News
Oct 14, 2012
Meeting Professionals International helped kick things off at last week’s IMEX America in Las Vegas with “Smart Monday”.
Ray Bloom, chairman of the IMEX Group, said that attendees “would not lack for inspiration or a sense of value” during the day-long program.
Nearly 1,000 participants took part in an 8-hour line up of free education sessions, brainstorms and deep dives intended to expand their personal and professional development and effectiveness, according to IMEX officials.
Smart Monday began with a keynote featuring Debra Benton, author of eight… more
Oct 14, 2012
UFI, The Global Association for the Exhibition Industry’s Congress, coming up Nov. 6-9 in Abu Dhabi,United Arab Emirates, is on track to break all-time attendance records that were set at the 2010 event in Singapore that drew 425 attendees (including all delegates, speakers, staff and accompanying persons).
“We are now a few past that and aiming for 450-plus,” said Paul Woodward, UFI’s managing director. “There are already over 50 countries represented. This is, to put it mildly, really encouraging!”
Last year’s event in Valencia, Spain, drew 405… more
Oct 14, 2012
The 2014 International Buyer Program (IBP) application process is now open. Interested shows have until Dec. 10 to apply. The International Buyer Program is a joint government-industry effort designed to increase U.S. export sales by promoting international attendance at major U.S. industry exhibitions.
Exhibitors always are looking to connect with qualified buyers. If your show has exhibitors who are interested in exporting their goods and connecting with pre-screened buyers from outside the U.S. you might want to take a close look at this program.
“Our core value proposition is our… more
Oct 11, 2012
SMG has two new feathers in its cap, scoring venue management contracts for Miami’s James L. Knight Center and South Dakota-based Sioux Falls Convention Center.
Both contracts previously were held by Global Spectrum and mark the 6th and 7th straight RFP convention center wins for SMG, according to Gregg Caren, SMG’s senior vice president of strategic development.
“From a company standpoint, wins are always great when these (RFPs) only come out a few within a year,” Caren said. “It validates we are a real leader for convention center management and marketing.… more
Oct 11, 2012
Even after securing several new exhibitors in the past six months, Market Center Management Company has decided to scrap plans for the Nashville Medical Trade Center, citing not enough long-term leases signed to continue with the project.
“Ending a development venture with such clear benefits for the health care industry has been a difficult decision, but ultimately we were unable to meet our internal leasing targets,” said Bill Winsor, president and CEO of Dallas-based MCMC, in a statement.
He added, “As we said from the outset, we would only proceed if we… more
Oct 09, 2012
Based on hundreds of show that are managed on a2z’s platform, the event technology company has released its latest Quarterly Exposition Industry Analysis.
While overall attendance has started to rebound at several shows, the third quarter wasn’t as kind to net square footage.
The data collected by a2z revealed that NSF in Q3 of 2012 was down by approximately 5 percent, compared with Q3 last year.
“If you have been following our previous a2z index reports, then you may have noticed that in Q1 and Q2, our NSF pacing indicated that Q3 of 2012 was behind by several points… more
Oct 09, 2012
Two of Las Vegas’ megashows, SEMA Show and MAGIC Marketplace, both will stay in Las Vegas into the near future, with extensions of their leases at the Las Vegas Convention Center for five years and three years, respectively.
“SEMA and MAGIC committed to Las Vegas in the early years, as we were evolving into a meetings and convention destination,” said Rossi Ralenkotter, president and CEO of the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority.
He added, “We appreciate their long-standing commitment to Las Vegas and their roles in supporting thousands of local jobs and… more
Oct 09, 2012
Kelso & Company, a private equity firm located in New York, has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Swank Audio Visuals and merge it with another AV company Kelso owns, PSAV Presentation Services.
“PSAV and Swank are industry leaders with impressive histories of growth, innovation and best-in-class customer service,” said Steve Dutton, vice president at Kelso.
He added, “With PSAV and Swank as one combined entity, hoteliers will benefit from a single source of audiovisual and technology support for every size hotel and event around the world.”
Swank Audio… more
Oct 08, 2012
The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau is making a significant investment; US$30 million for a three-year plan that will focus on attracting mega-events from key Asian and ASEAN+6 markets.
The plan, which targets corporate Incentive travel, includes the launch of the ASEAN Visitors Promotion Campaign.
Thailand’s MICE industry has a major role as a bridge to ASEAN economies and in boosting business opportunities both at home and abroad, according to TCEB officials.
TCEB expects the industry to generate revenues of US$ 6 billion (180 billion baht) during the coming three years… more
Oct 08, 2012
Marketing Design Group was bought by its executive vice president, Kimberly Hardcastle-Geddes, and Vincent Polito, president of VP International, for an undisclosed sum.
Hardcastle-Geddes has taken on the president role at the company, and Polito, who runs an events portfolio, will be collaborating with MDG to achieve key organizational objectives and capitalize on new market opportunities.
"I've been impressed with MDG's work for many years; my clients have been thrilled with the results, and I think the potential is unlimited,” Polito said.
He added, “Throughout… 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.