Feb 27, 2018
If you are considering taking your event to The Netherlands – most people likely would focus on Amsterdam, but there are two other affordable and easy-to-access cities to look at as well: Rotterdam and The Hague.
“We think that Rotterdam is the new and exciting choice for event organizers, with the same level of service and quality that can be expected from all cities in the Netherlands as a destination country,” said Catherine Kalamidas, account manager for Rotterdam Partners Convention Bureau.
She added, “The good thing is that the Netherlands is such a small country that you can actually… more
Feb 27, 2018
In its 47th year and held recently at the Sands Expo and Convention Center in Las Vegas, OFFPRICE drew in positive attendance who connected with 475 vendors, 49 of which were new to the show.
There also was a strong international presence on the showfloor.
“I had new business with a department chain based in Mexico, with almost 200 storefronts,” said Harry Nassib, OFFPRICE exhibitor.
He added, “This show, in particular, helped build awareness for my company and put my merchandise in front of buyers who I may not have reached elsewhere.”
Even with the hurricane hitting Puerto Rico late… more
Feb 26, 2018
ReedPOP, producer of games and pop culture live events, has expanded its business beyond event production for the first time by acquiring Gamer Network and its portfolio of events, websites and video channels.
Home to popular editorial and community websites and YouTube channels, Gamer Network boasts well-known flagship brands including Eurogamer, RockPaperShotgun, GamesIndustry.biz, VG247, Outside Xbox, Digital Foundry and USgamer.
Founded in 1999, the company also organizes EGX, the U.K.’s biggest games event, as well as indie games event, EGX Rezzed.
By combining the two portfolios,… more
Feb 23, 2018
Located in the heart of the historic city of Monterey, the new $60 million Monterey Conference Center is open for business after two years of renovations. The official ribbon cutting ceremony took place on Jan. 31, followed by a celebration that included live music, hors-d'oeuvres and guided tours of the property.
The Conference Center is a modern, LEED-certified meeting facility that features more than 40,000 square feet of flexible meeting space and can fit groups of up to 3,200 attendees.
The exterior of the building presents a striking first impression with natural stone, a large oval… more
Feb 22, 2018
As the events industry continues to be tasked with making the case for the value of face-to-face meetings and events, a new report commissioned by the Events Industry Council (EIC) has been released that will not only help the industry drive that case home but also prove what it has long known to be true: the meetings and events sector is critical to a healthy and thriving national economy.
According to the Economic Significance of Meetings to the US Economy, conducted by independent global advisory firm, Oxford Economics, and supported by the Meetings Mean Business Coalition and other… more
Feb 21, 2018
In the past few years, MAGIC, the biannual series of shows serving the fashion retail industry, has undergone one major change of ownership and is on the cusp of a possible other, as well as bought even more shows so that now there are a dozen running at the same time in Las Vegas.
The most recent MAGIC, held Feb. 12-14 at the Las Vegas Convention Center and Mandalay Bay Convention Center, marked a further evolution in the fast-growing series of shows.
In 2016, MAGIC’s parent company, UBM, bought Business Journals Inc. and took several of BJI’s shows, including STITCH, MRket and… more
Feb 21, 2018
Trade show organizers and meeting planners strive to create experiences for both attendees and exhibitors that will provide value and be memorable. Historically, events have been designed based on what organizers felt attendees needed but in recent years, some organizers have flipped that notion on its head.
Greg Bogue, chief experience architect at Maritz Global Events, believes it’s important to think about events differently and approach planning from the attendees’ perspective.
“Walk in the shoes of your guests,” Bogue said. “Seriously consider going through the process of exactly what… more
Feb 20, 2018
In an effort to enhance international business relationships, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) and the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), owner and producer of the annual Consumer Electronics Show, closed out last month’s CES with an official Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the World Trade Center Las Vegas and the World Trade Center Trieste in Trieste, Italy.
Through the agreement, Las Vegas and Trieste will co-market under the World Trade Center brand, creating access to key trade information, market research and facilitate business trade opportunities… more
Feb 15, 2018
With better than expected results, GES closed out not only the fourth quarter of 2017 with a revenue jump of 6.8 percent, but also an increase of its full-year results, with top line growth up 7.4 percent.
“GES finished 2017 with stronger than expected fourth quarter revenue growth of 6.8 percent, while operating income was near the bottom end of our prior guidance range due largely to higher costs in our ON Services audio-visual business,” said Steve Moster, president and CEO of Viad, GES’ parent company.
He added, “For the full year, GES delivered top line growth of 7.4 percent. We… more
Feb 15, 2018
It’s no secret that younger audiences have different approaches to learning. While Baby Boomers prefer personally focused learning and classroom environments, Gen Xers are fiercely independent, self-directed and would rather learn on their own time.
Millennials prefer technology and social media and expect to have the infrastructure available to work anywhere and everywhere. Now, we also have Gen Z in the mix: the generation of instant gratification. Born into a world where everything is digitized, they expect their environment to deliver a “wow” experience – and if it doesn’t, they’ll just… 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.