Aug 31, 2017
Technology companies with new products or services relevant to the meetings, incentive, conference and events (MICE) industry have until Sept. 8 to enter the ibtm world Tech Watch Award. The Tech Watch Award 2017 winner will be announced at ibtm world 2017, taking place Nov. 28-30 at Fira Barcelona in Barcelona, Spain. Designed to recognize the achievements of up and coming technologies in the meetings and events space, the highly competitive Tech Watch Award gives technology companies the opportunity to showcase their products to thousands of global buyers, influencers and media in the… more
Aug 30, 2017
Mobile app technology can be an incredible tool for show organizers, especially those platforms that help event professionals streamline their events. As a result, you don’t have to look far these days to find a slew of mobile apps specifically designed to help improve all aspects of the event planning and execution ecosystem. Designed to simplify the attendance tracking process for educational sessions of all sizes, Expo Logic has created TrackPod, an interactive session-scanning mobile app that uses the camera on a mobile device to keep track of session attendees. “This app is expected… more
George R. Brown Convention Center
Aug 30, 2017
After Hurricane Harvey slammed into the Texas Coast and spurred days of record rainfall resulting in deadly flooding conditions, the doors of Houston’s George R. Brown Convention Center opened and currently houses more than 9,000 evacuees. In addition, Houston’s NRG Center opened last night as a shelter, and the Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center in Dallas also is mobilized so it, too, will be able to take in people as needed.   Visit Houston released the following statement: “Over these last few days, the residents of this great city have shown the true Heart of Houston, and… more
Aug 29, 2017
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events unveiled a new direction for the association after intense board level discussions and approval of a new strategic plan through 2025. “IAEE’s redefined direction is based on two years of strategic planning with the board of directors and a futurist asking tough questions on what the association and the industry can and should look like in the future and how to remain relevant to our stakeholders,” said IAEE president and CEO, David DuBois, CMP, CAE, FASAE, CTA. The strategic plan looks ahead to 2025 and focuses on three pillars:… more
Aug 29, 2017
August was a busy month for hiring and promotions in the trade show industry, with venues, show organizers and general service contractors all adding to their ranks. The Expo Group has brought on Toby Purdy as Chief Sales Officer. “Growth at The Expo Group is a constant. We are accelerating at a fast pace as the market moves to overcome the status quo and understands we can solve their challenges with compelling experiences and investment in growing client revenues,” said The Expo Group President and COO Randy Pekowski.  He added, “Toby is the right leader for our growth and customer… more
Aug 29, 2017
Buzz. All brands need it and events are no exception. Attendees put a lot of faith into their peers’ opinions, putting a level of trust in their perspectives that is higher than any brand could hope to earn independently. “Brand advocates have become increasingly important within the marketing mix for all events,” said Ed Several, senior vice president at Reed Exhibitions. “Today, the customers we serve often look to influencers within their industry to understand how best to participate in an event.” Renee Lewis, an event designer who works with the Council of Engineering and Scientific… more
Aug 29, 2017
ASAE has booked Johnny P to be the musical entertainment at this year’s Power of A-Summit Awards Dinner Oct. 4 at the National Building Museum. Jonny P is a Bronx-born, Nashville-based singer-songwriter, who plays soul music. His songs are rooted in the sounds of the past, but also incorporates the present with disarmingly direct arrangements and a smooth vocal style. “He just wrapped up his first role in the film Detroit by Oscar-winning director Kathryn Bigelow (The Hurt Locker, Zero Dark Thirty), and screenwriter Mark Boal, a fictionalized chronicle of the Detroit riots of 1967. In April… more
Aug 28, 2017
While some exhibit manufacturing companies might occasionally tout their fair share of sustainable practices, others are going the extra mile to help alleviate their impact on the environment. One such company is Orbus Exhibit & Display Group, which has been carrying out intensive recycling efforts for almost a decade in an ongoing effort to divert as much waste as possible from landfill. Specializing in the manufacture of portable modular and custom modular exhibit and display products, graphics and solutions, Orbus is a privately owned group of companies comprising companies and… more
Aug 25, 2017
Informa Exhibitions’ WWETT, a wastewater management show, and the World Pet Association’s SuperZoo snagged top honors for fastest-growing shows in attendance and net square footage, respectively, at the 2017 TSNN Awards Aug. 21-23 in New Orleans. The Rivergate Room at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center was packed with show organizers representing the Top 25 fastest-growing shows in attendance and net square footage during the Aug. 22 celebration, as well as winners of the TSNN Best of Show, Best of Tech Innovation, Industry Icon Award and The Expo Group’s Show Manager of the Year Awards… more
Aug 25, 2017
Mahaffey Fabric Structures acquired more than $24.2 million in assets from Los Angeles-based Classic Party Rentals, including tents, structure frame, fabric pieces and specialty structures. With this purchase, the temporary structures solutions provider now boasts an expanded network of both personnel and products to cover large-scale activations, corporate events, festivals, sporting events, film productions and other special events nationwide. “With the addition of more than 3.1 million square feet of tent and structure inventory, this acquisition will be an industry game-changer,” said… 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.