News
Feb 14, 2012
The Professional Convention Management Association has unveiled its education gateway portal, EduGate, for idea and session proposal submissions and management.
The new online application will facilitate the 24/7, 365 day submission of session proposals and other ideas.
“PCMA’s strategic plans call for us to enhance the relevancy of our educational programming for all member demographics,” said Deborah Sexton, PCMA president and CEO.
She added, "The 2012 Convening Leader’s program was evidence of our commitment – offering a variety of… more
Feb 14, 2012
The popular video gaming convention PAX East has decided to make Boston its home for 10 more years, signing a deal with the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority to keep the show at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center through 2023.
PAX East, operated in partnership with PAX East and Reed Exhibitions, has attracted more than 70,000 attendees each year to Boston since the show launched in 2010 at the Hynes Convention Center. Last year, the show moved to the BCEC, where it will run again in April.
This year was the final one on PAX East’s contract at the BCEC,… more
Feb 14, 2012
With temperatures hovering near zero degrees and heavy snow blanketing the area, 70 exhibition industry CEO leaders braved the elements to attend the UFI CEO Forum Feb. 1-3 in Istanbul.
UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry held the three-day event at the host venue IFM – Istanbul Expo Center.
“This was my first UCF, and I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed it,” said Haluk Kanca, general manager of IFM.
He added, “There were group dynamics at play that I have never seen at another industry meeting. The program was really educational and the… more
Feb 14, 2012
Three different associations – the Professional Convention Management Association, the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International and the International Association of Exhibitions and Events – recently board and staffing changes.
PCMA Board of Directors has elected Martin D. Balogh, director of meetings and travel for the American Bar Association, to fill the one-year Board seat vacancy for 2012. The seat was vacated by Chris Wehking, who began his term as secretary-treasurer of the PCMA board of directors Jan. 12.
A 30-year employee of the ABA, Balogh has… more
Feb 14, 2012
The International Association of Exhibitions and Eventswill launch the first-ever job analysis of the practice of exhibition management.
The initial survey invitation has been sent to 10,640 individuals, according to IAEE officials. To take the survey, click HERE.
The goal of the IAEE job analysis is to create the exhibitions and events industry's first definition of core competencies in the exhibition management field.
The job analysis is a set of procedures designed to obtain descriptive information about the tasks performed within a specific profession and the essential knowledge… more
Feb 13, 2012
Randall-Reilly’s Great American Trucking Show, one of the fastest-growing shows in attendance in the United States, will attract even more of a crowd later this year with the collocation of the ProPickup Truck Expo.
Both events will open their doors Aug. 23-25 at the Dallas Convention Center.
The ProPickup Truck Expo will showcase pickups and accessories used in construction, trucking, landscaping and other industries that the trucks typically are used for.
“With the addition of our ProPickup Truck Expo, we will be providing attendees with the unique opportunity to see vehicles… more
Feb 09, 2012
The year ahead looks to be a promising one for the city of Cincinnati, which is anticipating a busy convention schedule, consisting of national and international events, as well as repeat and new group business.
In fact, according to the Cincinnati USA Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Queen City is preparing to welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors to the region this year.
“We’re welcoming thousands of visitors in 2012 who represent repeat convention business – people who came to Cincinnati, loved it and wanted to come back,” said Dan Lincoln, president and… more
Feb 06, 2012
UBM continued to expand its rapidly growing portfolio, with the purchase of the 4G World Exhibition and Conference for its UBM TechWeb division from Yankee Group Research for an undisclosed sum.
The 4G trade show is billed as the “largest independent telecoms and wireless event serving the U.S. market,” according to UBM officials.
“This acquisition expands our offering in the rapidly-accelerating mobile broadband market,” said Tony Uphoff, CEO of UBM TechWeb.
4G World serves the fast-growing mobile broadband market, which is expected to reach 2.5 billion 4G… more
Feb 05, 2012
Exhibitions in Hong Kong continue to draw significant numbers of attendees – the latest being the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and Messe Frankfurt’s Hong Kong International Stationary Fair.
The exhibition, which ran Jan. 9-12 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, drew 15,000 visitors, up 4 percent, compared with last year.
Domestic visitors numbered 7,441, a rise of 10 percent, and more than 8,100 international visitors from 117 countries and regions came, mainly from Australia, the Chinese mainland, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines,… more
Feb 05, 2012
Phoenix-based Viad, the parent company of Las Vegas-based Global Experience Specialists, recently posted fourth-quarter and year-end earnings results, with full-year revenues of $942.4 million, an 11.6-percent increase from the same period during 2010.
Fourth-quarter company revenues also saw upticks from $186,965 in 2010 to $197,407 in 2011, a 5.6-percent increase.
Viad also closed out 2011 with net income from continued operations of $8.8 million.
The company’s marketing and events group, which has been impacted in the past few years by the global recession and GES is a part of,… 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.