Association Show News

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Mar 14, 2023
Industry-leading meetings, events and hospitality technology provider Cvent Holding Corp. (“Cvent”) has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by an affiliate of private equity funds managed by Blackstone for approximately $4.6 billion. According to company officials, under the terms of the agreement, Cvent stockholders will receive $8.50 per share in cash, which represents a premium of 52 percent to the volume weighted average share price over the 90 days prior to Jan. 30, 2023 – the day before media reports were published of a potential transaction. As part of the transaction… more
Mar 09, 2023
Two major trade shows recently returned to Las Vegas with robust attendance and expanded footprints pushing the boundaries of pre-pandemic levels. Check them out!  World of Concrete  World of Concrete, the world’s largest trade show for the commercial concrete and masonry construction industries, held its 49th annual event at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) Jan. 17-19. With 48,000 registered professionals, heavy show floor foot traffic and more than 120 countries in attendance, the event further solidified itself as the critical meeting place for industry advancement, according to… more
Feb 22, 2023
More than 200,000 housing and design professionals from across the globe recently descended upon Las Vegas for the 10th annual Design & Construction Week (DCW), the largest annual gathering of residential construction and design industry professionals. Held Jan. 31-Feb. 2 at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC), the massive event comprised the National Kitchen & Bath Association’s (NKBA) Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS), the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) International Builders’ Show (IBS) and the three co-dated industry shows: the National Hardware Show (NHS… more
Feb 07, 2023
As the trade show industry gears up for a busy 2023, event-related companies throughout the U.S. and across the pond are moving forward with strategic acquisitions and partnerships designed to empower and prepare them for a year of robust growth. Take a look!  Skyline Exhibits Eagan, Minn.-based trade show exhibit company Skyline Exhibits kicked off the new year on a strong growth trajectory by acquiring two of its authorized dealer offices—one in New York and one in California—as part of a strategic effort to provide a seamless client experience and additional expert resources. Serving… more
Feb 06, 2023
The global retail industry is about to get a new conference and exhibition to meet the needs of a rapidly growing marketplace. Beginning in 2024, Retail’s Big Show will expand to the Asia Pacific region with the inaugural NRF 2024: Retail’s Big Show Asia Pacific, set for June 11-13, 2024, at the Marina Bay Sands Convention Centre in Singapore. The new event will launch six months after NRF 2024: Retail’s Big Show, scheduled for Jan. 14-16 at Javits Center in New York City.  Aiming to integrate regional leaders across the retail industry to collaborate at a Pan Asia Pacific level, the new… more
Feb 01, 2023
What is the average cost of trade show labor in Las Vegas? What is the average cost of electrical labor in Orlando? What is the average cost for materials handling in New York? How do these averages by city compare to the national average?  The 2022 Material Handling & Labor Rate Survey — a new report by The Exhibitor Advocate, a non-profit organization dedicated to amplifying the voice of exhibitors — provides some benchmarks to review high-level exhibitor costs in 16 U.S. cities, from Las Vegas and Orlando to Chicago and Atlanta.   “We believe this data is a valuable and important… more
Jan 17, 2023
Following the swearing-in of the new Congress on Jan. 3, the Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (ECA) announced its public policy priorities for 2023, reflected upon its advocacy accomplishments over its first two years and encouraged industry professionals to join its annual Legislative Action Day, which is returning to an in-person format this year in Washington, DC. Founded in early 2021, ECA is an advocacy group for the face-to-face business events industry, designed to champion and support its recovery and advancement with legislators on Capitol Hill and in states and cities… more
Jan 16, 2023
A leading hospitality partner and a top exhibition industry organization announced some major leadership changes recently. Sodexo Live! Sodexo Live! tapped proven international business leader Belinda Oakley as its new CEO, North America. Bringing two decades of foodservice management experience to her new role, Oakley is responsible for leading more than 20,000 team members at more than 150 partner venues throughout the U.S. and Canada.   Oakley replaces outgoing CEO Steve Pangburn, who will stay on with the company to help with the transition in an advisory capacity through the end of… more
Jan 12, 2023
The 2023 edition of the world’s most influential tech event, the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), which took place in Las Vegas Jan. 5-8, exceeded its own expectations and returned to six-digit attendance for the first time since the pandemic. Spanning nearly 2.2 million net square feet of exhibit space (1.4 million in 2022), CES featured 3,200 exhibitors (2,300 in 2022), including 1,000 new exhibitors, and welcomed 115,000 attendees (45,000 in 2022), making it the largest audited global tech event since early 2020. With 40,000 international attendees heralding from 140 countries, it also… more
Jan 09, 2023
PCMA announced several major acquisitions, alliances and partnerships designed to forge a path forward for the global business events industry while furthering its role as a leading platform for meeting and trade show professionals. The announcements were made on the first day of Convening Leaders 2023, taking place Jan. 8-11 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio. At a press conference, PCMA and CEMA President and CEO Sherrif Karamat outlined the association’s strategic plan, which is based on four foundational pillars supported by various key initiatives.  “As of today… 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.