Association Show News

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Sep 21, 2015
More than 150 trade show leaders, industry suppliers, investment bankers, media and economists gathered last week at the JW Marriott in Chicago to look deep into a crystal ball for the Center for Exhibition Industry Research’s Predict: Annual Exhibition Industry Outlook Conference. Britton Jones, president and CEO of Business Journals Inc. and chairman of CEIR, greeted everyone and said, “Thank you for taking the time to be here in Chicago for our biggest event yet.” The purpose of CEIR Predict is exactly what it sounds like; the sessions focused on where the industry is now and where it’s… more
Sep 21, 2015
Every year, when thousands of attendees head to the Toy Industry Association’s North American International Toy Fair, the only thing missing on the showfloor filled with toys and game were the kids. Starting with the February 2016 show, the public will have the opportunity to see all the latest new products with TIA and LeftField Media teaming up to launch Play Fair - "a celebration of play and entertainment for all ages”. "Play Fair will provide toy lovers of all ages with unique and unparalleled access to enriching immersive events and experiences built around the power of play," said … more
Sep 18, 2015
Fifty shows will be celebrated for their success Nov. 6-8 at the TSNN Awards in Atlanta, but beforehand, TSNN will hold a complimentary webinar – “What Does It Take to be One of the Fastest-growing Trade Shows in North America?” The webinar will be held Sept. 24 at 1 p.m. ET and to register please go HERE. Find out from the show organizers who have achieved the distinction of being named one of TSNN’s top fastest-growing shows as they speak frankly about their objectives, decisions, teams and challenges along the way. Hear ideas to rethink the aspects of your show suffering stagnation and… more
Sep 15, 2015
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events unveils this year's recipients of its individual awards program, which recognizes professionals who have made outstanding contributions to the exhibitions and events industry. The recipients will be honored during Expo! Expo! IAEE's Annual Meeting & Exhibition Dec. 1-3 in Baltimore, Md. "We were very impressed with the nominations we received this year and congratulate these very deserving honorees," said 2015 IAEE Awards Committee Chairperson Randy Bauler, CEM. He added, "It is very fulfilling to the Awards Committee to know that… more
Sep 15, 2015
In the second phase of research in the Association Global Management Series, the ASAE Foundation takes deep dive look at how associations plan, execute, and refine their global efforts. In Global Growth Strategies, the report provides important steps associations should consider as they decide to establish operations in international markets and for associations who want to take the next step. This report also includes a "Special Focus on China," which examines the strategies and operations of associations working in that country. Throughout the report, the study includes actionable… more
Sep 14, 2015
Three different entities have teamed up to launch ProFood Tech, a new event that will focus on processing technologies serving the food and beverage industry. ProFood Tech will make its debut April 4–6, 2017, at McCormick Place in Chicago. The event will be jointly produced by PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, Koelnmesse and the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA). PMMI is the owner and producer of the PACK EXPO portfolio of trade shows and represents North American manufacturers of equipment, components and materials for processing and packaging.… more
Sep 10, 2015
In just a few days, C-level trade show organizers, suppliers to the industry, financial experts, invest banking firms and media will gather Sept. 16-17 in Chicago for the Center for Exhibition Industry Research’s (CEIR) Predict – Annual Exhibition Industry Outlook Conference. The past couple of years, the conference typically was broken up into experts talking about specific market sectors, but this year, led by Britton Jones, president and CEO of Business Journals Inc. and CEIR’s board chairman, the program has been redesigned. “We are very excited about our 2015 program. We took a deep dive… more
Sep 08, 2015
Michael Gehrisch’s 15-year tenure as president and CEO of Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI), the global association representing the destination marketing industry, has ended. “We are thankful and appreciative of the leadership and significant contributions Michael has made during his tenure which have made a positive impact on the growth and respect of the destination marketing industry internationally. We wish him the best as he moves on to a new chapter in his life,” said Bob Lander, chairman of the DMAI Board of Directors and president and CEO of the Austin Convention… more
Sep 01, 2015
After a big increase in the first quarter of this year, the performance of the business-to-business trade show industry, as measured by the Center for Exhibition Industry Research’s Total Index, remained relatively strong during the second quarter of 2015, posting a year-on-year gain of 3.8 percent. This growth is the second highest rate since the second quarter of 2007 and also marked the 20th consecutive quarter of year-on-year growth. "The second-quarter results are very promising,” said CEIR Economist Allen Shaw, Ph.D., Chief Economist for Global Economic Consulting Associates. He added… more
Sep 01, 2015
Once a year, National Retail Federation staff members and key stakeholders gather together and brainstorm on how they can not only solve challenges they have with their trade shows – Retail’s BIG Show and Shop.org Annual Summit, but also talk about how to make them a more personal experience for attendees. They call the sessions “Blue Sky Meetings”, according to Eric Olsen, NRF’s vice president of education strategies, at which they discuss “anything under the blue sky you could think of” in regards to improving the shows. “We get an agenda beforehand, so that we’re prepared on what the goals… 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.