Jan 26, 2024
Displaying everything from flying cars and transparent TVs to ice cream robots and artificial intelligence-enhanced products, CES 2024 was a triumph. Spanning over 2.5 million square feet (pending an audit) — an estimated 15% increase from last year’s 2.2 million net square feet — the 57th annual CES was the largest such show since COVID-19 decimated live events. The number of exhibitors jumped to more than 4,300, up from 3,200 in 2023, while more than 135,000 attendees gathered at a dozen venues, including the Las Vegas Convention Center, for the Jan. 9-12 show, compared to 115,000… more
Jan 24, 2024
Exclusively sponsored by Honeycomb Strategies. Start here: Take our 5-question carbon quiz! Test what you already know about carbon emissions, then scroll down to read more about our answers. 1. Freight logistics  Question: Which method of shipping to an event is the most carbon intense?  Correct Answer: Airplane.  This answer may not surprise you, but maybe you don’t know about the alternatives. Freight via container ship is 94% less carbon-intensive than air, and rail shipping is even less, though they require more transit time. For final-mile transportation, local electric fleets and… more
Jan 23, 2024
Originally contracted for Sept. 16-24, 2024 at Detroit’s Huntington Place, the annual Detroit Auto Show will move to Jan. 10-20, 2025. Following a three-year hiatus, the show was held in September in 2022 and 2023, but it will move back to its January timeframe and not be held in 2024.The Detroit Auto Show was launched in 1899 and held in January through 2019. “Our primary goal is to create an impactful auto show and showcase our great city and industry,” said Detroit Auto Show and Detroit Auto Dealers Association Executive Director Rod Alberts in a post on LinkedIn.  He continued, “After… more
Jan 22, 2024
In its first deals since the $4.6 billion acquisition by Blackstone last year, Cvent has acquired Jifflenow, a B2B 1:1 and group appointments scheduling solution, and iCapture, a lead capture solution. With these acquisitions, Cvent’s goal is to offer enhanced capabilities to enable sales and marketing teams to improve trade show performance and ROI through automated appointment scheduling and universal lead capture.  Related: Blackstone to Acquire Cvent for $4.6 Billion “Over the past nearly 25 years, we’ve helped power global meetings and events programs, and these acquisitions highlight… more
informa carter
Jan 19, 2024
Informa, the international B2B events, digital services and academic markets company (owner of TSNN, ENN and Corporate Event News), reported a 30% increase in underlying revenue for the full-year 2023 and the merger of Informa Tech’s digital businesses with U.S.-based TechTarget.  During an investor presentation on Jan. 10, Informa Group Chief Executive Stephen A. Carter said the company’s 2024 guidance targets high single-digit underlying revenue growth, with reported revenue of £3,425m-£3,475m ($4,332m-$4,395m) and adjusted operating profit of £945m-£965m ($1,195m-$1,220m).  By the… more
Jan 18, 2024
What do attendees want in 2024? The good news: More events, according to the latest Freeman Trends Report, “2024 Attendee Intent and Behavior.” In fact, 92% of respondents said they will attend more in-person events in 2024 than in 2023, according to a comprehensive behavioral assessment of B2B events by global events company Freeman.  Building on the findings and insights of Freeman’s Q1 2023 Trends Report that identified attendee gaps, analyzed sentiment and revealed expectations, the 2024 report surveyed attendees to find out what’s changed, what’s remaining the same and what to expect… more
Jan 16, 2024
In an effort to drive growth and a strong corporate culture, global exhibition and live events industry experiential marketing and logistics partner Global Experience Specialists (GES) recently made two major executive promotions: Jeff Quade and Jason Stead to president of GES Exhibitions – North America and GES Exhibitions – EMEA, respectively. Deeper dive with Jeff Quade With more than three decades of executive leadership experience at GES, Quade leads the North American business unit of GES Exhibitions, which includes its leading trade show general service contractor business, housing… more
Jan 15, 2024
What’s trending in group food and beverage (F&B) as 2024 begins? We asked Eric Vaughn, executive director of culinary operations for CAESARS FORUM and the Las Vegas region, to share what his F&B team is preparing for events at Caesars Entertainment venues in Las Vegas this year.  Vaughn is responsible for banquet and culinary operations at all Caesars Entertainment Las Vegas properties, which include Caesars Palace, Planet Hollywood, Paris, Horseshoe, Cromwell, Flamingo, LINQ hotel, LINQ promenade and CAESARS FORUM. Bringing more than 18 years of experience with Caesars Entertainment… more
Jan 11, 2024
Money20/20, a fintech and financial services content, sales and networking platform, has appointed seasoned trade show and media industry veteran Jessica Blue as its new executive vice president of Money 20/20 USA, one of three annual fintech trade shows and conferences for the global money ecosystem.  Bringing more than 25 years of experience in the B2B trade show and media industries to her new role, including 15 years in the U.K. with UBM plc (now Informa plc) and Advanstar Communications, Blue most recently served as executive vice president at Emerald, where she was responsible for a… more
Jan 10, 2024
Exclusively sponsored by Honeycomb Strategies Natural Products Expo West (NPEW) gathers industry professionals, stakeholders and consumers from the natural products and sustainable living sectors annually. The event showcases eco-friendly products, promotes sustainable practices and fosters networking opportunities within the industry. But with nearly 70,000 people expected to walk through the doors of the Anaheim Convention Center for the 2023 event, even organizers understood the possibility for their eco-focused event to generate a large amount of single-use waste. “Sustainability is a… 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.