23, 2020
With concern over germs at perhaps an all-time high, event organizers must rethink areas that are traditionally high-touch at conferences and trade shows. These three companies have options to help decrease the risk of spreading the coronavirus at events.
Antimicrobial Handrails
Ad Rail USA — which is working with major events including CES, RECon, AAFP, AWS Public Summit, Microsoft Inspire, NADA, VMWorld and others — has an antimicrobial handrail media that can significantly cut down germs on escalators. The handrail graphics include a special additive in lamination that has been tested… more
Jul 22, 2020
Information and events company Questex is entering the artificial intelligence marketplace with the launch of Fierce AI Week, a new virtual event focused on how AI can be used to drive business, customer and process value for emerging and large enterprises. Set to take place Aug. 10-12, the complimentary event will feature three days of presentations and tracks focused on how AI can be leveraged in the life sciences, healthcare, electronics and telecom markets.
Designed for C-level, technology, automation, marketing and AI-specific professionals as well as investors and channel partners,… more
Jul 22, 2020
Following the success of the United Fresh 2020 LIVE! virtual trade show and conference in June, United Fresh Produce Association is transitioning its new online platform into a year-round digital marketplace for the global produce industry.
United Fresh LIVE! 365 will allow buyers to source new products and technology and access hundreds of vendors, as well as offer exhibitors year-round opportunities to highlight their companies while connecting with buyers and attendees. Association members will also have access to ongoing offerings including webinars, conference programming and… more
Jul 21, 2020
Event and tourism industry professionals aren’t about to sit out this pandemic, as evidenced by the number of meetings, webinars and conventions taking place virtually these past few months. Among these key industry events is Destinations International’s Annual Convention, which was held virtually for the first time July 14-15.
With a record attendance of 3,024 attendees from 14 countries, the global destinations industry gathering featured a packed agenda offering more than 20 educational sessions designed to inform and inspire. Keynote presentations were made by Author Mitch Albom, U.S.… more
Jul 20, 2020
Marc Lapides hopes that when in-person trade shows come back strong, he’ll be forced out of business. It’s an interesting mindset, but one that serves him well mid-pandemic in 2020: Serving a community in the way they need now, even though it may not be sustainable long-term.
That’s why the experienced trade show marketer—along with Chad Chappell, most recently a national sales director with The Expo Group, and one other industry colleague (yet to be publicly announced)—have come together to launch the American Restaurant & Food Service Virtual Expo.
Set to take place online March 21-22… more
Jul 16, 2020
Self-service event app and event data management company Attendify has launched a new offering, Attendify for Virtual Events, that aims to transform the in-person, virtual and hybrid event experience.
According to company officials, Attendify’s goal for its new platform is to help make the industry resilient. Whether it’s a future economic shock, another health crisis or a major industry strike, the event industry can’t be as susceptible to future shocks that are completely out of an organizer’s control. Through Attendify for Virtual Events, event organizers can build out a modern virtual… more
Jul 16, 2020
UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, released the latest edition of its Global Barometer research that took the pulse of more than 450 exhibition organizers globally.
The report highlights the severe impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the exhibition industry worldwide.
“On the back of an exceptional year in 2019, we are now seeing an unprecedented drop in revenues around the world,” said Kai Hattendorf, UFI Managing Director and CEO.
He added, “While the industry remains confident that it will bounce back, everyone is aware that this crisis will lead to major changes… more
Partner Voices
Dallas already boasts 35,000 hotel rooms, award-winning global cuisine, and a walkable downtown. But we are just getting started.
Visit Dallas is thrilled to announce that the city of Dallas is doubling down with a massive new convention center and entertainment district. Featuring 800,000 square feet of exhibit area, 260,000 square feet of meeting rooms, and 170,000 square feet of ballroom. The center will connect business travelers with dining and shopping options in the popular Cedars District means more places to get down to business, and even more ways to unwind.
“Dallas is already a great meetings and conventions destination, with the accessibility of two major airports, affordable labor, and an outstanding hotel product,” said D. Bradley Kent, Visit Dallas senior vice president and chief sales officer. “The new center and Convention Center District will enhance Dallas’ competitive position and are exactly what our customers’ need and have been asking for."
What’s New – AT&T Discovery District
Located in the heart of Downtown Dallas, this new district on the AT&T corporate campus is tailor-made for groups of all sizes. It boasts a multi-sensory experience, including outdoor event space, the AT&T Theater, and multiple dining outlets including JAXON Beer Garden and The Exchange, a bustling food hall.
Hotels Coming Soon
Names like the JW Marriott (Downtown), lnterContinental Dallas (Uptown), and Hotel Swexan (Uptown) are adding luxury amenities and bountiful event spaces. The projects will debut in 2023 and beyond.
JW Marriott
This new, 15-story, 283-room hotel will open in the heart of the city’s downtown Arts District this year. The property features a 25,000-square-foot grand ballroom, as well as a spa, restaurant, lobby bar, fitness center, and a rooftop pool deck and bar.
InterContinental Dallas
Located in Cityplace Tower in Uptown, InterContinental Dallas will feature sweeping panoramic views of the Dallas skyline. Guests will enjoy spacious, high-end rooms and amenities, including more than 21,000 square feet of event space.
Hotel Swexan
Hotel Swexan, a new, 22-story luxury property, is rising in Uptown’s Harwood District and will make its mark on the Dallas skyline. Opening this year, it is a sculptural building with cantilevered upper floors, as well as a 75-foot rooftop infinity-edge swimming pool and a hidden underground lounge.