News

Oct 08, 2014
More than a week after students took to the Hong Kong streets demanding that Chief Executive C.Y. Leung step down from his post, as well as for full democracy and voting rights, the protest groups are much smaller and have not impacted the exhibition industry in the city, according to the Hong Kong Exhibition & Convention Industry Association. The protests began when three pro-democracy student leaders were arrested after a class boycott and their supporters were tear gassed. Tens of thousands of protestors flooded the streets as a result.  “HKECIA wishes to confirm to all… more
Oct 08, 2014
Reed Exhibitions has joined forces with Korea-based K.Fairs Ltd. on Kormarine, Korea’s largest international maritime industry event that has attracted more than 1,000 exhibiting companies and 40,000 visitors from 70-plus countries. “As the third largest economy in Asia, we recognize that Korea houses huge market potential. Kormarine is Reed’s debut into the nation’s burgeoning maritime industry,” said Mike Rusbridge, chairman and CEO of Reed Exhibitions. He added, “Reed is optimistic we will rapidly expand our Korean presence even further in future.” Kormarine, an international marine… more
Oct 08, 2014
With Global Experience Specialists acquisition of two housing services companies – onPeak and Travel Planners - its clients now have an entire suite of services provided by one company. The combined businesses will serve clients under the name onPeak, a GES Global Company (onPeak | GES). GES President Steve Moster and Michael Howe, formerly president of onPeak and now executive vice president of onPeak | GES, took a few moments to talk with TSNN President Rachel Wimberly about the big news today and what it means for their clients and the industry overall. TSNN: What made this an attractive… more
Oct 08, 2014
Hong Kong-listed exhibition organiser, Mega Expo, reported its financial results for the year ended 30th June 2014. Revenues in the year were US$27 million, a year-on-year decrease of 6.7%. Profit dropped 46% within the year, down to US$1.8 million. Diluted earnings per share in the year were HK$0.0774 (US$0.001). The majority of Mega Expo’s revenues were generated from the exhibition organising business, amounting to US$25 million. The remaining revenues were generated from exhibition related services (US$1.3 million) and ancillary services (just US$10,000). In the reported financial year,… more
Oct 08, 2014
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) announced the promotion of former deputy executive director, Margaret Fong, as its newly appointed executive director. She had replaced the recently departed Fred Lam with effect from 1st October 2014. Fong joined the HKTDC in 2010. She has served as HKTDC’s deputy executive director since 2010, overseeing the international promotion of Hong Kong’s product and service industries and the HKTDC’s network of more than 40 offices worldwide. Chairman of HKTDC, Jack So, said, “Since joining us, Margaret has achieved significant success in leading our… more
Oct 08, 2014
U.K.-based international events organiser, i2i Events Group, has announced the launch of the inaugural edition of Bett Asia Leadership Summit – set to take place on 3rd to 4th December 2014 at the Marina Bay Sands. i2i is aiming to attract senior government officials, educators and technology companies from more than 20 countries to the Singapore event. Bett Asia will feature more than 80 speakers with a programme that includes a closed-door conference for VIP education leaders, networking and demonstration areas, workshops and a free to attend seminar programme. Mark Shashoua, CEO of i2i… more
Oct 08, 2014
Taiwan’s former cabinet advisor and deputy economics minister, Francis Liang, was officially appointed chairman of Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA). The new chairman outlined his key objectives including further developing trade with emerging markets such as India, Brazil, Mexico, Turkey, African nations and ASEAN members. Liang replaced former chairman, Wang Chih-kang, who served six years as head of the council. During Wang’s tenure, TAITRA reportedly held 32 trade promotional events in China alone as of August this year. Wang will continue to offer his expertise as a… more
Oct 07, 2014
Reed Exhibitions continues to expand into Mexico with the recent buy of event organizer Grupo Fidalex, which has 15 brands in the country. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. "In 2015, Reed will deliver well over 75,000 net square meters of exhibition volume and serve almost 2,800 exhibiting customers and more than 140,000 buyers (in Mexico)," said Nancy Walsh, president of Reed Exhibitions North America. She added, "But this isn't about being the biggest in Mexico - which we are; it's about delivering the best value to our customers in Mexico, the partners from whom we acquired the events… more
Oct 06, 2014
The Federal Communications Commission has fined Marriott International and Marriott Hotel Services $600,000 for blocking Wi-Fi at events in the Gaylord Opryland Hotel and Convention Center in Nashville. The FCC Enforcement Bureau’s investigation revealed that Marriott employees had used containment features of a Wi-Fi monitoring system at the Gaylord Opryland to prevent individuals from connecting to the Internet via their own personal Wi-Fi networks, while at the same time charging consumers, small businesses and exhibitors as much as $1,000 per device to access Marriott’s Wi-Fi network. The… more
Oct 05, 2014
Global Spectrum, facility managers of the Atlantic City Convention Center and Boardwalk Hall, awarded a contract to Smart City Networks to manage all technology and telecommunications services for both venues. Global Spectrum chose Smart City Networks due to their industry experience and depth of resources.  Smart City and Global Spectrum currently work together at two other convention venues in Cincinnati and Miami Beach. The five-year contract took effect on Sept. 1. “We are extremely honored to have been chosen by Global Spectrum to provide telecommunications services for these… 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.