News

Feb 24, 2014
Trade show organizers collect mountains of data through registration, attendee surveys, session surveys, exhibitor surveys, lead retrieval systems, social media, etc. The question is, how is all that data being used? Is the data being used effectively? The problem most shows face is not how to get more data, but how to make sense of what they already have. Jeremy Figoten, senior vice president of Meetings, Sales and Communications for the National Apartment Association is taking a close look at his show data to better understand exactly why their show has been growing. Figoten… more
Feb 23, 2014
The overall health of the trade show industry received a huge boost in the fourth quarter, according to the Center for Exhibition Industry Research’s Index. The fourth quarter of last year ended on a high note, with an uptick of 3 percent, compared with the much smaller .04 percent growth in the third quarter of 2013 and 0.7 percent growth recorded in the fourth quarter of 2012. Q4 2013 also marks the 14th straight quarter of increases in the trade show industry. In more good news, the latest results also outperformed GDP, which saw 2.7 percent growth in the same quarter. "With… more
Feb 23, 2014
After holding the last show in the Big Apple in 2009, LIGHTFAIR International will head back in 2015 to the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center of New York. "We’re pleased to return to a renewed and refreshed Javits Center, which affords LIGHTFAIR the opportunity to continue its growth track in an environment well-equipped to serve our customers’ rapidly evolving and expanding needs," said Jeffrey L. Portman, Sr., vice chairman and president of AMC, Inc.  Produced and managed by AMC, Inc., the show runs in an annual East-West rotation, and after what the company… more
Feb 23, 2014
Is your event marketing strategy based on informed decisions? Is it in tune with current trends and forecasts? Tune into some recent stats reported recently by industry influencers to align your interactive and content marketing strategies with the direction in which the rest of the world is moving. - Nearly one third of companies send press releases to promote their events. (Source: Hubspot) Strategy: Aggregate your exhibitor's press releases on your event website to enable attendees to see them on your website. - Landing pages that included videos see an 86% increase in conversions. (… more
Feb 23, 2014
Is your event marketing strategy based on informed decisions? Is it in tune with current trends and forecasts? Tune into some recent stats reported recently by industry influencers to align your interactive and content marketing strategies with the direction in which the rest of the world is moving. - Nearly one third of companies send press releases to promote their events. (Source: Hubspot) Strategy: Aggregate your exhibitor's press releases on your event website to enable attendees to see them on your website. - Landing pages that included videos see an 86% increase in conversions. (… more
Feb 19, 2014
Ice storms, clogged highways, a closed airport and all around chaotic weather last week in Atlanta didn’t stop people from making their way to the biannual Atlanta Shoe Market, held Feb. 13-15 event at the Cobb Galleria. In order to accommodate the approaching weather situation and getting buyers on the floor despite it all, the Cobb Galleria and Southeastern Shoe Travelers Association, who have co-hosted the event for 19 years, opened the doors three days prior to the show opening to accommodate early arrivals, including buyers from Belk, Tops and many others. Exhibitors reported… more
Feb 19, 2014
Trade Show News Network is thrilled to unveil the TSNN Trade Show Venue Directory (http://venuedirectory.tsnn.com/), with more than 400 exhibit halls, convention centers and other facilities with exhibit space listed.  Complimentary to all users, the TSNN Trade Show Venue Directory is a comprehensive guide that is designed to assist trade show organizers, meetings and event planners to find the perfect venue for their events.  “Congratulations to TSNN and the launch of their new venue directory,” said David DuBois, president and CEO of the International Association of… more
Feb 18, 2014
Partnering with several of the city’s economic development and marketing organizations, the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau recently launched a new business attraction co-op marketing campaign for Philadelphia – PHL: Here For The Making (www.discoverPHL.com/makeitPHL). The campaign’s tagline says it all: “Whether you’re looking to create successful convention, a game-changing venture, an important move, or just an unforgettable experience, make it right here in Philadelphia.” The PHLCVB joined forces with the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of… more
Feb 17, 2014
Meeting Professionals International released the first edition of its new Meetings OutlookTM, a quarterly report offering a unique perspective on the future of the meeting and event industry with information provided by more than 5,000 MPI members, including 700 senior meeting professionals on MPI's Business Research Panel. The report covers new trends, as well as innovations on the horizon and replaces the bi-monthly Business Barometer previously published by MPI. Meetings Outlook is available for free for both MPI members and non-members, making it more accessible to the broader… more
Feb 17, 2014
U.K.-based Tarsus Group has had a busy few weeks with launches and acquisitions in several different markets, with the latest being the launch of the International Automotive Aftermarket and Tuning Fair (AAITF) brand into Turkey. The brand originated in China, where Tarsus bought an existing show and since planned launched in Bangkok, December 2014, and Indonesia, May 2014. The new show in Turkey, Istanbul AAITF, will be held June 11-13, 2015. “We are very excited by this opportunity to bring a major global brand like AAITF into Turkey’s dynamic automotive aftermarket sector,… 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.