Jan 27, 2014
Louisville Convention & Visitors Bureau’s President and CEO Jim Wood resigned from the top post, effective immediately, and Karen Williams will take his place in the interim, beginning Jan. 29.   Woods has been at the bureau for 11 years, and his resignation was accepted by the Commission of the Louisville Convention & Visitors Bureau at a board meeting. Williams previously held the post as executive vice president at the Louisville CVB, but had retired in 2012 after 23 years at the bureau. “Jim Wood has brought Louisville unparalleled success when it comes to… more
Jan 27, 2014
The fourth staging of Integration.Life.Society., International Trade and Event Fair with Congress, will take place April 23-25 at the Krasnaja Presnja Expocenter in Moscow. International exhibitors will present their latest products and developments for people with disabilities and those requiring care. The trade show focuses on innovative assistive technology, mobility in the workplace and at home, concepts, therapies and leisure activities, nutrition and hygiene as well as safety and monitoring systems, physiotherapy and orthopedic devices. On the first day of Integration.Life.Society.… more
Jan 26, 2014
When Detroit’s bankruptcy made headlines last year, the local hospitality, meetings and conventions community continued to work hard to spread the word about what they already knew: Detroit’s events business was not only alive and well, but also it was thriving. The Cobo Center was in the midst of a $220 million renovation that included expanded space, floor-to-ceiling windows facing the Detroit River and a new Grand Ballroom, among other renovations. The center also had been taken over in 2010 by SMG, a venue management company that worked with local labor to come up with new… more
Jan 26, 2014
Attendees at the Health Information Management Systems Society’s Annual Conference & Exhibition, coming up at the end of February, will have the opportunity to hear a keynote address delivered by Hillary Rodham Clinton. Clinton, a former secretary of state, U.S. senator from New York and First Lady of the United States, will take the stage Feb. 26.   The HIMSS event runs Feb. 23-27 at Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center. Clinton has spent four decades in public service and during her 2007-2008 campaign for president, she secured more votes, primary wins and… more
Jan 26, 2014
For two weeks every December, more than 175,000 attendees flock to Las Vegas to take part in the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, and not that event has signed on to stay in the city through 2024. The agreement was made between after unanimous votes by the Las Vegas Events Board of Trustees and the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association Board of Directors. "We are relieved that we were able to assemble an agreement that both ensures that the Wrangler NFR will remain in Las Vegas for the long term and that all parties will prosper," said Pat Christenson, president of Las Vegas… more
Jan 23, 2014
Getting a big boost for its international growth, Penton Farm Progress Group’s Farm Progress Show has been accepted to be a part of the 2014 International Buyer Program. The IBP is an export program led by the U.S. Department of Commerce that brings thousands of international buyers to the United States for business-to-business matchmaking with U.S. companies exhibiting at major industry trade shows. Twenty-six trade shows from a variety of industries and locations across the country are designated as IBP events for 2014. The Farm Progress Show, the largest outdoor farm show in the U… more
Jan 22, 2014
Exposition Development Company, an Atlanta-based trade show consultancy firm based in Atlanta and run by industry veterans David Audrain and Stephanie Everett, has been contracted  by Business One Global Trade Center (B1GTC) to develop several new exhibitions and markets in Linyi, China. B1GTC is in the midst of building a 30 million square foot massive development that will include an exhibition and events center, permanent showrooms, service apartments, 5-star hotel, an International village, and an international brands outlet mall In Linyi, the largest wholesale market center in… more
Jan 22, 2014
Despite winter weather causing havoc the past few weeks, archery and surfing enthusiasts weren’t deterred from being at shows in those sectors, resulting in positive numbers for attendance and exhibitors. The 2014 (Archery Trade Association) Trade Show was held Jan. 6-8 in Nashville, Tenn. - smack dab in the middle of the Polar Vortex pushing bone-chilling temperatures into the United States – but that didn’t stop the show from achieving record-breaking results. Setting one record was a total of 1,047 retail and distribution buying companies represented by a near-record 3,… more
Jan 21, 2014
Already located in Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, India, the United Kingdom and the United States, Diversified Communications is expanding its global footprint even more, with the purchase of Kavin Intertrade in Thailand. The acquisition adds seven consumer and business events to Diversified’s portfolio. “It is exciting to kick off the New Year with an acquisition that brings us to a new region and even more impressive when we consider the ten product launches planned for 2014 and the five acquisitions we closed in 2013.” stated Daniel Hildreth, chair of Diversified’s… more
Jan 21, 2014
UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry’s recently released 12th Global Barometer survey has some good news to end 2013, with the results indicating overall growth still occurring for most companies worldwide. Taking into account the results for the past five years, the survey also indicated that a majority of companies in all regions had an increase of their turnover since at least 2011. In addition, approximately one company out of two had an increase of more than 10 percent for 2013. “While we shall remain cautious about the development of the global economic… 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.