News

Mar 06, 2020
The following is an open letter dated March 5, 2020, from the leadership of the American Society of Association Executives; Destinations International; Events Industry Council; International Association of Exhibitions and Events; International Association of Venue Managers; Meeting Professionals International; PCMA; and the U.S. Travel Association.  We share the concern about the coronavirus and the questions this challenge presents. The health and wellbeing of the public is always paramount. The goal, of course, in any moment of public health concern is to be guided by expert information,… more
Mar 06, 2020
In the wake of sudden, severe storms that caused a series of devastating tornados to slam through Nashville and greater middle Tennessee in the early hours of March 3, the City of Nashville is starting to pick up the pieces. According to news reports, the storm claimed more than two dozen lives and caused extensive destruction to homes and businesses, with the East Nashville, Germantown and Donelson neighborhoods hit particularly hard. But despite the extensive damage, Nashville’s resilient residents, including the Convention Center Authority, are already stepping up to help their community… more
Mar 06, 2020
The ASAE Board of Directors named Susan Robertson president and CEO of the organization on an 18-month engagement, which took effect this month. This decision comes about two months after the death of longtime ASAE president and CEO John H. Graham IV in January. In her newly appointed position, Robertson will oversee all ASAE operations, including Centennial-related activities and a recent board-approved strategic planning process. She has served as interim president and CEO since June 2019, during Graham’s illness, and is the first woman to lead ASAE as president and CEO in its 100-year… more
Mar 05, 2020
Getting from one’s hotel to the Las Vegas Convention Center and back again has become a lot easier and cheaper for some trade show exhibitors and attendees. For the second time, the Las Vegas Monorail is offering unlimited rides for CONEXPO-CON/AGG & IFPE show participants via 3-day attendee and 7-day exhibitor passes embedded into every trade show badge. The triennial event is set to take place March 10 – 14.  This value-add not only makes riding the rail system more convenient for busy conventioneers, who simply scan their badges and go without having to line up at ticket kiosks or… more
Mar 04, 2020
In the wake of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) resulting in a series of trade show cancellations worldwide, UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, and SISO, The Society of Independent Show Organizers, have launched a new campaign, “This Show Is Open”. The campaign materials are available for download here: https://www.supportingevents.org/ The campaign is intended to support exhibition and event organizers around the world as they put the industry’s full experience to the task of keeping events going wherever possible, in line with the guidance of health authorities and the… more
Mar 04, 2020
We recently wrote about why event industry organizations should implement green teams — cross-functional groups that identify and implement ways to help the organization operate in a more environmentally sustainable fashion.  While a green team might typically be internal to one specific organization or venue, in the events world, the best results come from extending those teams to encompass all key stakeholders responsible for executing a specific event. In many cases, while these green teams are still voluntary, the responsibilities are seen as being part of the job function and may not… more
Mar 03, 2020
While trade shows throughout the globe are continuing to cancel due to fears of COVID-19, some major events in the U.S. and Germany are forging ahead. They’re leveraging strong and transparent communication plans to reassure concerned attendees and exhibitors that their health and safety remain a top priority.  CONEXPO-CON/AGG & IFPE CONEXPO-CON/AGG & IFPE will be taking place as planned at Las Vegas Convention Center, March 10-14. According to a statement on its website, the show is not only closely monitoring the latest updates from the Centers for Disease Control and the World… more
Mar 02, 2020
The COVID-19 coronavirus has now caused more than 3,000 deaths worldwide from a confirmed 89,253 cases. As this outbreak continues to lead to cancellations and postponements of business events, use these resources to stay informed on the latest news. IAEE Access the organization’s official statement as well as evolving resources on understanding novel coronavirus’ impact on the industry. SISO The Society of Independent Show Organizers is collecting resources and statements here addressing shows that are canceling or rescheduling, as well as news updates directly impacting events. UFI… more
Feb 28, 2020
Reed Exhibitions has acquired two signature events from Intelligent Transportation Society of America (ITS America) — the North American-based ITS World Congress and Annual Meetings — bringing together two respected names in the events and mobility industry. ITS American will continue to lead, manage and deliver content for both events, while Reed plans to bring its global reach and resources to ITS America members and stakeholders through personalized matchmaking, marketing and lead-gen opportunities for exhibitors. “I am delighted to announce this landmark acquisition and look forward to… more
Feb 27, 2020
The first quarter of 2020 has been a bustling time for the trade show industry, with event producers and solutions providers signing a bevy of new clients and renewing deals. Here are some of the latest: Corcoran Expositions Lands Five New Shows Independent trade show organizer Corcoran Expositions recently signed trade show management agreements with five events. They include three American Society of Microbiology shows: Clinical Virology Symposium, ASM Microbe 2020 and the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students (ABRCMS 2020), as well as American Geophysical Union’s… 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.