Sep 06, 2023
A record-breaking number of nominations came flying in for the 2023 TSNN Awards, including nominations in 12 categories for the Innovation Awards and an incredible number of nominations for the Outstanding Show Pro Awards. TSNN has named those who will be recognized with Outstanding Show Pro Awards and TSNN Award for Best Innovation for a Consumer Show, presented by EventsPass, as well as unveiled the finalists for the Innovation Awards listed below. The 2023 TSNN Awards (www.T-awards.com) are on tap Oct. 27-28 in Puerto Rico, with an opening party at the Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel &… more
Sep 06, 2023
A plethora of new business agreements, contract renewals, strategic partnerships and major acquisitions have marked a very busy summer for the global trade show and events industry. Take a look!  ASM Global The Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority (PCCA) recently inked a five-year contract renewal with ASM Global as the venue management company for the Pennsylvania Convention Center (PCC), effective Dec. 1 through Nov. 30, 2028. The company has served as the PCC’s management partner since 2013, when the PCCA awarded an initial contract to SMG, which was subsequently rebranded as ASM… more
Sep 05, 2023
U.K.-based Cuil Bay Capital (CBC), a new investment vehicle led by exhibition industry entrepreneur Doug Emslie, former CEO of Tarsus Group, announces its inaugural investment, the acquisition of a majority stake in the dynamic U.K.-based Raccoon Media Group (Raccoon). Founded in 2016, Raccoon achieved acclaim with the launch of the multi-award-winning National Running Show. Since then, the company launched several more events in the U.K. and U.S. and experienced fast growth, transforming into a high-growth media business dedicated to promoting healthy and active lifestyles. Raccoon… more
Aug 30, 2023
While leisure travel rebounded at a much faster pace coming out of COVID, business travel has picked up momentum in 2023, according to the 9th CWT Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) Travel Price Forecast 2024.  The report helps businesses understand market pricing for airfares, hotel room rates, ground transport and meetings and events. The forecast also explores where prices are heading, as well as the drivers of change. “For business travelers as well as for the travel industry, 2023 and 2024 will present a dynamic environment characterized by economic uncertainty and heightened… more
Aug 29, 2023
About 18 months ago, Nicole Leinbach, founder of Retail Minded and co-founder Independent Retailers & Sellers Conference (IRSC), decided to launch her first trade show, aiming to fill a void in the retail and wholesale sexual wellness space that she saw and wanted to support.  The sexual wellness market in the U.S. was valued at $11 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach $20 billion by 2030, according to a report by statista.  On July 24 and 25, STIMULATE: A B2B Sexual Wellness Trade Show debuted in Nashville with about 200 attendees and more than 40 vendors. While this was her first… more
Aug 22, 2023
As Las Vegas Fashion Week got underway on Aug. 7, two trade shows announced they will be co-locating under one roof for their next editions in 2024.  Womenswear in Nevada (WWIN), produced by Clarion Events Inc. and Las Vegas Apparel and operated by ANDMORE (formerly International Market Centers), will run concurrently at The Expo at World Market Center Las Vegas Feb. 13-15, 2024 — just days after the 2024 Super Bowl, which will be played at Allegiant Stadium on Feb. 11.  Together, the two buying events are expected to feature more than 500 brands.  Relocating from Caesars Palace, WWIN… more
Aug 21, 2023
Clarion Events North America, the U.S. division of UK-based Clarion Events, has tapped event industry veteran Liz Irving as its first president. Bringing a wealth of experience and a proven successful track record in the events industry, Irving has played an integral role in building and leading the Clarion Events North American strategy while supporting the global Clarion Events strategy alongside her international colleagues. This makes her the ideal choice to lead Clarion Events North America into the future, according to Clarion officials. “I have complete confidence in Liz’s ability to… more
Aug 21, 2023
The Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (ECA) applauds the introduction of the Visa Processing Improvement Act, bipartisan legislation that was introduced on July 27 by Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Sen. Jerry Moran (R-KS). The legislation addresses the long visitor visa appointment wait times that are impacting the business events sector. The Visa Processing Improvement Act proposes to improve visa processing within the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs in four ways: Increasing consular office flexibility and capacity Improving transparency and accountability… more
Aug 17, 2023
Business events, exhibitions and conferences producer CloserStill Media has agreed to acquire UK-based UKi Media & Events, an events and media business specializing in the transportation sector. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. The strategic move significantly expands CloserStill’s reach in North America, Europe and Asia, as well as lays the foundation for the company’s newly launched Future Transport and Infrastructure Group, representing an entirely new market segment for the company. “We are very excited to welcome UKi Media & Events into the CloserStill Group,” said Yancy… more
Aug 16, 2023
The devastating wildfires that tore through western Maui and destroyed much of the historic town of Lahaina has been named the deadliest U.S. wildfire in more than a 100 years, and one of the top 10 deadliest wildfires since 1871, according to research from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).  Starting in the early morning hours of Aug. 8, the deadly blaze was the result of a perfect storm of drought conditions and strong winds from Hurricane Dora as it passed south of the islands. More than 100 people have died, up to 1,000 people are still unaccounted for, approximately 2,200… 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.