Jan 17, 2017
UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry has decided to expand its events accreditation scheme. Beginning this year, quality exhibitions and events that focus on national audiences also will be able to apply for, and receive, UFI’s unique recognition – “UFI Approved Event” - opening up the industry’s gold standard to audited national quality shows. Until recently, UFI approval was reserved for exhibitions that meet the highest global standards, provide officially audited statistics and serve an international market. Under the new system, organizers can apply for either UFI… more
Jan 17, 2017
A group of veteran industry professionals has launched a consultancy company – the Event Advisory Group – designed to help associations, trade show organizers, publishers and corporations improve the financial, brand and operational performance of their events. Formed in early 2016 and officially launched six weeks ago, EAG features an executive team of five seasoned event professionals, who boast 120 collective years of event management, marketing and operational experience and a comprehensive knowledge of producing and launching events ranging from large global trade shows to small… more
Jan 16, 2017
More than 1,200 association executives, consultants and industry professionals converged at the 2016 ASAE Technology Conference & Expo for three days of networking, education, insights and information about the latest trends, technologies, and strategies needed to take their organizations in a more forward-thinking direction. Held Dec. 12-14 at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, MD, the association’s 11th annual event offered 32 high-level education sessions, a host of networking opportunities and an expo that featured135 exhibiting companies spanning… more
Jan 12, 2017
CES, the world’s largest consumer technology trade show, had yet another record-breaking year. Held at the Las Vegas Convention Center and venues throughout the city Jan. 5-8, the 50th annual event for the global technology industry boasted a 2.6 million net square foot showfloor occupied by 3,800 exhibitors and more than 175,000 attendees, including 55,000 from 150 countries. Final attendance figures will be released after the show’s independent audit late this spring, according to officials from the Consumer Technology Association, which owns and produces the show. Last year, CES attracted… more
Jan 11, 2017
The Craft & Hobby Association has transformed its CHA MEGA Conference & Trade Show into Creativation, a refreshed, reimagined event for the crafting industry. Set to debut Jan. 19-23 at the Phoenix Convention Center, the rebranded and reinvented show will feature new programs, learning opportunities and networking events; a targeted focus on innovation, collaboration and creative entrepreneurs, and at the heart of it all, a completely redesigned trade show floor. As the annual trade show and conference for the global creative products industry, the event brings together manufacturers… more
Jan 11, 2017
For the second year in a row and much to my chagrin, I was unable to attend the Professional Convention Management Association’s Convening Leaders annual meeting.  This year, it was held in the great city of Austin, Texas, and had three days packed with education and networking events. Of course, I had serious FOMO (fear of missing out) – but lucky for me, PCMA holds an online digital event powered by INXPO that streams throughout their live event. In my humble opinion, it is bar none the best digital event out there that coincides with a live event. Here are just a few of the reasons… more
Jan 10, 2017
One week after Will Secombe stepped down from the top post at Visit Florida in the midst of a controversy surrounding a $1 million promotional contract paid to musician Pitbull, Ken Lawson was named the bureau’s new President and CEO.  The announcement was made following a unanimous vote of the Visit Florida Board of Directors during a meeting Jan. 10 in Orlando.  Lawson, who currently serves as the secretary of the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), will assume his new position with Visit Florida Jan. 11. “The work VISIT FLORIDA does to promote… more
Jan 09, 2017
Freeman, a provider of brand experiences, is integrating several of its creative services across the Asia Pacific region, including China and Singapore, under the company’s agency division, FreemanXP. The move comes after Freeman acquired Staging Connections Group Limited in November 2015. The event services company, with operations in Australia, New Zealand and Fiji, operated in Singapore as The Event Company and in China as ETGSC. “Today’s integration announcement better aligns our teams to address the needs of clients by combining the Freemanagency resources with ETGSC and The Event… more
Jan 09, 2017
Eco Expo Asia 2016, held Oct. 26-29, closed amid great acclaim with record-breaking exhibitor and visitor numbers. The Expo was jointly organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, and co-organised by the Environment Bureau of the Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The four-day event attracted 325 exhibitors from 19 countries and regions, including 15 overseas and local pavilions and group participation. The growth signifies stronger engagement by the green building, energy efficiency and green transportation sectors driven by the… more
Jan 09, 2017
The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority kicked off the new year on a celebratory note with the unveiling of the Diamond Lot, the Las Vegas Convention Center’s new outdoor parking and exhibition space. Launched the day before CES on Jan. 4, the new space was commemorated with typical Las Vegas-style fanfare, including a ceremonial gathering complete with dignitaries, invited guests, showgirls and presentations by LVCVA president/CEO Rossi Ralenkotter and Consumer Technology Association President Gary Shapiro. “The Diamond Lot represents the first step in our commitment to Las Vegas’… 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.