News

Jul 04, 2013
Good news continues for the global exhibition industry; for first time since 2008, the outlook is positive, with a majority of companies in all regions declaring increases in turnover, according to UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry’s11th Global Barometer survey on the state of the exhibition industry. In addition, all regions indicated three companies out of four expected a turnover increase by the first half of 2014. The Americas and Asia/Pacific region has been predicting an increase since 2010, joined by the Middle East and Africa last year and now Europe,… more
Jul 01, 2013
Atlanta-based Urban Expositions recently bought Sculpture Objects Functional Art + Design Fair (SOFA) Chicago, the largest and longest running art fair in the Windy City, from The Art Fair Company. "We are thrilled to take ownership of an event that is so well known and respected by galleries, collectors, museum curators, artists, dealers and countless other members of the international art and design communities," says Doug Miller, president, Urban Expositions.  Mark Lyman, SOFA Chicago founder and president of The Art Fair Company, will continue his involvement in a… more
Jun 30, 2013
Topped by private equity firm ONEX’ $950 million buy of Nielsen Expositions, trade show industry deal values more than doubled in the first half of this year, compared to the same time period last year. As tracked by the The Jordan, Edmiston Group, Inc. in their “JEGI 1H 2013 M&A Overview”, the first half of 2013 saw $1.24 billion in exhibitions and conferences deals, compared with last year’s first half total of $435 million. The number of deals, however, remained relatively flat, with 30 deals in the first half of 2013, compared with last year’s same time… more
Jun 30, 2013
Already in London, New York and Las Vegas, the Consumer Electronics Association will expand its International CES Unveiled event series to two new locations – Paris and Tel Aviv. The CES Unveiled event series is a ‘taste’ of the annual event in January in Las Vegas that brings together technology companies, media and key influencers. “The events will debut global research, CES news and showcase products and technologies,” according to organizers. Tabletop product displays and networking portions of the CES Unveiled events will offer the opportunity for media,… more
Jun 30, 2013
Attendees will be getting a two-for-one by having two industry meetings collocate for the first time this year – the American Society of Association Executive's (ASAE) Annual Meeting and the International Association of exhibitions and Events’ Midyear Meeting. The ASAE meeting will run Aug. 3-6 and IAEE’s meeting will run Aug. 5-7, both in Atlanta. The collocation announcement was made at IAEE’s annual meeting in December by the organization’s president, David Dubois and John Graham, president and CEO of ASAE.   “This partnership makes sense,… more
Jun 30, 2013
The SEMA Show, produced by the Specialty Equipment Market Association, has expanded rapidly into international markets, with more than 15,000 overseas buyers expected at the Nov. 5-8 show at the Las Vegas Convention Center. “As global demand for the industry’s products soars, there is huge opportunity for our members,” said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of events and communications. He added, “We have a comprehensive international relations program to help U.S. manufacturers connect with buyers in the most relevant markets.” The SEMA Show offers… more
Jun 29, 2013
Educational sessions, both on and off the showfloor, were a common sight at the 2013 HITEC conference in Minneapolis, Minn.  This year’s show focused on the combination of digital technology and engagement with hospitality clients on all levels, from bookings through check out.  And, with more than 700 booths and 275,000 square feet of space, the exhibitors certainly matched this theme to engage the nearly 5,000 attendees. This year’s show ran June 24-27 at the Minneapolis Convention Center and looked at new and innovative ways to incorporate technology to impact the… more
Jun 29, 2013
Educational sessions, both on and off the showfloor, were a common sight at the 2013 HITEC conference in Minneapolis, Minn.  This year’s show focused on the combination of digital technology and engagement with hospitality clients on all levels, from bookings through check out.  And, with more than 700 booths and 275,000 square feet of space, the exhibitors certainly matched this theme to engage the nearly 5,000 attendees. This year’s show ran June 24-27 at the Minneapolis Convention Center and looked at new and innovative ways to incorporate technology to impact the… more
Jun 26, 2013
Big-name brands such as Target, Walmart and the Food Network have dropped celebrity chef Paula Deen after she admitted during a recent deposition to using a racial epithet in the past. However, not only are there other retailers, but there also is The Metropolitan Cooking & Entertaining Show that have made the choice to stick by her. Deen is on the schedule as a presenter at The Tiny Kitchen’s MetroCooking Dallas – The Metropolitan Cooking & Entertaining Show Sept. 21-22 at the Dallas Convention Center, as well as two other shows this year. MetroCooking Dallas’… more
Jun 25, 2013
The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions’ Asian Attractions Expo 2013, held June 4-7 at the Sands Expo and Convention Center at Marina Bay Sands, broke previous attendance records, with 5,350 professionals. Billed as the largest expo of its kind in the region, the four-day event also had a record number of exhibiting companies displaying the newest products and services on the largest trade showfloor in the event’s history, according to show officials. In addition, the IAAPA Institute for Attractions Managers was sold out and attendance was strong… 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.