PACK EXPO East Attracts 6,500 Attendees to Debut Show in Philadelphia

The debut of PACK EXPO East in Philadelphia drew 6,500 attendees, 386 exhibiting companies and 92,413 net square feet of exhibit space at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, according to show owner and producer PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies.

Its location in Philadelphia placed PACK EXPO East within 200 miles of one-third of U.S. consumer packaged goods companies (CPGs), including the life science and pharmaceutical industries, which have a stronghold in the region.

Destination Marketing Association International Partners with CBIS to Upgrade empowerMINT Tool

Destination sales professionals will access planner information from Destination Marketing Association International’s empowerMINT initiative that includes improved data hygiene and supplemental meetings and contact information supplied by Columbia Books Information Services.

The data platform will relaunch in summer of 2015.

Job Task Analysis Results Help ASAE Create Valuable Resources for the Association Community

The American Society of Association Executives conducted a Job Task Analysis last year that explored the core functional areas of association management.

The results of this work will help in developing a comprehensive Body of Knowledge for the association field and CAE content outline.

 Human Resources Research Organization (HumRRO) conducted the research, and the survey results confirmed identifiable competencies that reflect important elements of knowledge for those who work in associations.

Association for Iron and Steel Technology Renews Contract with Convention Data Services

The Association for Iron & Steel Technology (AIST) has extended their contract with their preferred registration partner, Convention Data Services (CDS), through 2017.

Under the agreement, CDS will continue to provide full registration services, lead management and exhibitor services for the annual AISTech conference.

IAEE Expo! Expo! Attendees Will Rock Out for A Place Called Home

The International Association of Exhibitions and Events will hold its sixth annual Humanity Rocks: A Celebration with a Cause on tap Dec. 10 during Expo! Expo! IAEE's Annual Meeting & Exhibition 2014 in Los Angeles.

Created in 2009 in collaboration with founding sponsor Global Experience Specialists (GES), this annual event benefits a local charity in the city where Expo! Expo! IAEE's Annual Meeting & Exhibition is being held.

PCMA Education Foundation Unveils the 2015 Professional Achievement Honorees

Kati S. Quigley, CMP, George G. Fenich, Ph.D. and Anne Hamilton, will be honored at the 2015 Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) Education Foundation Dinner Celebrating Professional Achievement on tap April 8 at the Marriott Marquis in Washington D.C.

“Our 2015 Honorees each have career paths and accomplishments that both inspire and guide their peer communities,” said PCMA President & CEO, Deborah Sexton.

SACEOS and SISO Forge Alliance to Bring their Members Closer Together

SACEOS, the Singapore Association of Conventions, Exhibitions and Suppliers and SISO, the Society of Independent Show Organizers, have jointly signed an agreement to share knowledge and information among their respective exhibition industry members.

"This agreement will offer our members an unprecedented opportunity to grow their respective brands in and around the Singapore area as we recognize Singapore as central to the entire ASEAN market base,” Rick McConnell, Chairman of SISO, said.

Professional Convention Management Association 20 in Their Twenties Winners Selected

The Professional Convention Management Association has selected the 2015 class for their 20 in their twenties program, which is designed is designed to engage the best and brightest young professionals in the meetings industry by recognizing emerging leaders.

 “We are privileged to once again have the opportunity to strategically partner with PCMA, the PCMA Education Foundation and their 20 in their Twenties initiative,” said Bob Lander, President and CEO of the Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau, the program’s sponsor.

Growth was Abundant at PMA’s Fresh Summit International Conference in Anaheim

If you wanted to know everything there is around the produce industry and learn about it in one place, the Produce Market Association (PMA) 2014 Fresh Summit International Convention and Expo at the Anaheim Convention Center was the right place to be. 

All facets of the industry, from seeds, packaging, equipment, shipping, import/export, growers, distributors, retailers and more were represented, with the more than 1,090 exhibitors on 265,300 square feet of exhibitor space (a record for space, and evidence of the show’s growth). 

Issues and Trends in Exhibit Space and Sponsorship Sales Report Released

Exhibit Surveys and Lippman Connects recently released the second annual report: “Issues and Trends in Exhibit Space and Sponsorship Sales”.

According to the survey of event organizer executives, growth in both exhibit space and sponsorships sales appears healthy. 

Improvements in the economy and support by industries represented by the events were cited as the primary reasons for growth in both areas.

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.