People News: Moves at Reed Exhibitions, ASM Global, KBIS and More
November 18, 2020
From presidents and board of directors to fine-cuisine-minded appointments in the Midwest, here’s the latest news about professionals in the trade show industry that you need to know.
Fernando Fischer was named president of Reed Exhibitions Americas on Nov. 11. Previously CEO of Reed Exhibitions Brazil for three years, he had joined Reed Exhibitions as U.S. president in January this year. In his new role, Fernando continues to directly lead the company's operation in the United States and adds Latin America under his regional management, where he has Claudio Della Nina, managing director of LATAM, in the local management of Brazil and Mexico operations.
On Nov. 4, ASM Global announced Bob Newman would assume the new role of chairman of ASM, transitioning from his current role as president and CEO. Newman, who was previously president of AEG Facilities, will continue to serve as CEO while a search is conducted for a successor CEO.
As of Nov. 16, Emerald has appointed Jason C. McGraw as vice president, responsible for oversight of Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) and CEDIA Expo. Additionally, Amy Hornby has been appointed to a newly created position of director of key accounts for the same two shows.
Last month, Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority’s board of directors selected Charles Harris to be the organization’s next president and CEO. Through direction of the board, Harris will be responsible for planning, coordinating and directing all activities associated with the operation of the RSCVA and its facilities. He began his new role Nov. 16, and most recently was chief marketing officer and executive vice president of public affairs for Visit Anaheim.
SEARCH Foundation, a 501(c)3 dedicated to assisting hospitality and event professionals in crisis, last month announced its new incoming board of directors, which includes:
- Chairwoman Kate Patay
- Vice Chairman Patrick McMichael
- Treasurer Larry Green
- Secretary David Lombardo
- Immediate Past Chairman Rick Turner
- Executive Advisor Joann Roth-Oseary
- Directors: Nick Borelli, Judy Brillhart, Evan Carbotti, Mark Catuogno, Thuy Diep, Bobby Dutton, Jerry Hellman, Stephanie Jayko, Frank Puleo, Michele Polci, India Rhodes, Thomas Whelan Jr. and JC York
Interprefy, a Zurich-based provider of cloud-based interpretation services for meetings and events, has appointed Annett Polaszewski-Plath as its new CEO. She will take over from founder Kim Ludvigsen, who will transition out of the role and continue to serve as vice chairman of the board. Polaszewski-Plath most recently served as managing director at Eventbrite DACH.
The Wisconsin Center — a quasi-governmental body that operates Wisconsin Center, UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena and Miller High Life Theatre in downtown Milwaukee — has new leadership in the kitchen. Newly appointed General Manager Julio Henriquez and Executive Chef Christopher Pulling, both of Levy Restaurants, demonstrated the venue’s five-star hospitality through a private, socially distanced Oktoberfest-themed tasting event at Wisconsin Center on Oct. 27.
Have more people news to share? Send announcements to lpsavas@tsnn.com.
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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