News
Jan 07, 2016
Julie Coker Graham officially stepped into her new role Jan. 1 as the president and CEO of the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB).
She assumed the role following the retirement Dec. 31 of former President and CEO Jack Ferguson.
In June 2014, Coker Graham was promoted to executive vice president of the PHLCVB as part of a strategic succession plan that allowed her to continue leading the organization’s convention sales efforts, while expanding her responsibilities to include overseeing all of the PHLCVB’s departments and operational duties.
A 21-year Hyatt Hotel Corporation… more
Jan 07, 2016
As part of his 2016 agenda, N.Y. Gov. Andrew Cuomo unveiled a $1 billion plan to dramatically increase not only the meeting and exhibit space at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center of New York, but also build a four-level marshaling yard and the largest ballroom in the Northeast.
“We are pleased to hear about the plan to expand the Javits Center on Manhattan’s Far West Side,” said Fred Dixon, president and CEO, NYC & Company.
He added, “This robust plan to add more convention and meetings space capacity is welcoming news for the more than 6 million meetings delegates that convene in New… more
Jan 06, 2016
East Norriton, Penn.-based Expo Logic, an event registration and lead retrieval solutions provider, has acquired EPIC, another registration and lead retrieval provider for associations, based out of Charlotte, N.C.
“We are very excited to have the seasoned professionals from EPIC join Expo Logic’s team,” said Jeff Cooper, CEO of Expo Logic.
He added, “This acquisition provides additional talent and knowledge that will benefit our clients. Additionally, this acquisition demonstrates Expo Logic’s continuing mission to re-invest in our development and offerings, thus bringing the highest quality… more
Jan 05, 2016
When 1,292 attendees came to the 10th Technology Conference & Expo, held by the American Society of Association Executives Dec. 14-16 at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center at National Harbor, Md., it was the highest attended conference in the event’s history.
Participants took part in 42 high-level practical education sessions within five pathways (Disrupters; Leadership & Strategy; Learning & Technology; MarComm & Technology; and The Business of IT) and a sold-out trade show floor.
The final attendance breakdown for this year’s conference: Execs (Assn… more
Jan 04, 2016
Penton adds to its ground transportation portfolio with the acquisition of TU-Automotive from FC Business Intelligence for an undisclosed sum. The buy includes 13 global conferences and exhibitions, such as the world’s largest connected car event – TU-Automotive Detroit.
“The acquisition is hugely exciting for the future of TU‐Automotive. Penton has both deep roots in the automotive industry and shares our vision of a connected world where the vehicle plays a central role,” said TU‐Automotive Division Director Gareth Ragg.
He added, “This new partnership will enable us to continue to enhance… more
Jan 03, 2016
Cox Business and InSite have partnered with the Las Vegas Convention Center on wireless service for customers as they navigate the venue’s 3.2 million square feet.
AT&T, Sprint and a third major wireless carrier have signed agreements to launch this service powered by Cox and InSite on the new state-of-the-art distributed antenna system (DAS).
During the last 18 months, the LVCC, the site of the annual CES® trade show and other top-attended global conventions, has boosted the number of WiFi access points from 166 to 2,100 in order to improve onsite access to wireless… more
Jan 03, 2016
Cox Business and InSite have partnered with the Las Vegas Convention Center on wireless service for customers as they navigate the venue’s 3.2 million square feet.
AT&T, Sprint and a third major wireless carrier have signed agreements to launch this service powered by Cox and InSite on the new state-of-the-art distributed antenna system (DAS).
During the last 18 months, the LVCC, the site of the annual CES® trade show and other top-attended global conventions, has boosted the number of WiFi access points from 166 to 2,100 in order to improve onsite access to wireless… more
Jan 01, 2016
The Aria Resort & Casino has unveiled plans for a major expansion of its LEED Gold-certified convention center in Las Vegas.
The $154 million project will feature an additional 200,000 square feet of technologically advanced, flexible meeting space across four stories, highlighted by indoor/open-air spaces and a glass-enclosed venue with views of The Park and new Las Vegas Arena.
With the completion of the expansion, ARIA will feature more than 500,000 square feet of meeting space for its clientele.
Construction is scheduled to begin May 2016 with anticipated completion February 2018.… more
Jan 01, 2016
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);
· Secretary/Treasurer: Bob Priest-Heck, president and COO, Freeman; and
· Immediate Past Chair: Britton Jones,… more
Jan 01, 2016
Next year will be an interesting one for SIA Snow Show, since SnowSports Industries America, the show’s owner, will hold two shows that year.
In 2017, the show will switch from a January to a December timeframe at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, meeting the needs of buyers and sellers, according to SIA officials.
“This decision was made with great care and consideration given to the evolving buy/sell cycle, and an eye on the future growth of the industry,” said Nick Sargent, SIA’s incoming president.
He added, “The show’s purpose is to preview product in the best possible… 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.