News

Aug 03, 2022
The U.S. Travel Association launched the Sustainable Travel Coalition in an effort to help every sector of the travel industry, including meetings and events, develop and advance strategies for sustainability.  With nearly 60 member entities to start, including major DMOs, hotel groups and industry organizations such as the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA), the Sustainable Travel Coalition will serve as an advisory body to inform U.S. Travel on sustainability issues, opportunities and concerns within member entities. A dedicated Policy Committee will help drive the… more
Aug 02, 2022
As part of its ongoing commitment to helping association, event and corporate clients evolve from legacy-based to data-driven operating models, mdg, A Freeman Company, has launched a new division dedicated to research, data and insights.  Consisting of data strategists, scientists, analysts and experts specializing in collecting and evaluating market research and intelligence, this newly-formed department’s mission is to help clients capitalize on technological advances to reach new audiences and create more personal and human customer journeys, from marketing campaigns to meaningful… more
Aug 01, 2022
It can be daunting to be the “first.” But for Lynn Osmond, the new president and CEO of Choose Chicago, being the very first woman to helm the city’s official destination marketing organization is an exhilarating, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.  Just two and a half months into her new role, Osmond has hit the ground running, laser-focused on promoting the U.S.’s third-largest city on the national and global stage. And she is more than prepared to pull this mission off successfully. She possesses an intimate knowledge of the Windy City, its tourism and hospitality community and DMO following… more
Jul 29, 2022
The largest and most iconic global jewelry buying experience, JCK, operated by RX, brought a gem of a show to Las Vegas in June, exceeding pre-pandemic 2019 attendance numbers and reuniting the jewelry industry to celebrate the 30th anniversary of JCK.  Approximately 30,000 people from all facets of the jewelry industry joined JCK and Luxury, the show’s ultra-curated and exclusive jewelry-buying experience, for a week of product sourcing, education and networking. More than 17,000 attendees from 130 countries conducted business with more than 1,800 exhibiting companies in more than 20… more
Jul 29, 2022
Event software provider Cadmium partnered with Bear Analytics to bolster the digital product and service offerings of both organizations in the event technology industry. The partnership, which facilitates the connection between users of Cadmium technology and Bear Analytics’ Bear IQ platform, enables data-driven decision making for organizations evaluating the effectiveness of their event and online learning programs.  Cadmium is an event and learning software provider offering continuing education, professional development, and content management solutions. Bear Analytics is a leading… more
Jul 28, 2022
Puerto Rico is no stranger to crises, having faced and overcome major challenges such as the Zika virus outbreak and Hurricane Irma over the past several years. COVID-19 has been no exception, with the destination showing its profound resiliency as it emerges from the pandemic. Brad Dean, president and CEO of Discover Puerto Rico, recently highlighted some of the promising numbers along with a newly launched branding initiative for event attendees and venue developments. “Rebuilding has been vitally important over the past four years and to position Puerto Rico to not just come back but to… more
Jul 26, 2022
UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has released its latest flagship Global Exhibition Barometer research report, designed to take the pulse of the global exhibition industry, with results pointing to a continued wave of positivity.  Concluded in June 2022, the 29th edition of the bi-annual survey includes data from 366 companies across 57 countries and regions, and outlooks and analysis for 23 focus countries and regions, including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Singapore,… more
Jul 25, 2022
Rimini, Italy-based Italian Exhibition Group (IEG) inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Deutsche Messe to acquire 50% of the German trade show organizer’s companies in the U.S., Mexico and Canada. The 50-50 joint venture is expected to strongly boost the international reach of both companies’ respective show brands and launches in economic sectors covered by both show organizers, according to IEG officials.  Hannover-based Deutsche Messe and IEG are considered two of Europe’s largest exhibition organizers, boasting pre-COVID turnovers of €355 ($363 US) and €179 ($183 US) million,… more
Jul 21, 2022
The 2022 TSNN Awards, on tap Nov. 8-9 in Las Vegas, has opened nominations for a bevy of trade show Innovation Awards, as well as Outstanding Show Pros awards.  Has your show created an incredible community? Did you have a really savvy marketing campaign? Use data in a strategic way? Or roll out an amazing exhibitor program? These are just a few of the categories for the Innovation Awards, with a full list below. Outstanding Show Pros are exactly what it sounds like - people that have truly shone brightly in the past year leading an amazing event - perhaps creating an outstanding community… more
Jul 19, 2022
Leading B2B exhibitions and market access business, Informa Markets, has appointed a new CEO. Effective Jan. 1, 2023, Patrick Martell, current CEO of Informa Intelligence and COO of Informa Group, will take the reigns as the company’s chief executive while continuing his role as Group COO. He will replace current CEO Charlie McCurdy, who joined Informa in 2015 and will move into a new role as strategic advisor to Informa Group in 2023. Since joining Informa in 2014, Martell has acquired significant knowledge of the business, including a heavy involvement in the integration of Penton… more
Partner Voices
Here at Mandalay Bay, venues are inviting and innovative. As one of the most iconic names on the Las Vegas Strip, the Mandalay Bay Convention Center has recently undergone an exciting upgrade. This renowned venue now offers everything your business needs, with a refreshed convention space designed to inspire productivity and creativity, as well as an impressive selection of world-class restaurants and amenities. If you're searching for a venue that is both inviting and innovative, Mandalay Bay is the place to be. Mandalay Bay is committed to investing in a new wave of enhancements, not only in the convention space but also throughout the entire resort. With new restaurant openings and remodels, spectacular entertainment, and updated rooms, Mandalay Bay promises to deliver new and exciting experiences to its guests until 2024. To create a truly effective conference venue, Mandalay Bay has carefully considered what businesses require. The right technology, capacity, and inspiration are essential to take ideas to the next level. The refreshed Mandalay Bay Convention Center has been designed with your business in mind. Every room is equipped with newly-upgraded technology, enhancing our ability to support bandwidth demand and overall data capabilities. Additionally, the addition of 10 new digital walls provides bigger and more dynamic ways to display customized content messages. Mandalay Bay offers world-class conference space and service. The venue options range from ballrooms to ample pre-function spaces, catering to teams of any size while accommodating multiple large groups simultaneously. Our certified planners work collaboratively with you to understand your specific event requirements, anticipating your business needs and offering the best-fit solutions. In addition to providing exceptional conference facilities, Mandalay Bay is also dedicated to sustainability. We strive to give our guests an unforgettable experience while minimizing our impact on the environment. As part of our sustainable energy efforts, you'll find refillable water stations throughout the property, eliminating the need for single-use plastic bottles and reducing unnecessary plastic usage. Mandalay Bay is proud to offer an upgraded and enhanced experience for businesses seeking a venue that combines innovation, convenience, and sustainability. Whether you're hosting a conference, meeting, or other business event, Mandalay Bay's refreshed convention space, world-class service, and commitment to sustainability make it the ideal choice. Come and discover the new wave of experiences awaiting you at Mandalay Bay on the Las Vegas Strip. Wherever your organization is going, getting there starts with being here.