Association Show News

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Nov 27, 2011
Once a year in the United States, people connected to the amusement parks industry come from far and wide to check out what’s new at the International Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions’ Attractions Expo. This year’s event ran Nov. 14-18 at Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center, and it saw a 5-percent increase to 15,300 attendees, compared with 14,600 attendees at the 2010 event. “The results for IAAPA Attractions Expo 2011 surpassed our expectations on several fronts,” said IAAPA President and CEO Chip Cleary. He added, “… more
Nov 27, 2011
The Virtual Edge Institute’s Virtual Edge Summit 2012, on tap Jan. 9-11 at the San Diego Convention Center, has unveiled a robust education program on everything a show organizer needs to know on virtual and hybrid events, with 80 speakers and 30 sessions. The theme of the summit, “Accelerate: knowledge. strategy. results”, will focus on presenting digital solutions for meetings, events, learning, training and community and feature speakers from companies such as 3M, Cisco Systems, Herbalife, HIMSS, IBM, Intel Corporation, Microsoft, VMWare, and Xerox. The summit runs… more
Nov 15, 2011
The Food Processing Suppliers Association’s 2011 Process Expo closed its show, which ran Nov. 1-4 at Chicago’s McCormick Place, with not only a 14-percent attendance uptick in international attendance, compared with the 2010 show, but also a record-breaker. The largest overseas delegations came from Canada, Mexico, Colombia, Venezuela and Germany. It wasn’t just international attendance that saw a spike though, the overall number of attendees and exhibit floor also grew, according to FPSA officials. "We're very happy with the strong turnout at this year'… more
Nov 15, 2011
The Canadian Manufacturing Technology Show, owned by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers and held Oct. 17-20 in Toronto, not only scored a 10-percent increase in attendance, compared with its 2009 event, but it also debuted a larger showfloor, sold out its conference and had 80 percent renewals for the next show. All of these successes reflect the growing optimism of the Canadian manufacturing industry in general, according to CMTS show organizers. “We took some big steps this year, using the latest in social media to create a more personalized experience for delegates, while… more
Nov 15, 2011
For the fourth time since its founding in 1925, UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry headed to Valencia, Spain, for its annual Congress. As a founding member of UFI in 1925, Feria Valencia hosted UFI’s annual Congress in 1933, 1949, 1992 and most recently Nov. 9-12. This year’s theme, “Bridging Continents – Linking People” brought together almost 400 delegates from 52 countries, which breaks the record for an UFI Congress in Europe, to examine key industry issues from a global point of view, as well as from an in-depth perspective,… more
Nov 15, 2011
After 30 years serving as the head of the Religious Conference Management Association, Dr. DeWayne Woodring has announced his departure as the organization’s executive director, effective Dec. 31. The RCMA board unanimously appointed its vice president of the board, Rev. Harry Schmidt, as the new executive director. Schmidt has served as president of Christian Life College, Mt. Prospect, Ill., for almost two decades. Replacing Schmidt as RCMA board vice president is Melvin Tennant, president and CEO of Meet Minneapolis, Official Convention and Visitors Association, marking the… more
Oct 31, 2011
For the first time, the Craft & Hobby Association is opening up its Winter Conference & Trade Show to exhibitors who are not members of the organization. The strategy behind the decision, according to CHA officials, is to be aligned with the show’s renewed focus on the power of building a creative community and commitment to serving the entire industry. By allowing nonmembers to exhibit at the show, Jan. 29-Feb. 1 at the Anaheim Convention Center, CHA is inviting the entire industry to participate in and experience the craft and hobby community first-hand and participate… more
Oct 04, 2011
The American Society of Association Executives’ ASAE University, formerly known as CenterU and CenterU online, now will offer association professionals the capability and flexibility to take online courses using mobile devices. “By adding the mobile component, it gives the association community the opportunity to participate in our online courses and enhance their knowledge and skills when and where it is most convenient for them,” said ASAE Chief Learning Officer Anne Blouin, CAE. She added, “Our members have demanding schedules, and this allows them to… more
Oct 04, 2011
Attendees of the upcoming IAAPA Attractions Expo 2011, Nov. 14-18 at Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center, will have the opportunity to play golf, ride a motorcycle or go for a run to support the local Give Kids the World organization. GKTW Village is a resort that creates special moments for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families, according to IAPPA officials. “IAAPA is proud of our more than 15-year partnership with Give Kids The World,” said Chip Cleary, IAAPA President and CEO. He added, “These unique and exciting events are ways… more
Oct 04, 2011
Qualcomm’s Dr. Paul E. Jacobs has been chosen to deliver the opening keynote at the Consumer Electronic Association’s 2012 International CES on tap Jan. 10-13 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Jacobs' keynote will be part of the Technology and Evolving Countries (TEC) Program at the show, which focuses  on the role mobile technology plays in global innovation and economic growth in consumer electronics. His keynote will be held Jan. 10 at the Venetian Resort-Hotel-Casino following a state of the consumer electronics industry keynote address delivered by Gary… 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.