Mar 02, 2015
The first day of OFFPRICE, held Feb. 15-18 at the Sand Expo & Convention Center in Las Vegas, kicked off with crowds of buyers in the aisles, with some exhibitors calling it the busiest day they had ever had at the show that was celebrating its 40th run.
The showfloor spanned 132,000 net square feet, its largest one to date, and there were 8,8460 buyers, a 5.5-percent increase, compared with the same show in 2014, looking for products often priced at 70 percent below wholesale costs.
It was the largest percentage gain in retailer attendance in more than seven years, resulting in the… more
Mar 02, 2015
The debut of PACK EXPO East in Philadelphia drew 6,500 attendees, 386 exhibiting companies and 92,413 net square feet of exhibit space at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, according to show owner and producer PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies.
Its location in Philadelphia placed PACK EXPO East within 200 miles of one-third of U.S. consumer packaged goods companies (CPGs), including the life science and pharmaceutical industries, which have a stronghold in the region.
Attendance — which drew primarily from Pennsylvania (35.5 percent), New Jersey (24.6 percent)… more
Feb 27, 2015
Citing currency headwinds and lower biennial revenues in an `even' year, U.K.-based UBM reported a 2014 full-year revenue dip of 6 percent to £746.3 million ($1.15 billion) this year, compared with £793.9 million ($1.23 billion) during the same time period in 2013.
The events division was on an upswing, though, reporting 6-percent growth for the company’s annual events to £429.2 million ($663 million), compared with £424.6 ($656 million) during the same time period the year before.
Biennial events saw a 39 percent decrease in revenues last year, however, to £21.3 million ($33… more
Feb 26, 2015
During one week in February in venues spread throughout Las Vegas, there are no less than 17 individual fashion shows going on at the same time.
Making sure each show is memorable as a standalone event is key and often accomplished through creating a unique experience that leaves in an indelible impression.
Waling the aisles at Reed Exhibitions’ The Agenda Show, held at the Venetian/Sands and serves the surf, skate and street community, an attendee instantly knows that are not at your typical show.
Music is thumping, the aisles are packed with interesting booths and products, skateboarders… more
Feb 26, 2015
“This industry (trade shows and expos) has not changed for 150 years. People just used to dress better,” said David Ely, head of sales and marketing for TurnoutNow.
But Ely feels change now is possible and affordable with the arrival of beacons on the scene. There is no need to guess what attendees are doing at your event. Through the use of Bluetooth beacons, real-time data now is available to trade show and expo organizers.
Bluetooth beacons are transmitters that use Bluetooth Low Energy 4.0 to broadcast signals that can be heard by compatible or smart devices.
A typical example would be a… more
Feb 25, 2015
Trade Show News Network has unveiled the TSNN Global Trade Show Venue Directory (http://intlvenuedirectory.tsnn.com/), with more than 200 exhibit halls, convention centers and other facilities with exhibit space listed.
“Trade Show News Network is committed to providing valuable data for the industry,” said Rachel Wimberly, TSNN president and Editor-in-Chief. “We designed the TSNN Global Trade Show Venue Directory to be the go-to place to find the perfect venue for show organizers’ events.”
Complimentary to all users, the TSNN Global Trade Show Venue Directory is a comprehensive guide that is… more
Feb 24, 2015
Destination sales professionals will access planner information from Destination Marketing Association International’s empowerMINT initiative that includes improved data hygiene and supplemental meetings and contact information supplied by Columbia Books Information Services.
The data platform will relaunch in summer of 2015.
“Today’s planners expect sales professionals to be targeted with their prospecting, informed about their meetings, and timely in their outreach,” said DMAI President and CEO Michael Gehrisch. “As we leverage data partnerships and the competencies of CBIS, toward… more
Feb 24, 2015
Leading healthcare professionals will convene to help address the most common and costly healthcare challenges at the MEDICAL WORLD AMERICAS (MWA) 2015 conference and expo April 27-29 at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston.
In its second year, MWA has signed on GE Healthcare (NYSE: GE) as a Cornerstone Sponsor and PwC and Emirates Airline as Premier Sponsors, among other distinguished healthcare sponsors.
GE is ranked 9th among the Fortune 500 and is known for its transformational medical technologies and services that are shaping a new age of patient care, including medical… more
Feb 24, 2015
The American Society of Association Executives conducted a Job Task Analysis last year that explored the core functional areas of association management.
The results of this work will help in developing a comprehensive Body of Knowledge for the association field and CAE content outline.
Human Resources Research Organization (HumRRO) conducted the research, and the survey results confirmed identifiable competencies that reflect important elements of knowledge for those who work in associations.
The results also highlighted that professionals working in associations have a broad range of… more
Feb 24, 2015
The Healthcare Convention and Exhibitors Association (HCEA) recently hosted its annual Healthcare Marketing Summit Jan. 21-22 at the Hyatt Regency in Boston.
In addition to the one-day marketing summit, a half-day certificate program was offered in conjunction with Meeting Professionals International (MPI) and St. Louis University (SLU).
The certificate program is targeted towards those who are involved in planning and reporting transparency and spend as well as for those suppliers who provide services and products to the healthcare industry.
The HMCC gives professionals a… 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.