Association Show News

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Nov 08, 2015
In a society that’s more disconnected and lonely than ever, people no longer attend events because they just want basic information or random networking. Instead, they desire a strategically-designed experience where they can collaborate and create solutions to problems. “People go to events for four primary reasons,” according to Marc Pomerleau, Global Strategy Vice President for FreemanXP. “They want to strengthen relationships, enhance competency, increase vision and perspective, and discover a sense of purpose.” Creating the type of event that meets those needs can be tough because it… more
Nov 06, 2015
The 2015 NACS Show attracted a record 24,392 registered attendees, of which 9,038 were classified as buyers (retailers, convenience distributors). The total number of registered attendees, which includes Petroleum Equipment Institute (PEI) buyer registration, was 3.3-percent higher than last year and topped the previous attendance record set in 2004. The 2015 NACS Show also attracted a record 2,490 international attendees representing 73 countries, which was another record, showcasing the event’s importance to the success of the global convenience and fuel retailing industry. The 2015 NACS… more
Nov 04, 2015
The Healthcare Convention and Exhibitors Association has named management firm Coulter to provide comprehensive association management services to the organization, effective Nov. 1. Amy Lotz, CAE, Coulter vice president, will serve as HCEA’s executive director. HCEA’s goal is to provide the effectiveness and promoting the value of all conventions, meetings and exhibitions for the healthcare industry. In its provision of full-service association management to HCEA, Coulter will provide guidance through strategic planning and analysis, event management and fundraising, and communications and… more
Nov 03, 2015
Meeting Professionals International has acquired the assets of Plan Your Meetings, a privately-owned educational and networking resources company based in Atlanta. Plan Your Meetings produces live education, networking events, an award-winning annual meeting planning guide and a variety of digital resources and tools for meeting planners in the U.S.  The acquisition of Plan Your Meetings’ assets strengthens MPI’s portfolio of professional development offerings and supports MPI’s strategic vision to be the first choice for professional career development for its members and the global… more
Oct 30, 2015
The Association of Equipment Manufacturers’ CONEXPO-CON/AGG already is the largest show in the United States, and now it’s reaching new heights in South America as well. CONEXPO Latin America, which debuted Oct. 21-24, 2015, in Santiago, Chile (Espacio Riesco), attracted nearly 32,600 attendees from more than 90 countries. The top five Latin American countries besides the host country (in order) were Argentina, Brazil, Peru, Colombia and Bolivia. “The Association of Equipment Manufacturers has a longstanding commitment to Latin America to advance business development and cooperation; we are… more
Oct 28, 2015
Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI) brought together a broad base of DMO industry leaders and thought leaders during the organization’s first-ever Strategic Innovation Summit, held Oct. 7-8 in Dallas. The efforts from this meeting, led by Soren Kaplan of InnovationPoint, built the framework for DMAI’s 2016-2017 Strategic Plan, according to DMAI officials. “We wanted to focus on the core values of the organization: Innovation, Transparency, Responsiveness and in particular Inclusiveness,” said Bob Lander, president and CEO of the Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau and… more
Oct 27, 2015
Just a few weeks before doors open, more than 1,000 companies from nearly 40 countries already have reserved approximately 553,000 net square feet of exhibit space for IAAPA Attractions Expo 2015, making it the second largest trade show floor in the event's 97-year history.  Indoor space has sold out, and a limited amount of outdoor space still is available. IAAPA Attractions Expo is owned and produced by the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA). The exhibitors, including 140 first-timers, will showcase the latest products and innovative services in the… more
Oct 27, 2015
Robert Mesirow, vice president of business operations for CTIA – The Wireless Association, will be stepping down, after 17 years at the association. “I want to thank CTIA, its board members and all of the wireless executives I have collaborated with over the years.  Special thanks to my dedicated team,” Mesirow said. He added, “This Association has been at the forefront of every major mobile event since the inception of the wireless industry, and it’s been a great ride!” Nov. 4 is Mesirow’s last day at CTIA, and he said he will be staying in the industry as well. There was a shakeup in… more
Oct 24, 2015
This year was a busy one so far for the Exhibitions Mean Business advocacy effort aimed at spreading awareness about the tremendous value of face-to-face events. “The Exhibitions Mean Business Campaign is a key component in promoting the value of face-to-face events as the primary marketing medium for business growth and development,” said IAEE’s President and CEO David DuBois, CMP, CAE, FASAE, CTA. He added, “When you consider the more than $70 billion that attendee and exhibitor direct and indirect spending contributed to the US GDP in 2014, along with the millions of jobs created by this… more
Oct 13, 2015
Naylor Association Solutions, a provider of member engagement and revenue solutions for the North American association marketplace, has produced an exclusive, association- focused online video channel and is partnered with 10 state, local, and regional societies of association executives at this time. The channel showcases syndicated content, focusing on key topics of interest, while engaging audiences and sharing best practices and leadership tips for association professionals in segments of three minutes or less. Along with easy to consume videos, the channel has a responsive design that… 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.