Nov 23, 2014
With the call to action to “Go & Be” – whether it is creative, innovative or strategic – the International Association of Exhibitions & Events will kick off its Expo! Expo! Annual Meeting & Exhibition Dec. 9-11 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. “We hope that attendees take away the notion that IAEE is always pushing the envelope, looking ahead to provide new and innovative ways to make your individual shows better,” said IAEE President and CEO David DuBois. He added, “We want our guests to have the full ‘Expo Expo Experience’, taking part in the new show features that… more
Nov 23, 2014
Held last week in Las Vegas, DEMA Show not only had a sold-out showfloor, but also saw attendance numbers trending 8 percent higher, compared with 2012, when it was last held in the city. Final attendance numbers are not yet available.  The show, held Nov. 19-22 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, spanned 145,790 net square feet with 644 companies, representing 5.6-percent growth, compared with the last show cycle. "DEMA is a great client, and they continue to bring fresh ideas that add value to their show each year," said Andrew Ortale, National Trade Productions' executive vice… more
Nov 19, 2014
How do attendees of the first-ever Niche EventFest get to a networking party? They have a traditional second line parade down the middle of Poydras Street in New Orleans accompanied by a brass band and a police escort. Niche EventFest, held Nov. 3-5, is the creation of Carl Landau, self-proclaimed Grand Poobah of Niche Media and believer that fun and conferences go well together. This isn’t Landau’s first rodeo though. Niche Media is the producer of Niche Media Conference, Niche Digital Conference and Niche CEO Summit. Landau said the idea for Niche EventFest came from the obvious interest in… more
Nov 18, 2014
A new show that will explore the business of space - the Space Commerce Conference and Exposition (SpaceCom) – is set to launch Nov. 17-19 at the George R. Brown Convention Center. Supported by NASA's Johnson Space Center, SpaceCom is designed to catalyze the economic development of space, the creation of new business models to support that development and the application of space technologies across important industry sectors of the global economy, according to show organizers. "The impact of space commerce is already being felt across the economy… more
Nov 18, 2014
SACEOS, the Singapore Association of Conventions, Exhibitions and Suppliers and SISO, the Society of Independent Show Organizers, have jointly signed an agreement to share knowledge and information among their respective exhibition industry members. "This agreement will offer our members an unprecedented opportunity to grow their respective brands in and around the Singapore area as we recognize Singapore as central to the entire ASEAN market base,” Rick McConnell, Chairman of SISO, said. SISO, established in 1990, has more than 160 members globally, but with its largest number of members… more
Nov 18, 2014
Irving, Texas-based Hanley Wood, a multimedia company serving the residential, commercial design and construction industries, has sold its Hanley Wood Exhibitions business to Informa PLC, a U.K.-based publishing and events company that operates in more than 40 countries.  The $375 million sale is subject to customary regulatory review and is expected to close by the end of 2014. Upon the closing of the transaction, the exhibitions business will be rebranded Informa Exhibitions US and will maintain its headquarters in Irving, Texas. Rick McConnell will continue to lead the company as… more
Nov 18, 2014
The Professional Convention Management Association has selected the 2015 class for their 20 in their twenties program, which is designed is designed to engage the best and brightest young professionals in the meetings industry by recognizing emerging leaders.  “We are privileged to once again have the opportunity to strategically partner with PCMA, the PCMA Education Foundation and their 20 in their Twenties initiative,” said Bob Lander, President and CEO of the Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau, the program’s sponsor. He added, "As an inaugural partner, we were thrilled to… more
Nov 17, 2014
The National Society of Genetic Counselors Annual Education Conference was named the overall fastest-growing show in net square footage and UBM's Medical Design & Manufacturing (MD&M) Minneapolis and MinnPack snagged the overall fastest-growing show in attendance at the 2014 TSNN Awards, held Nov. 14-16 in Cleveland. “It’s been a fantastic weekend and Cleveland is a phenomenal city,” said Laura Pabst, who oversees the NSGC show for SmithBucklin. “NSGC is very grateful for this and will be back next year!” Other big winners celebrated during the gala celebration on Saturday night at… more
Nov 12, 2014
PMMI — The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies – wrapped up its biannual PACK EXPO International last week, along with the newly collocated Pharma EXPO 2014,  and attracted a 6.5 percent increase in attendance, compared with 2012, topping 48,600 at Chicago’s McCormick Place. The four-day event was held Nov. 2-5 and covered more than 1.2 million net square feet of exhibit space, with 2,352 exhibiting companies -  an increase of more than 19 percent, compared with PACK EXPO International 2012. “PACK EXPO International 2014 was definitely a success,” said Jim Pittas,… more
Nov 12, 2014
Autumn brought a busy time with companies adding sales, marketing, operations and executive positions to their employee rosters. Shepard Exposition Services added of two new national sales managers to help support its expanding business in the Orlando and Las Vegas markets. Alex Shelton will be based in Shepard’s Las Vegas branch and Tony Diehl in their Orlando branch. Richard Maples, Shepard’s executive vice president of sales, said, “As we continue to grow our business, it’s critical that we maintain our focus on providing the best customer service, experience and success in the industry.… 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.