News

May 03, 2014
The 28th edition of Chinaplas (International Exhibition on Plastics and Rubber Industries) has featured more than 3,000 exhibitors at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC). Organised by Hong Kong-based Adsale Exhibition, some 120,000 trade visitors are expected to attend the four-day show running from 23rd to 26th April. This year’s Chinaplas featured 3,200 sets of machinery on display as well as a diverse range chemicals and raw materials. The show is segmented into the 11 major theme zones of: extrusion machinery, injection moulding machinery, chemicals & raw… more
May 02, 2014
Celebrating its 25th anniversary, Coverings, the trade show for tile and natural stone, boasted the largest showfloor since 2008. “We’re up about 12 percent compared to 340,000 square feet last year,” said Karin Fendrich, Coverings' show director. “It’s representative of what’s happening in the industry and the fact that opportunities are coming back.” Attendance was at about 20,000, slightly up, compared with last year. Exhibitor numbers were unavailable, but expected to be on par with 2013. The show, owned by National Trade Productions,… more
Apr 30, 2014
Germany-based Messe Frankfurt will launch the 14th event in their worldwide Automechanika series in partnership with Calif.-based Advanstar Communications next year in Chicago. The new show, Automechanika Chicago, will be held April 24-26 at Chicago’s McCormick Place and serve a steadily growing U.S. automotive aftermarket. "We are excited about our partnership with Advanstar,” said Detlef Braun, member of the executive board of Messe Frankfurt. He added, “Our combined experience in launching successful events only strengthens our ability to service this untapped niche… more
Apr 30, 2014
For the second time in a year and right in the middle of the American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting, being held April 25-May 3 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, the Carpenters’ union that works at the facility went on strike. Talks had been ongoing between the Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority and Local 8 of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, but ultimately broke down today. “Over the course of months of discussions, the center and our management team at SMG have provided ample evidence to union leadership that work rule… more
Apr 29, 2014
The Meetings Mean Business campaign - a national communications and advocacy platform that showcases the substantial value of meetings, conferences, conventions, incentive travel, trade shows and exhibitions - recently launched an industry-wide mobile app. “It’s critically important that our industry continues to speak with one voice to communicate the value and benefits of meetings to communities, businesses and the economy,” said David Peckinpaugh, president of Maritz Travel and Co-Chair of Meetings Mean Business. He added, “The MMB app is another significant tool to ensure that everyone,… more
Apr 27, 2014
Adding to its extensive worldwide food and beverage portfolio, E.J. Krause & Associates took a majority ownership stake in MetroCooking DC’s Metropolitan Cooking and Entertaining Show. “EJK is excited to work with Tiny Kitchen on expanding MetroCooking DC which offers exciting potential for growth,” said Ned Krause, CEO, E.J. Krause & Associates. He added, “This joint venture also fits our aim in continuing to develop a wide range of global food and beverage events.” The 9th edition of the DC Metropolitan Cooking and Entertaining Show will be held Nov. 8-… more
Apr 27, 2014
The Society of Independent Show Organizers now is accepting entries for its acclaimed SISO Event Innovation Battlefield, in which the overall winner will be named at the association’s Executive Leadership Conference Aug. 13 at the Revel Hotel in Atlantic City. At this year’s SISO Event Innovation Battlefield, companies will present their breakthrough event technologies or new business models before an audience of SISO attendees. “The Event Innovation Battlefield is an important motivational hub for innovation, ideas, talent and products,” said Lew Shomer, executive… more
Apr 27, 2014
The Society of Independent Show Organizers now is accepting entries for its acclaimed SISO Event Innovation Battlefield, in which the overall winner will be named at the association’s Executive Leadership Conference Aug. 13 at the Revel Hotel in Atlantic City. At this year’s SISO Event Innovation Battlefield, companies will present their breakthrough event technologies or new business models before an audience of SISO attendees. “The Event Innovation Battlefield is an important motivational hub for innovation, ideas, talent and products,” said Lew Shomer, executive… more
Apr 26, 2014
The United Fresh Foundation will host the first Fresh Produce Pavilion at the School Nutrition Association Annual Convention July 14-16 in Boston. The pavilion establishes a destination area on the trade show floor that will focus exclusively on promoting fresh fruits and vegetables.   “Our goal with this pavilion is help schools maximize their success in serving a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables,” said United Fresh CEO Tom Stenzel.  He added, “We’re committed to helping school foodservice directors understand the ins and outs of purchasing produce, as… more
Apr 26, 2014
The Consumer Electronics Association, owner and producer of the International CES, unveiled the results of an independent audit that confirmed a record number of international professionals – 40,828 (a 12.7 percent increase from the 2013 CES) – attended the 2014 International CES from 144 countries. Additionally, 6,757 press and industry analysts attended the show to report on the latest consumer technologies and trends.   The 2014 CES ran Jan. 7-10 in Las Vegas and welcomed a record 160,498 industry professionals overall, up 5 percent, compared with 2013. The independent… 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.