News

Sep 08, 2015
Michael Gehrisch’s 15-year tenure as president and CEO of Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI), the global association representing the destination marketing industry, has ended. “We are thankful and appreciative of the leadership and significant contributions Michael has made during his tenure which have made a positive impact on the growth and respect of the destination marketing industry internationally. We wish him the best as he moves on to a new chapter in his life,” said Bob Lander, chairman of the DMAI Board of Directors and president and CEO of the Austin Convention… more
Sep 05, 2015
Three new #NYNOW social media initiatives - #NYNOW Bloggers Choice Awards, #NYNOW Social Media Lounge and Innovations-Inspired Giveaway – at the NY NOW, the Market for Home, Lifestyle + Gift trade show helped to spark conversations and connections before and during the recently concluded summer edition, held Aug. 15-19 at New York City’s Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.    “We’re delighted that so many bloggers and influencers use NY NOW as the definitive source for new products and the latest must-haves,” said Scott Kramer, NY NOW co-director… more
Sep 05, 2015
Three new #NYNOW social media initiatives - #NYNOW Bloggers Choice Awards, #NYNOW Social Media Lounge and Innovations-Inspired Giveaway – at the NY NOW, the Market for Home, Lifestyle + Gift trade show helped to spark conversations and connections before and during the recently concluded summer edition, held Aug. 15-19 at New York City’s Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.    “We’re delighted that so many bloggers and influencers use NY NOW as the definitive source for new products and the latest must-haves,” said Scott Kramer, NY NOW co-director… more
Sep 01, 2015
U.K.-based Clarion Events, with more than 200 events in 35 countries, has become a majority partner in Kennesaw, Ga.-based Urban Expositions, which has a portfolio of 37 events serving nine industry sectors. "We are thrilled to partner with such a well-established, international event organizer as Clarion," said Doug Miller, president and CEO, Urban Expositions. He added, "We look forward to working closely with the Clarion team to start a whole new chapter for our respective companies. Clarion's forward-thinking leadership, proven experience and extensive resources will allow us to build… more
Sep 01, 2015
The Professional Convention Management Association Nominating Committee, chaired by Johnnie White, 2014 past Chair of the Board, met Aug. 20 in Chicago and reviewed, in detail, a number of nominee applications for the 2016 open board officers and directions positions.  After careful due diligence and deliberation, the committee offers the following slate of candidates for leadership positions on the 2016 PCMA Board of Directors. According to the PCMA Bylaws, this official announcement of the proposed slate is to be sent to the membership by Oct. 1. The nominating process, according to… more
Sep 01, 2015
Once a year, National Retail Federation staff members and key stakeholders gather together and brainstorm on how they can not only solve challenges they have with their trade shows – Retail’s BIG Show and Shop.org Annual Summit, but also talk about how to make them a more personal experience for attendees. They call the sessions “Blue Sky Meetings”, according to Eric Olsen, NRF’s vice president of education strategies, at which they discuss “anything under the blue sky you could think of” in regards to improving the shows. “We get an agenda beforehand, so that we’re prepared on what the goals… more
Sep 01, 2015
After a big increase in the first quarter of this year, the performance of the business-to-business trade show industry, as measured by the Center for Exhibition Industry Research’s Total Index, remained relatively strong during the second quarter of 2015, posting a year-on-year gain of 3.8 percent. This growth is the second highest rate since the second quarter of 2007 and also marked the 20th consecutive quarter of year-on-year growth. "The second-quarter results are very promising,” said CEIR Economist Allen Shaw, Ph.D., Chief Economist for Global Economic Consulting Associates. He added… more
Aug 31, 2015
Trade show organizers KCI Corporation and Messe Düsseldorf North America have announced a partnership on two new events that will be held next year in Houston. They already team up on the Valve World Americas Expo & Conference, also held in Houston.   The first new event is a new pump event called Pump Summit Americas, which will take place June 13-14, 2016, at the George R. Brown Convention Center. The two-day conference and exhibition is powered by Pump Engineer, Pumpen Aktuell and Empowering Pumps. “We are excited to introduce a new pump event to North America. Pump Summit… more
Aug 31, 2015
Do you know your audience on social media well? Chances are your instinctive reaction to this question is – ‘Of course, we do’. But do you really know your audience demographics inside out? More often than not, social marketers tend to focus on people who proactively engage with their content. But if you are not delving deep into what drives and engages your entire fan base, then you may be missing out on big opportunities to find common ground with your followers and engage them with content that’s truly meaningful to them. Considering and analyzing your audience base… more
Aug 31, 2015
Do you know your audience on social media well? Chances are your instinctive reaction to this question is – ‘Of course, we do’. But do you really know your audience demographics inside out? More often than not, social marketers tend to focus on people who proactively engage with their content. But if you are not delving deep into what drives and engages your entire fan base, then you may be missing out on big opportunities to find common ground with your followers and engage them with content that’s truly meaningful to them. Considering and analyzing your audience base… 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.