Center for Exhibition Industry Research Unveils 2016 Board of Directors

The Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) announced the selection of Aaron Bludworth, CEO of Fern, as the incoming Chairman of the Board along with the new slate of officers and board members during its meeting held Dec.1 in Baltimore, Md.

The 2016 officers of the CEIR board of directors are as follows:

·  Chairman: Aaron Bludworth, president and CEO, Fern;

·  Vice Chair: Steve Moster, CEO, VIAD and president, Global Experience Specialists (GES);

Trade Show Industry Sees 3.1-percent Q3 Uptick, 21st Straight Quarter of Growth

The trade show industry continued its growth streak into the third quarter of this year, with a 3.1-percent uptick, compared with the same quarter last year, marking the 21st straight quarter of growth, according to the Center for Exhibition Industry Research’s Index Report.

"We are very encouraged to see three very strong quarters of growth for the year," said CEIR President and CEO Brian Casey.

He added, "We will be watching with great interest how the year ends based on fourth quarter results, and anticipate growth to continue into 2016 and 2017."

IAEE Welcomes Incoming Chairperson Julia Smith, 2015 Board Election Results Unveiled

This year’s International Association of Exhibitions and Events™ (IAEE) Chairperson Megan Tanel, CEM, passed the gavel to 2016 IAEE Chairperson Julia Smith, CEM, CTA, at the Annual Networking Luncheon and Awards Presentation held during Expo! Expo! IAEE's Annual Meeting & Exhibition 2015 in Baltimore, Md.

"I look forward to building on IAEE's successful advocacy initiatives, and to promoting program development to attract future generations to careers in the exhibitions and events industry," Smith said.

PCMA Education Foundation Unveils the 2016 Lifetime Achievement Honorees

Johnnie C. White Jr., CMP, MBA, Janet L. Jakobsen, CMP, MBA, and James E. Rooney, will be honored at the 2016 Visionary Awards, April 27 at the Marriott Marquis in Washington D.C.

More than1,000 industry professionals will gather this spring at the re-designed Foundation awards event, the 2016 Visionary Awards, to celebrate the honorees.

Destination Marketing Association International Hold First-ever Strategic Innovation Summit

Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI) brought together a broad base of DMO industry leaders and thought leaders during the organization’s first-ever Strategic Innovation Summit, held Oct. 7-8 in Dallas.

The efforts from this meeting, led by Soren Kaplan of InnovationPoint, built the framework for DMAI’s 2016-2017 Strategic Plan, according to DMAI officials.

People in the News: Rob Mesirow Steps Down from CTIA, Atlanta Convention Bureau Adds to Team

Robert Mesirow, vice president of business operations for CTIA – The Wireless Association, will be stepping down, after 17 years at the association.

“I want to thank CTIA, its board members and all of the wireless executives I have collaborated with over the years.  Special thanks to my dedicated team,” Mesirow said.

He added, “This Association has been at the forefront of every major mobile event since the inception of the wireless industry, and it’s been a great ride!”

Naylor Association Solutions Launches Association-focused TV/Video Channel

Naylor Association Solutions, a provider of member engagement and revenue solutions for the North American association marketplace, has produced an exclusive, association- focused online video channel and is partnered with 10 state, local, and regional societies of association executives at this time.

The channel showcases syndicated content, focusing on key topics of interest, while engaging audiences and sharing best practices and leadership tips for association professionals in segments of three minutes or less.

International Association of Conference Centres Elects Alex Cabanas as Global President

The International Association of Conference Centres has elected Alex Cabañas as global president, effective immediately.
 
Alex Cabañas, CEO of Benchmark Hospitality International, will serve a two-year term as head of the association, which has over 350 conference and meeting venue members in 22 countries worldwide. 

International Association of Exhibitions and Events Unveils 2015 Individual Award Winners

The International Association of Exhibitions and Events unveils this year's recipients of its individual awards program, which recognizes professionals who have made outstanding contributions to the exhibitions and events industry.

The recipients will be honored during Expo! Expo! IAEE's Annual Meeting & Exhibition Dec. 1-3 in Baltimore, Md.

"We were very impressed with the nominations we received this year and congratulate these very deserving honorees," said 2015 IAEE Awards Committee Chairperson Randy Bauler, CEM.

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.