Association Show News

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Jan 08, 2015
The good news is that of companies polled for UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry’s 14th Global Barometer Survey, the majority of them have seen positive turnover since 2011. However, 41 percent of those surveyed didn’t think the worldwide economic crisis was over as of yet. In addition, while there were profits in 2014, less than one company out of two saw annual profits rise more than 10 percent. “In a globally fragile economic environment, the exhibition industry continues to demonstrate a fairly good performance, except in some countries with specific current issues,”… more
Jan 06, 2015
New and returning exhibitors of the Automate 2015 show already have secured more than 150 percent of exhibit floor space, compared with the last show in 2013, according to the Association for Advancing Automation. Automate 2015, which takes place March 23-26 in Chicago, Ill., recently was named one of the “Top 10 Manufacturing Shows” in the United States.  “Today’s automation industry is rapidly growing with new innovations, markets and technology,” said Jeff Burnstein, president of A3. He added, “The growth of Automate 2015 reflects the… more
Jan 06, 2015
The American Society of Association Executives held its 2014 CIO Pre-Conference Workshop and Technology Conference & Expo Dec. 15-17 at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center at National Harbor, Md. With a total of 1,203 total participants, this year’s event was one of the highest attended conferences in its history. Participants took part in 30 high-level practical education sessions within five pathways, a sold-out Expo Hall and learned about new technologies and how they could possibly use them within their organization. The final attendance breakdown for this year’s… more
Jan 06, 2015
Several thousand convention managers and suppliers to the industry will be heading to the Windy City’s McCormick Place Jan. 11-14 to take part in the Professional Convention Management Association’s annual Convening Leaders event. This year will have a lot to live up to, with last year’s event in Boston drawing the highest attendance in the event’s history, nearly 4,000 attendees. Chicago is a major base for associations, so there likely will be once again a huge turnout to this year’s event. Convening Leaders kicks off Sunday with an opening party – Hyde Away Chicago – at the Museum of… more
Dec 17, 2014
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events’ 2014 Chairperson Jonathan "Skip” Cox passed the gavel to chairperson-elect Megan Tanel, vice president of exhibitions and events at the Association of Equipment Manufacturers, at the Annual Networking Business Luncheon and Awards Ceremony held during Expo! Expo! IAEE's Annual Meeting & Exhibition last week in Los Angeles. "I look forward to contributing to a robust agenda of advocacy, education development, global expansion and increasing engagement of all members during my term as IAEE Chairperson in 2015," Tanel said… more
Dec 16, 2014
After last quarter, which saw slowing growth in the trade show industry, the third quarter bounced back with the 17th consecutive positive quarter showing, a 1.8-percent year-on-year increase overall, according to the Center for Exhibition Industry Research’s Index Report. Even so, the growth of the exhibition industry index lagged a bit behind GDP growth for the second straight quarter, in contrast to the previous two quarters (2014Q1 and 2013Q4), where exhibitions grew slightly faster than GDP. "We are very pleased by the third quarter results and confirm our forecast that the exhibition… more
Dec 12, 2014
More than 2,000 trade show organizers and suppliers were in Los Angeles this week to take part in three days of networking, education sessions and a bustling showfloor at the 2014 International Association of Exhibitions and Events’ Expo! Expo! The exact number of attendees, 2,104, was a significant jump, compared with 2013, with also more than 1,000 show organizers on hand this year. "The 2014 Expo! Expo! has exceeded our expectations so far. We have a record number of show organizer attendees, specifically a 30 percent increase over last year, and our overall attendance has increased… more
Dec 09, 2014
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events has released an updated version of its white paper, “Future Trends Impacting the Exhibitions and Events Industry”, created by the IAEE Future Trends Task Force, chaired by Francis J. Friedman, president of Time & Place Strategies, Inc. Originally released in 2013, the report identifies and addresses major trends that will impact the exhibitions and events industry within the next three years. "Trends that we reported in last year's white paper are now maturing and appearing more consistently at exhibitions and events,"… more
Dec 04, 2014
The 2016 International Buyer Program (IBP) application period is now open. Interested shows have until Dec. 22 to apply. The U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Buyer Program is a joint government-industry effort designed to increase U.S. export sales by promoting international attendance at major U.S. industry exhibitions.   Exhibitors are always looking to connect with qualified buyers. If a show has exhibitors who are interested in exporting their goods and connecting with pre-screened buyers from outside the U.S., this program is designed for them.… more
Dec 02, 2014
Kati S. Quigley, CMP, George G. Fenich, Ph.D. and Anne Hamilton, will be honored at the 2015 Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) Education Foundation Dinner Celebrating Professional Achievement on tap April 8 at the Marriott Marquis in Washington D.C. “Our 2015 Honorees each have career paths and accomplishments that both inspire and guide their peer communities,” said PCMA President & CEO, Deborah Sexton. She added, “While their past leadership has been instrumental in advancing our industry, their present and future leadership endeavors will help us ensure conventions… 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.