GLM Postpones LAUNCH LA Show in its Second Year

May 13, 2013

George Little Management has decided to postpone the second running of its LAUNCH LA show that debuted last year in Santa Monica, Calif.

The show was scheduled to be held July 16-17 at Santa Monica Airport’s Barker Hangar.

"We have decided to put the LAUNCH project on hold,” said Roy Turner, senior vice president of GLM shows.

He added, “Based on the reviews we received after the first LAUNCH last year, showcasing emerging California lifestyle brands is important.We will continue to evaluate the best way to highlight these brands in a venue that maximizes all the resources that GLM brings to the table."

Last year’s show attracted approximately 75 exhibitors with a mix of surf, street/lifestyle and boutique retailers.

A similar event, Reed Exhibition’s AGENDA Show, is on tap July 25-26 in Long Beach, Calif.

In other GLM news, The Boardroom - a surf-oriented consumer event - was meant to run alongside the US Open in Surfing in July in Huntington Beach and was rescheduled and moved to the Orange County Fair Grounds in Costa Mesa, Calif., Oct. 5-6.

The main sticking point between IMG Worldwide, the US Open of Surfing owner, and GLM was there could be no admission charged for The Boardroom event if it was collocated with the surfing event.



“GLM’s involvement with the US Open of Surfing had always been predicated on our ability to filter and control attendance at our own event through admissions,” says GLM CEO Charles McCurdy.

He added. “Our ability to manage consumer access at the gate ensures that we can regulate, filter and ensure quality at a venue that last year drew more than 700,000 participants.”

The Boardroom will debut for the first time in September at Surf Expo in Orlando.

"One of the most exciting opportunities offered by our GLM partnership is the ability to take The Boardroom to a variety of different regions with a strong surf culture, and Florida fits that bill perfectly," said Scott Bass, founder of The Boardroom.

The announcement marks the first time in Surf Expo's 37-year history where consumers will be permitted to attend part of the Surf Expo show.

"For years we've had to turn away dedicated surfers and boardsports enthusiasts who are dying to attend Surf Expo and experience the companies it serves," Turner said.

He added, "Now, there's finally an event for them - and an easy, effective way for Surf Expo exhibitors to interact with thousands of passionate and knowledgeable end users celebrating the sport we love."

Add new comment

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.