News

Jul 30, 2012
The world is about to get a little bit greener with a major commitment by the American Society of Association Executives through a partnership with American Forests to plant one tree per attendee to ASAE’s Annual Meeting & Exposition. The meeting, on tap Aug. 11-14 at the Dallas Convention Center, typically attracts approximately 5,000 attendees. This effort, part of American Forests’ new Meeting ReLeaf program, will offset the carbon footprint of the meeting and augment ASAE’s broader sustainability efforts, according to ASAE officials. All the trees will be planted… more
Jul 30, 2012
David Dubois, current president and CEO of the Forth Worth (Texas) Convention & Visitors Bureau, has been named the new president of the International Association of Exhibitions & Events. Doreen Biela, IAEE’s chair, announced the news, and Dubois’ appointment will be effective in October after current IAEE president Steven Hacker retires. "IAEE is fortunate to have enjoyed a lengthy CEO transition period, which permitted us to engage in a very comprehensive national search for our next chief staff executive and ensure a seamless leadership transition,” Biela… more
Jul 30, 2012
Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute, owner and producer of the PACK EXPO trade shows, has sold out its PACK EXPO International on tap Oct. 28-31 at Chicago’s McCormick Place. “The sold out status of PACK EXPO speaks volumes to its value as a showcase for the packaging and processing industries,” said Charles D. Yuska, president & CEO, PMMI. He added, “With space completely gone three months out, the show has surpassed even our expectations.” PACK EXPO International 2012 will be the largest edition of the show since 2002, with a record 1,800 plus… more
Jul 30, 2012
Summer might be a slow time for actual trade shows being held, but it’s been a busy time for new hires, signaling a boost in business. The Georgia World Congress Center recently announced the selection of Mark Adams as director of sales for the 3.9 million square foot facility. "We are all looking forward to the addition of Mark Adams to our GWCC team,” said Mark Zimmerman, general manager of the convention center. He added, “I am confident that with his experience he will make an immediate impact on our sales program.” Adams joins the GWCC after working as… more
Jul 30, 2012
NAB Show, in partnership with BPL Broadcast, will debut Connected Media World, an exhibit area set to launch at the 2013 NAB Show April 6-11 in Las Vegas.   “As consumers continue to connect with media and entertainment in new and different ways, it's imperative for content owners and distributors to understand how this evolution impacts business and the overall consumer experience,” said Chris Brown, NAB executive vice president, Conventions and Business Operations.     The new exhibit area will showcase technologies and services that are advancing how… more
Jul 29, 2012
The city of Los Angeles likely is collectively sighing in relief since the Entertainment Software Association decided to keep the lucrative video game trade show E3 in town through 2015. Even though there were rumblings E3 was considering moving out because of planned construction of a new stadium that will impact the Los Angeles Convention Center where the show is held, ESA signed a new contract that will bring the show back to the city 2013, 2014 and 2015. “We are proud to partner with Los Angeles for another three years,” said Michael D. Gallagher, CEO of the ESA, which… more
Jul 29, 2012
Viad chalked up its eighth consecutive quarter of growth with second-quarter revenues for this year up 3.3 percent to $246.5 million, compared with $238.7 million during the same period last year. Net income also was up to $6.1 million in the second quarter this year, compared with $4.5 million during the same period last year. Positive second-quarter revenue results were driven by the U.S. Marketing & Events Group that saw an increase of 15 percent to $165.5 million, compared with $150.2 million during the same period last year. International results for the Marketing & Events… more
Jul 25, 2012
The Face2Face Series is sponsored by MarketArt. Ride alongside Marian Bossard on her commute to work at the Toy Industry Association and you might catch her humming a few bars of one of her favorite songs, Bruce Springsteen’s “Thunder Road.” That’s because other than trade shows, music is one of Bossard’s biggest passions, from classical cello and Broadway show tunes to folk music and classic rock. In fact, if you happen to be anywhere near Bossard while she’s gearing up for Toy Fair, the massive toy industry trade show she oversees at the Jacob K.… more
Jul 25, 2012
The mergers and acquisitions market in the trade show industry is warming up after a few years of quiet times with the recent purchase of Vornado Realty Trust’s MMPI Canada by Informa for $53 million. The acquisition is a bright note in what has been a challenging period for Informa with some of it events businesses in Europe struggling. MMPI Canada produces 55 trade shows, conferences and consumer shows on an annual basis, and Informa organizes more than 8,500 worldwide conferences and courses annually. The Jordan, Edmiston Group, Inc., based in New York City, represented MMPI… more
Jul 24, 2012
The beauty industry is resilient and poised for renewed growth, according to show officials at Cosmoprof North America, the annual trade show and conference for beauty professionals held July 22-24 at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino. Although attendance and square footage were flat compared with 2011, when 23,500 attendees and 760 exhibitors occupied 189,750 net square feet of space, the event boasted an 11-percent increase in exhibitors, with 856 exhibiting companies spanning a bustling, well-organized trade showfloor. With its extensive range of cosmetics, hair and personal care… 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.