Meetings + Conventions Calgary Offers New Digital Experience Institute Digital Event Strategist Scholarship Opportunities

Scholarship applications now are being accepted for the Digital Event Strategist (DES) course and certification exam.

Sponsored by Meetings + Conventions Calgary and supported by the PCMA Education Foundation’s Digital Experience Institute (DEI), the scholarships support meeting professionals seeking to further their digital and hybrid event education.

As the exclusive sponsor of these scholarships, Meetings + Conventions Calgary supports the application, online course and exam fees, a more than $1,000 USD value.

Event Concierge Tool EventBots Wins SISO Event Battlefield Competition

Aromatherapy, easier group transportation booking, language interpretation and a cloud-based event management platform were some of the meeting tools vying for the top prize at this year’s Society of Independent Show Organizer’s Event Battlefield.

The competition was held during SISO’s Leadership conference, Aug. 1-4 in Philadelphia, at which just under 200 attendees voted for one of five companies.

SmartSource Computer & Audio Visual Rentals Relocates and Doubles Size of Las Vegas Branch, Makes Staff Promotion

In response to growing customer demand, SmartSource Computer & Audio Visual Rentals has expanded its Las Vegas operations center. 

Designed to maximize productivity, efficiency and safety, the company’s new 39,000 square foot space features a new production center with advanced information technologies to support upgraded internal networking and equipment configuration.

a2z Helped American Academy of Neurology Take Its Sponsorship Sales Process Into the 21st Century

The American Academy of Neurology (AAN) knew it needed to do something to streamline and expedite its sponsorships sales methods for its Annual Meeting.

The association’s annual event, which attracts more than 10,000 physicians, business administrators and advanced practice providers, also draws in a host of big-name sponsors, including pharmaceutical companies, medical device manufacturers and volunteer health organizations, all vying to engage with attendees.

How Transform USA Summarized the Industry’s Data, Analytics and Digital Mandate

While the inaugural Transform USA conference did not initiate the discussion about data, analytics and digital transformation in exhibitions, it most certainly placed it on the front burner.

During the conference, held July 20 at the Washington Marriott at Metro Center in Washington, D.C., C-suite exhibition executives from across the nonprofit and for-profit exhibition sectors heard from industry colleagues on a variety of subjects, but “disrupt or be disrupted” was the theme of the day.

Western Veterinary Conference Wins Inaugural TSNN Best of Tech Innovation Award

The ability to truly analyze a showfloor using actionable data and making the necessary changes to ensure the show’s continued success led to the Western Veterinary Conference snagging the inaugural TSNN Best of Tech Innovation Award, sponsored by GES.

The award will be presented onstage at the 2017 TSNN Awards Gala Celebration Aug. 22 in New Orleans.

“WVC works closely with our technology partners to innovate and provide the best possible trade show experience for our participants and exhibitors,” said Joel Altman, exhibits director, WVC.

Smart City Networks Improves Cellular Coverage at San Diego Convention Center

Smart City Networks has completed a new distributed antenna system (DAS) designed to exponentially expand the cellular service coverage and capacity at the San Diego Convention Center.

“This new system is going to make a noticeable difference for everyone who attends an event or convention at the San Diego Convention Center,” said Julia Slocombe, vice president of western region operations for Smart City Networks, a telecommunications provider for the convention industry.

CadmiumCD Fuels Growth in U.S. Markets with Two New Major Hires

CadmiumCD is expanding its regional growth in the U.S. with two senior hires and the opening of new offices in Dallas and Fullerton, Calif.

Sandy Brown has joined CadmiumCD as its new sales manager for the Los Angeles, San Francisco and West Coast markets. Transitioning from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) computer society, where she served as senior manager of business development, Brown brings nearly 21 years of associations and events experience to her new role.

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.