Jul 08, 2015
Trade Show News Network will celebrate Britton Jones, president and CEO of Business Journals Inc. (BJI), as the TSNN Industry Icon Award honoree at the 6th annual TSNN Awards Nov. 6-8 in Atlanta. “I am truly honored to be named TSNN’s 2015 Industry Icon Award honoree. I am tremendously blessed to work with incredibility insightful, talented and dedicated people,” Jones said. He added, “We work in an environment that fosters creativity and real innovation. To me, this award is wonderful recognition of the impact and significance of our collective efforts to move the events… more
Jun 26, 2015
The trade show industry continues to be busy, with several promotions and new hires within supplier and show management companies. Rick McConnell, who already was president of Informa Exhibitions U.S. Construction & Real Estate, has expanded his role to include being named president of Informa Canada as well. “McConnell’s tradeshow career, expertise in growing businesses and strong leadership skills made him the natural choice for this dual role in managing and growing these North American teams,” said Will Morris, CEO of Informa Exhibitions. He added, “With his outstanding track record,… more
Jun 22, 2015
After 27 years with Reed Exhibitions, Chairman Mike Rusbridge will retire at the end of 2015. Chet Bruchett was promoted to CEO of the company earlier in the year.  “Mike’s achievement at Reed Exhibitions has been outstanding,” said Erik Engstrom, RELX Group CEO. “Over the two decades he has led the company and built the world’s largest exhibitions business, delivering consistent growth over 20 years. I wish him well for the future.” Rusbridge joined Reed Exhibitions as its CEO Europe in 1988, becoming president of Europe and Asia in 1994 and appointed Chairman & CEO in 1996. During… more
Jun 08, 2015
U.K.-based UBM has named Simon Foster, current CEO of UBM EMEA, as CEO of UBM Americas. Foster takes over for Sally Shankland, who stepped down a few weeks ago and has a new position with McGraw-Hill Education. “We feel Simon is very well placed to lead the UBM Americas business,” said UBM CEO Tim Cobbold. “He has extensive experience in managing integrations and has deep knowledge of our products, key customers and people in the region, having previously had responsibility for many of these business units.” Foster will step into his new post June 29 and his focus will be on continuing the… more
May 28, 2015
The month of May has been an unusually busy one for new hires across a wide variety of companies in the trade show industry. The Expo Group hired Lloyd van Meter its new general manager in its Las Vegas offices. Van Meter has extensive freight expertise, as well as 15 years in the trade show industry and strong leadership skills honed in the U.S. Marine Corps. The Expo Group also named Mitchell Gross as the new leader of its growing custom exhibits department. Gross also will continue to lead the Finance department for the company. Prior to becoming operations manager for MC2 Events Exhibits… more
May 22, 2015
Nine months after being appointed CEO of UBM Americas, Sally Shankland will be stepping down at the end of June to pursue an opportunity in a different industry. “Sally’s commitment to UBM has been significant. She has seen the Group transformed from a print-heavy conglomerate into an Events-focused media and communications business,” said Tim Cobbold, CEO of UBM. He added, “Her role within this transformation has been noteworthy, particularly her long tenure as leader of our U.S. medical media assets. I thank her warmly for her contribution and wish her every success in her new role.”… more
May 12, 2015
As part of an ongoing series, TSNN Reporter Traci Browne has been profiling trade show executives and asking them probing questions like it’s the day before your show and there’s a zombie apocalypse – what would your first thought be? She got Mike Blackman to play along this month in our interview series. Traci met Mike at the SISO Executive Conference in Atlantic City, and said, “I knew right away he would be the perfect interview subject.” Mike Blackman Managing Director Integrated Systems Events 30 Years In Industry   Traci Browne: Where did you grow up? What was your adolescent… more
Apr 30, 2015
There were several high-profile shifts in show management recently, with some people retiring, others named into new positions and another taking on a new role altogether. The National Shooting Sports Foundation promoted Melissa Schilling to the position of director, Exhibitions & Conferences. Schilling’s most recent position with the organization was director, Recruitment & Retention, a title she held since 2012. Schilling worked on the development and organization of NSSF’s many conferences and shows, including its annual Industry Summit, Congressional Fly-In and the SHOT Show, one… more
Apr 16, 2015
The Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (MPEA) Board of Directors appointed Lori Healey as CEO of the agency that oversees Chicago’s McCormick Place. Healey comes to MPEA from the Chicago-based investment and urban economic development firm Tur Partners LLC, where she served as CEO. She succeeds Jim Reilly, who announced previously that he would be stepping down in 2015. “We are very fortunate to have someone with Lori‘s caliber of experience to lead the MPEA team during these exciting times, with construction of the event center and the headquarters hotel set to begin shortly,” said… more
Apr 09, 2015
This past month has been a busy one with several long-time industry figures switching jobs, being promoted or returning to prior places of employment. In addition, there was the sad news that Earl C. Hargrove, founder of general service contracting firm Hargrove Inc., passed away at the age of 86. A celebration of his life is planned for April 11, beginning 11 a.m. at St. James’ Church, 5757 Solomons Island Road, Lothian, Md. 20711, followed by internment. Family and friends may visit April 10, 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at his home, Holly Springs Farm, 571 West… 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.