InfoComm International Breaks Exhibitor, Showfloor Records at Las Vegas Convention Center
June 14, 2016
InfoComm International, for the commercial audiovisual and information communications industries, saw record growth in not only exhibitors, with 1,000 on the floor and 211 of them being first-timers, but also the showfloor expanded to 527,105 net square feet of exhibit and special events space — also a show record.
“The AV industry’s commitment to advancing technology and showcasing it at InfoComm has never been stronger,” said Jason McGraw, senior vice president of Expositions, InfoComm International.
He added, “The market is constantly changing and we’ve been pleased to introduce new features at InfoComm, such as drones, the Internet of Things, and content creation and streaming, which reflect the dynamic nature of commercial AV. In all, 91 percent of space was rebooked for next year, demonstrating exhibitors’ strong commitment to the show.”
Attendees registered for more than 12,000 seats at InfoComm University sessions throughout the week, which was more than double the number engaged in training and education in 2015.
InfoComm 2016 also welcomed 38,833-plus visitors, a 4.8-percent increase from the last time the show was held in Las Vegas, with more than 35 percent of attendees were visiting InfoComm for the first time.
As part of a special social media promotion, InfoComm encouraged everyone to take selfies and hashtag them #AVselfie – afterward they out together a VIDEO parodying three popular songs and incorporating all of the photos taken.
“This is a thriving, growing, busy industry — especially this time of year — and the fact that so many professionals continue to gather in one place, including new faces and dedicated InfoComm attendees, underscores the important role that the show plays in the success of their businesses and their careers,” said David Labuskes, executive director and CEO, InfoComm International.
In addition, a record 252 attendees registered to take a Certified Technology Specialist exam during InfoComm 2016 and 186 received their certification. Certified professionals earned more than 30,000 renewal units toward maintaining their CTS credentials through continuing education.
Many of InfoComm’s growing member councils also met at the show. Year-to-date, InfoComm International has welcomed more than 750 new members in North America — double the rate of a year ago.
Membership renewals in the first half of 2016 are up almost 40 percent compared to the same time in 2015. InfoComm membership in Europe has climbed 17 percent year-over-year, and overall membership outside the United States has grown 12 percent year-to-date. Up to 20 percent of InfoComm show attendees travel from outside North America to take part.
InfoComm 2017 will be held June 10-16, 2017, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla.
Partner Voices
Just when it seems like Las Vegas can’t get any bigger, brighter or more exciting for groups, MGM Resorts raises the bar again. The company continues to invest and innovate across its portfolio of Las Vegas resorts, with new attractions and upgraded experiences for attendees of all interests.
Remodeled Guest Rooms
MGM Grand is the largest single hotel in the world with over 5,000 guest rooms and an 850,000-square-foot conference center. It is home to the newly remodeled MGM Grand Studio Tower—700 reimagined guest rooms with a fun mid-century vibe. Nearby, the iconic New York-New York Las Vegas Hotel & Casino recently completed a $63M redesign and remodel of its 1,830 guest rooms and 155 suites.
Down the street, Bellagio Las Vegas is sporting renovated rooms in the Spa Tower with sunrise-inspired decor and luxurious soaking tubs in Premier King rooms after a $110-million transformation.
Reinvented Luxury Experiences
The Luxury Meetings District, made up of Bellagio Las Vegas, ARIA Resort & Casino, Vdara Hotel & Spa, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, Park MGM and NoMad Las Vegas, is now more connected than ever before. A new interior walkway opened this October for a seamless attendee experience – connecting Vdara, Bellagio, and The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, guests can now walk from Park MGM to Bellagio in around 15 minutes.
New on the scene in the Luxury Meetings District is Cathedrale at ARIA, TAO Group’s upscale establishment specializing in exquisite French-Mediterranean cuisine offering elevated private dining experiences that opened in May.
Heralded by World’s Best 50 Restaurants, GQ and VOGUE, LPM at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas is opening this fall and will deliver its signature spontaneity and imaginative celebration of France’s Mediterranean cuisine, art, and culture to the unique luxury resort in impeccable fashion.
A “New Wave for Mandalay Bay
A new wave of enhancements and experiences has arrived at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, including Flanker Kitchen + Sports Bar, an 8,445-square-foot restaurant that opened this June, perfect for pre- and post-game eats and drinks. Event planner’s favorite, Chef Michael Mina’s StripSteak, received a full renovation and now includes one of the largest private dining rooms on The Strip. Retro by Voltaggio debuts a one-year residency with a fun take on pop culture of the 80s and 90s with classic American dishes. An exciting addition planned for 2024 is Swingers, a 40,000-square-foot oasis of street food, miniature golf and art at Mandalay Bay.
Most exciting for meeting planners, the 2.1 million-square-foot Mandalay Bay Convention Center is undergoing a complete refresh, with lightened space, added eye-catching art, and improved technology infrastructure for even more flexible space. Energy-efficient digital signage now leads the way with faster internet speeds and new AV options.
From renovated guest rooms and meeting spaces to celebrated dining options and dedicated teams, MGM Resorts is dedicated to delivering exceptional and innovative meeting experiences.
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