Jul 25, 2016
The American Society of Association Executives has named the host cities where its ASAE Annual Meeting & Exposition will be headed 2018-2022. The meeting attracts thousands of association executives and hundreds of exhibitors each year, and also it’s the flagship education and exposition for associations and nonprofit organizations in the United States. In 2018, the meeting will head to Chicago, followed by Columbus, Ohio, in 2019, Las Vegas in 2020, Dallas in 2021 and Atlanta in 2022. Next year, the Annual Meeting & Exposition will go north of the border to Toronto. “… more
Jul 24, 2016
During the recent Louisville Convention & Visitors Bureau’s annual Destination Marketing Forum not only were the results of a year-long Visitor Profile Study discussed, but also digital marketing agency Bandy Carroll Hellige unveiled a new brand platform, logo and creative for marketing the city’s tourism initiatives. In addition, Tempest Interactive gave a preview of a new web site that will go live in August and is being developed to replace GoToLouisville.com. “Louisville is a city in transformation.  More than $1 Billion is being invested in developments ranging from the… more
Jul 21, 2016
The Anaheim Convention Center, the largest convention center on the West Coast, was awarded LEED Gold certification, a designation for sustainable-rated buildings. The Anaheim Convention Center is the largest U.S. convention center to achieve LEED Gold certification. The honor follows the center’s earning of LEED certification in 2010. “The Anaheim Convention Center is the West Coast’s premier gathering place with world-class facilities and neighboring attractions to match in the Anaheim Resort District,” said Tom Morton, executive director of Convention, Sports and Entertainment for the city… more
Jul 20, 2016
The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association and Family Media signed a letter of intent to co-host and co-produce a series of baby events targeted at the juvenile products industry.  “JPMA members have been requesting an exciting trade show experience that addresses the evolving business climate,” said Kelly Mariotti, executive director of JPMA. She added, “By working with Family Media we can meet this demand and fuel the future growth of the association though developing direct consumer touch points, which are a high priority for our members.” The Baby Show Series will kick off May 9… more
Jul 19, 2016
Even in the current tumultuous times in several countries worldwide, the overall worldwide exhibition industry expects continued growth in turnover for the coming year, according to the recently released 17th Global Exhibition Barometer. However, a significant level of uncertainty is forecast for the first half of 2017 in Asia, Middle East and Africa. In addition, with the heightened level of random violent incidents, 60 percent of companies surveyed said they have introduced additional security measures at their events in the past months. “As pleasing as it is to see that globally the… more
Jul 18, 2016
Vincent Gerard, long-time managing director of UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has passed away. "It is with great sadness that we heard about the passing away of Vincent Gerard, UFI's managing director between 2001 and 2010,” said Sergej Alexeev, UFI president. He added, “Our thoughts are with his wife Catherine and the family. We have lost a great colleague, a strong promoter of our industry, and a close friend. Despite his health fading away, Vincent was following UFI and the industry all the time, and he stayed in touch with many friends… more
Jul 18, 2016
ICAST, which serves the sportfishing market, drew 15,000 attendees, making it the largest trade show produced by the recreational fishing industry’s trade association. From exhibitors to buyers to outdoor media, representatives from the domestic and international sportfishing and boating community converged July 12-15 on Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center for the 59th International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades, better known as ICAST.  ICAST, along with the International Fly Tackle Dealer Show and the new Marine Accessories Pavilion, encompassed 650,000 gross square… more
Jul 18, 2016
The tradition of recognizing individual show managers across the industry continues, as event professionals are encouraged to “Show Some Love” with a free nomination for the 2016 edition of The Expo Group Show Manager of the Year Awards. Since 2000, the crystal obelisk has been presented to those behind-the-scenes pros creating amazing experiences within their exhibition and convention. The awards are open to any show manager, not just clients of The Expo Group. Any individual responsible for a trade or association exhibition is eligible to win.   “These awards began in 2000 to 'show… more
Jul 16, 2016
The Center for Exhibition Industry Research released the first two reports in its newest series, 2016 Changing Environment of Exhibitions. This study, which is an update to research conducted in 2011, consists of 10 fact sheets articulating the power of exhibitions from the perspective of exhibitors. Since the last study conducted in 2011, the U.S. economy has enjoyed modest growth as it has recovered from the Great Recession of 2008. CEIR Index results have documented consistent, positive growth in the exhibition industry. At the same time, digital continues to grow in use as… more
Jul 16, 2016
Mary Pat Heftman has full responsibility for strategic development, execution and promotion of the annual New England Food Show and the National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show (NRA Show) /BAR @ NRA Show, the largest annual food and beverage tradeshow in the world.  She is also involved with strategic alliance development and oversees contracting for all Association meetings. Heftman joined the National Restaurant Association in 1990 and has held positions of progressively increasing scope and responsibility in the National Restaurant Association with her primary… 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.