May 17, 2017
The Association of Event Organisers (AEO) and The Society of Independent Show Organisers (SISO) have entered into a reciprocity agreement following a meeting among several of their independent trade and consumer organiser members in Miami last month. The agreement sees both organisations supporting each other with information exchange, research insight and mutual discounts for members to attend each associations’ events. In addition, it sees the formation of a new special interest group the ‘Independent Organiser Network’ (ION). The ION is a group formed of AEO and SISO commercial event… more
May 16, 2017
It’s been a busy spring, with a lot of companies growing their ranks with several new hires, including InfoComm International, The Expo Group, UBM Americas, Urban Expositions and Connect Travel, to name a few. InfoComm International has named Heidi A. Voorhees, MBA, CAE, as the organization's new COO. As COO, Voorhees will lead InfoComm's North American operations and global marketing and communication efforts. "I am thrilled that Heidi has chosen InfoComm International for the next chapter in her exciting career," said David Labuskes, CTS®, CAE, RCDD, Executive Director and CEO of InfoComm… more
May 16, 2017
The PCMA Education Foundation recently honored the 2017 Lifetime Achievement of three industry luminaries as well as the winners of the 2017 Professional Excellence Awards at the Marriott Marquis Washington, D.C. More than 1,000 leaders in the business events were in attendance at the awards event. “Our 2017 honorees and award winners’ accomplishments serve as inspiration to both industry veterans and novices alike,” said PCMA President and CEO, Deborah Sexton. “Each an expert in their profession—always endeavoring to lead the advancement of their organizations and the business events… more
May 16, 2017
The Minneapolis Convention Center now is using a recently installed stormwater storage system that is expected to keep an estimated 5.4 million gallons of rainwater from running off and flowing into the Mississippi River each year. A series of large rainwater storage pipes with a total storage capacity of 250,000 gallons have been buried under the facility’s marshaling yard, where they will collect runoff from 10 acres of the building’s roof and store it in a network of 10- and 11-foot diameter corrugated steel pipes until needed for irrigation. As the primary source of water for the… more
May 16, 2017
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events recently celebrated another successful Women’s Leadership Forum May 2 at the MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Md. More than 220 attendees sold out this year’s event which featured education sessions for women at all stages of their career, as well as the 2017 IAEE Woman of Achievement Award was presented to Megan Tanel, CEM during the event. Tanel is senior vice president, Exhibitions and Events for the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM).  She has been an extraordinary leader during her more than 20-year career with AEM… more
May 11, 2017
Here at TSNN, we know how hard you and your team work to make your trade show a success, and we know you’ve earned bragging rights, so we want to hear from you! Nominations are open for TSNN’s 7th Annual “Best of Show” award, and we are leaving it up to you to: Tell us why you think your show is the BEST! This is the seventh year for this special award, and five nominees will be invited to the 2017 TSNN Awards: Celebrating Trade Show Excellence Aug. 21-23 in New Orleans. After a social media campaign open to the entire industry, the overall winner will be announced at the gala awards… more
May 11, 2017
Imagine you’re at a large trade show in a giant convention center among throngs of people and you’re starting to feel tired and stressed. Instead of just grinning and bearing it, you’ve arranged to take a break and venture to the facility’s green roof, where a sprawling garden of plants and flowers, along with birds, bees and butterflies, awaits you. As you drink in the serene, meadow-like landscape and beautiful city views, you enjoy a leisurely stroll, breathe in some fresh air and suddenly realize you’re not feeling nearly as tired or stressed out anymore. In fact, after just a few… more
May 10, 2017
The UFI Board of Directors has elected Craig Newman, CEO of the Johannesburg Expo Centre, as the president of UFI for the 2018/2019 term. The decision was made at a board meeting during UFI European Conference in Cologne, Germany and becomes effective at the conclusion of the 83rd UFI Global Congress, running Nov. 1-4 in Johannesburg. The UFI Presidential Trio for the 2017-18 term will comprise Corrado Peraboni (Fiera Milano, Italy), President 2017-2018; Craig Newman, Incoming President and Andreas Gruchow (Deutsche Messe AG, Germany), Outgoing President. In 2014, Newman was elected onto the… more
May 10, 2017
Monterey Bay is upping their game with a multi-project renovation and expansion of various meeting spaces in the area. Whether you are looking for a good conference venue, offsite meeting spaces, locations for group activities or venues for incentive trips and team building, Monterey Bay is ready to deliver. The new Monterey Bay Conference Center: Nestled in the downtown area and only steps away from the waterfront, the Monterey Bay Conference Center is undergoing a transformation. “We are in the final stages of our $60 million renovation to the 40,000 square feet of interior space here at… more
May 09, 2017
The global event management platform, etouches, has been acquired by HGGC, a middle market private equity firm. HGGC’s investment will help the fast-growing event management software and sourcing solutions provider significantly expand its business in order to achieve a greater share of the $6 billion Event Management Software (EMS) and venue sourcing market, according to HGGC officials. “We are very excited to partner with HGGC as we continue to enhance our offering and capitalize on the large whitespace in the market,” said Oni Chukwu, etouches CEO. He continued, “The HGGC team’s experience… 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.