News

Nov 06, 2013
Bring up the words “virtual trade show” around many in our industry and eyes start to roll. You’re even likely to get the cold shoulder here and there. At least one person will emphatically state, “virtual shows will never replace face-to-face events.” But two organizations have embraced virtual trade shows, while taking two very different approaches. The International Wireless Communications Expo (IWCE) uses their virtual trade show as a marketing tool for their real world event. The virtual show, held almost four months prior to their real world show,… more
Nov 05, 2013
Food Services of America and the Oregon Convention Center reached a new high mark in their efforts to recycle, reuse or donate. FSA's Trends Show that took place Oct. 22 at the OCC achieved an 86-percent diversion rate, which included 2,080 pounds of pre-consumer food donated to the Oregon Food Bank, enough to provide 1,600 meals to the needy.  “We have about five food events a year, and while we don’t do this level of tracking for other shows, we can say it is rare to have that kind of commitment,” said OCC Sustainability Coordinator Erin Rowland. “This is… more
Nov 03, 2013
AMT - The Association For Manufacturing Technology has signed on UPS as a major sponsor for the organization and its massive trade show – International Manufacturing Technology Show.   UPS will now be recognized as an official “Global Logistics Provider to IMTS and AMT.” “In AMT’s 110-year history, this is our first sponsorship with a global logistics provider,” said Peter Eelman, AMT vice president - exhibitions and communications. He added, “We are confident UPS will bring great value to AMT members and IMTS stakeholders. UPS is known for… more
Nov 03, 2013
The overall fastest-growing show in net square footage was awarded to Hart Energy’s DUG Eagle Ford, and the overall fastest-growing show in attendance was awarded to George Little Management’s Surf Expo at the 4th Annual TSNN Awards, held Nov. 1-3 in Reno, Nev. Barry Haest, vice president of events for Hart Energy, took the stage in front of a room filled with show organizers, their guests, sponsors and VIPS at the Peppermill Reno to accept the award. “This is totally unexpected,” Haest said. “It’s really a team effort.” Other fastest-growing show… more
Nov 03, 2013
The Association of Equipment Manufacturers, which runs AG CONNECT Expo & Summit, and the National Corn Growers’ and American Soybean Associations, which jointly run Commodity Classic, will combine their agriculture shows March 2016 in New Orleans. Commodity Classic is a joint venture owned by the National Corn Growers Association and the American Soybean Association, with National Association of Wheat Growers and National Sorghum Producers participating as affiliates. The Association of Equipment Manufacturers owns and produces AG CONNECT. “We have great respect for the… more
Oct 31, 2013
The theme of knowledge sharing and networking around the discipline of rheumatology at this year’s ACR/ARHP meeting was evident, both on and off the showfloor.  The 15,000 attendees, comprised of physicians, the scientific community and health care professionals, were able to enjoy the week-long meeting Oct 25-30 at the San Diego Convention Center and the 80,000 square feet of exhibitor space. “We look at the overall experience and want every aspect of the meeting to be of the highest quality, from when they step off the plane to when the get back on,” said ACR… more
Oct 29, 2013
National Association of Convenience Stores Association’s 2013 NACS Show set a new record with 396,000 net square feet, up 4 percent compared with 2012. The annual event took place Oct. 12-15 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta and attracted 1,160 exhibitors, including 195 first-timers, and about 22,000 attendees from 65 countries. “The growth of the NACS Show is impressive, and it’s also a clear indicator that the supplier community is serious about partnering with convenience store operators to leverage business connections and solidify their position within… more
Oct 28, 2013
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events has unveiled this year's recipients of the IAEE Awards program that recognizes professionals who have made outstanding contributions to the exhibitions and events industry. Award winners will be honored at the IAEE Annual Networking Luncheon and Awards Presentation on tap at the Expo! Expo! IAEE's Annual Meeting & Exhibition, Dec.10-12 in Houston. "Recipients of the annual IAEE Awards personify the hard work and dedication that the exhibitions and events industry demands from each of us," said 2013 IAEE Awards… more
Oct 27, 2013
Germany-based Messe Duesseldorf’s launch of Medical World Americas April 28-30 in Houston is experiencing ‘unprecedented’ exhibit sales for a first-time event, according to show organizers, with exhibitors signing up from not only the United States, but also Canada, Brazil, Japan, Italy, Belgium and Germany. Medical World America’s, a stateside version of Messe Duesseldorf’s Medica event, also will have companies on the showfloor that range from Emergo Group and Detecto, to Medical Illumination International and Separation Technology Products/Thermo Fisher… more
Oct 27, 2013
A few months shy of the two-year anniversary of John Gallagher stepping into the dual roles of president and CEO for Germany-based Messe Frankfurt's Atlanta-based U.S. subsidiary, he is leaving and will be replaced by Kathryn Fitts and Dennis Smith. Fitts has been serving as vice president of finance and administration, and Smith has been serving as vice president of sales in the Atlanta office. The changes will be made effective immediately, though their new titles have not been revealed yet.   "Kathryn Fitts and Dennis Smith are the new leadership team at Messe… 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.