Oct 29, 2014
More than 300 attendees from 46 nations gathered Oct. 29-Nov 1 in Bogota, Colombia, for UFI, The Global Association for the Exhibition Industry’s 81st Congress The event has not been in Latin America since 1975 and will bring together leaders and strategic thinkers for a three-day review of the state of the exhibition industry. UFI’s Congress was hosted by regional industry association (AFIDA) and Corferias, Colombia’s leading exhibition business. “Our theme this year ‘Fit to Compete’ will have us examine new markets, new structures, new products and new revenue opportunities,” said Renaud… more
Oct 29, 2014
The National Business Aviation Association’s (NBAA’s) 2014 Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition, which took place Oct. 21-23 in Orlando at the Orange County Convention Center, held steady this year, with the number of attendees, exhibitors and size of showfloor on par with last year’s event. “This year’s show was an enormous success, filled with announcements and product introductions,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. He added, “The exhibit floor and aircraft displays had lots of activity and excitement. The education sessions were informative and well attended. The event once… more
Oct 28, 2014
Keynote sessions will focus on challenges and opportunities in manufacturing operations and pharmaceutical packaging at Pharma Expo, which will be collocated with PACK EXPO International, on tap Nov. 2-5 at Chicago’s McCormick Place.  The show, a joint venture of PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies and the International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE), will feature the keynote addresses as highlights of the Pharma EXPO conference program that will feature presentations about issues and trends that affect all facets of the pharmaceutical industry… more
Oct 28, 2014
The recent staging of REHACARE 2014, International Trade Fair and Congress “Self-determined Living”, closed in Düsseldorf, Germany to positive results. A total of 51,250 trade visitors, people affected and their families came to gather information about innovative assistive technologies presented by 902 exhibitors from 36 countries. This marks a slight visitor increase, compared with the staging in 2012, the closest year in attendee patterns. According to a survey, 96 percent of the REHACARE 2014 attendees were pleased with the trade fair and its product ranges. “Ageing societies, rising… more
Oct 27, 2014
Venue management company SMG has had a busy few months, scoring three new venue contracts, as well as forming a joint venture with Europe-based Artexis easyFairs. The three venue contracts all occurred in the past three months and include not only a long-awaited new convention center in Albany, N.Y., but also the highly anticipated new Minnesota Vikings Stadium and the Tucson (Ariz.) Convention Center. The Tucson Convention Center, Tucson Arena, Tucson Music Hall and Tucson Leo Rich Theater contracts began Oct. 1. The firm was selected after a recent “… more
Oct 27, 2014
By Alexa Newman and Benjamin Rabe Exhibitor X has been a staple in your trade show – and your show’s budget – for years. But Steve, the new marketing manager, is questioning his company’s sponsorship next year. “We’re not seeing enough return on investment,” Steve writes in his evaluation. That’s worse-case scenario. Hopefully, you’re already addressing Steve’s concerns before it goes to an eval form. Still, the more your team works on giving sponsors and exhibitors access to your attendees, the more success your show will enjoy. Following are some tips that will help attract and retain… more
Oct 25, 2014
NRG Energy and MGM Resorts International teamed up to unveil the installation of the world’s largest rooftop solar array on a convention center. Covering approximately 20 acres atop the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, the 6.4 megawatt (MW dc) [5.0 megawatt ac (MW ac)] photovoltaic array will produce enough electricity to power the equivalent of approximately 1,000 U.S. homes annually and is the first of its kind on the Las Vegas Strip.   MGM Resorts and NRG also plan to build an additional 2 MW dc (1.5 MW ac) photovoltaic array atop a future expansion of the Mandalay Bay… more
Oct 23, 2014
If you wanted to know everything there is around the produce industry and learn about it in one place, the Produce Market Association (PMA) 2014 Fresh Summit International Convention and Expo at the Anaheim Convention Center was the right place to be.  All facets of the industry, from seeds, packaging, equipment, shipping, import/export, growers, distributors, retailers and more were represented, with the more than 1,090 exhibitors on 265,300 square feet of exhibitor space (a record for space, and evidence of the show’s growth).  The attendance also set a record for the Anaheim… more
Oct 22, 2014
Ted Bahr, president and CEO of Melville, N.Y.-based BZ Media, said now is the right time to launch a new show his company’s been strategizing about for a while: InterDrone, the International Drone Conference and Exposition will debut Sept. 9-11 next year in Las Vegas. “We have been tracking this market closely for two years and are convinced that this growing industry needs an event 100 percent focused on the commercial drone market and that the right place for that event to thrive and grow is Las Vegas,” Bahr added. He said, “Our goal is the build the largest dedicated commercial drone event… more
Oct 21, 2014
Exhibit Surveys and Lippman Connects recently released the second annual report: “Issues and Trends in Exhibit Space and Sponsorship Sales”. According to the survey of event organizer executives, growth in both exhibit space and sponsorships sales appears healthy.  Improvements in the economy and support by industries represented by the events were cited as the primary reasons for growth in both areas. Even with the positive news for both exhibit and sponsorship sales, Sam Lippman, president and founder of Lippman Connects, pointed out there was room for improvement. He said senior… 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.