News

Jan 09, 2017
Eco Expo Asia 2016, held Oct. 26-29, closed amid great acclaim with record-breaking exhibitor and visitor numbers. The Expo was jointly organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, and co-organised by the Environment Bureau of the Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The four-day event attracted 325 exhibitors from 19 countries and regions, including 15 overseas and local pavilions and group participation. The growth signifies stronger engagement by the green building, energy efficiency and green transportation sectors driven by the… more
Jan 09, 2017
Instead of ending on a quiet note, last year finished up with a flurry of new hires and promotions at venues, convention bureaus and other companies. John Gonzalez, the long-time director of event and guest services at the George R. Brown Convention Center, has been promoted to the new vice president position at Houston First Corporation’s downtown convention complex. In his new role, Gonzalez will assist HFC COO Luther Villagomez in the administration of the George R. Brown and its central role in shaping the new Avenida Houston convention and entertainment district. Gonzalez will interface… more
Jan 06, 2017
PCMA Convening Leaders is set to kick off Jan. 8-11 at the Austin Convention Center in Austin, Texas, and that means it’s time to start planning your itinerary as you gear up to join several thousand of your peers in the Live Music Capitol of the World. If you’ve attended the conference in the past, you know what to expect: three jam-packed days of mind-expanding education, a host of inspiring general sessions, plentiful networking opportunities, and fun events in and around the host venue and city. To make the most of your Convening Leaders experience this year, here are a few things you won… more
Jan 06, 2017
Smart data collection, mining and analysis techniques are transforming business operations across the globe today. Results from multiple research initiatives currently being undertaken and published by leading agencies are all pointing to the growing emergence of multi-dimensional data-driven business intelligence and decision making. According to a survey conducted by Honeywell, the insights gained from big data analytics and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) to drive greater manufacturing intelligence and operations performance is considered essential by 68 percent of manufacturers… more
Jan 05, 2017
LIGHTFAIR® International (LFI) has announced it will hold its 2018 trade show and conference at McCormick Place in Chicago. Set for May 6-10, the event will mark LIGHTFAIR’s first staging in the Windy City since 1995. According to Jeffrey L. Portman, Sr., vice chairman, president and COO of LFI managing partner AmericasMart Atlanta, which produces and manages the show, the move is designed to accommodate the show’s continuing growth. Taking the event to Chicago will not only provide the global lighting design community with the accessibility, convenience and service benefits available in the… more
Jan 05, 2017
The 2016 ibtm world conference in Barcelona, Spain, was a good place to be for Orlando-based event software company, Shoflo, which walked away with the event’s coveted Technology and Innovation Watch Award for its event production software. Presented in partnership with EventMB, and regarded as the most significant technology award for the meetings industry, the annual ibtm award recognizes innovators and talented entrepreneurs poised to revolutionize the meetings and events sector. “It’s an absolute honor to receive this award from ibtm world and EventMB,” said… more
Jan 04, 2017
E.J. Krause & Associates ended 2016 on a high note by launching two more trade shows in Mexico: Acquatech Mexico and Intertraffic Mexico. Organized in partnership with RAI Amsterdam, both inaugural events were met with an overwhelmingly positive reception, according to show officials. As the newest addition to the Aquatech portfolio of global events for the drinking and waste water technology sector, the first-annual Aquatech Mexico took place Oct. 26-28 at the WTC Pepsi Center in Mexico City. Held alongside The GREEN Expo, the country’s largest trade show for the environmental, energy,… more
Jan 03, 2017
Before 2016 wrapped up, a few suppliers signed new contracts and renewed others to provide services to shows and venues. The American Telemedicine Association selected Convention Data Services (CDS) as its new registration partner. The contract runs through 2018 and calls for CDS to provide full registration and lead retrieval services, along with housing and membership integrations for two events: the ATA International Conference & Tradeshow and the ATA Fall Forum. ATA, the largest telehealth-focused organization, produces these two events to help educate industry professionals and… more
Jan 01, 2017
The American Society of Association Executives recently hosted a successful pilot for their newest event, Xperience Design Project (XDP). Held Dec. 16, the exclusive, one-day, sneak peek of XDP was at the Gaylord National® Resort & Convention Center, and it brought together more than 80 association meeting, marketing, programming, and technology professionals, as well as industry partners to test and fine-tune the new format. The inaugural event, May 23-24, will attract upwards of 1,800 total guests, according to ASA officials. “XDP is an innovative, business-focused experience… more
Jan 01, 2017
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events has opened the Call for Nominations for its 2017 IAEE International Excellence and IAEE Woman of Achievement awards. The deadline for submitting nominations for these awards Feb. 19. “These awards honor outstanding individuals who elevate the exhibitions and events industry by going above and beyond the call of duty on a very special level,” said IAEE President and CEO David DuBois, CMP, CAE, FASAE, CTA. He added, “Our global presence is growing by leaps and bounds, and the International Excellence Award recognizes the contributions… 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.