Sep 11, 2014
The trade show industry grew by 1 percent in the second quarter of 2014, marking the sixteenth quarter of consecutive growth, according to the CEIR Index Report released today in a room filled with C-level executives at the CEIR Predict Conference in Chicago. All four metrics tracked by the index posted year-on-year gains, with the strongest performance in Real Revenues, which rose 1.4 percent. The growth of the exhibition industry lagged behind GDP during the second quarter of 2014, a reversal of the previous two quarters.  "Overall, the second-quarter results show a meager gain of 1.0… more
Sep 10, 2014
Connectivity was supercharged at the CTIA Super Mobility Week, a trade show and conference for all things wireless that took place Sept. 9-11 at the Sands Expo & Convention Center. The inaugural Week brought together CTIA’s consumer and enterprise-focused events that used to run in the spring and fall, as well as 4G World,  IFA consumer electronics show in Berlin (via online portal) and Competitive Carriers' Association annual conference, which ran at the Cosmopolitan hotel and shared badges with CTIA. “We are a very dynamic industry. We have to start from scratch every year,” said… more
Sep 09, 2014
Despite the news of several casinos closing in Atlantic City, N.J., recently, the meetings and convention business keeps moving forward. From beauty queens to mail carriers to candy store owners, this week will be a busy one at the Atlantic City Convention Center. The facility will welcome more than 9,900 attendees during the course of five events beginning Sept. 8. Included among this week’s events is the Philadelphia National Candy Gourmet & Gift Show, America’s largest trade show for the retail confectioner, which will take place Sept. 7-9 and will host more than 5,000 attendees.… more
Sep 08, 2014
Reed Exhibitions, which currently hosts more than 20 fashion events annually - including Capsule and Agenda shows – will add another show into the lineup with the launch of AXIS. AXIS will take place biannually during New York Women’s Market Week in February and September. The show debuts winter Feb. 22-24 and will be collocated with sister show Capsule Women’s in Pier 94. “AXIS is the first trade show of its kind built for a new generation of women,” said AXIS Show Director Vanessa Chiu, an industry veteran who has spent the last two years cultivating AGENDA WMNS. She added, “Guided by the… more
Sep 07, 2014
This month on Interview With A Trade Show Exec we’ll be getting to know a bit more about another one of our industry’s rock stars – 32-year veteran Robbi Lycett, senior vice president, Conventions & Conferences, Biotechnology Industry Organization, which owns and runs the BIO International Convention. While it may not have the Gothic setting of an Anne Rice novel, I think these main characters are just as complicated and deep as Lestat de Lioncourt and Louis de Pointe du Lac, but without all that brooding undead thing going on. Where did you grow up? What was your adolescent experience… more
Sep 05, 2014
The inaugural International Mining Conference & Expo (IMEX2014) has just surpassed the 250 exhibitor mark, just weeks before the show runs Sept. 23-25 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. IMEX2014 is designed to provide operators with a forum to evaluate suppliers with an objective of improving productivity and operational efficiencies. Interest for this new event has been very strong and the pace of new exhibitor signups has been increasing. Event organizers, SEMCO PRODUCTIONS, a Mining Media International Company, expects well more than 250 exhibitors, in addition to 1,000 qualified… more
Sep 04, 2014
U.K.-based UBM has consolidated its events-led marketing services businesses in North and South America into a single organization with a streamlined management structure.  UBM Americas will be headquartered in New York and led by Sally Shankland, who previously was CEO of UBM Connect, UBM’s non-technology-related business in the U.S. and Mexico.   The integration of UBM Tech and UBM Connect is effective immediately, with UBM Brazil following in January 2015. “The formation of UBM Americas will help the events-led marketing services business in the U.S. grow to its potential,… more
Sep 04, 2014
The Premiere Orlando International Beauty Show signed on for a five-year renewal that will keep the show at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando through 2019.  The home-grown show, spearheaded by Howard Britt, Premier's founder and president, has a major economic impact on Orlando, to the tune of $91 million dollars annually. “We have been at the Orange County Convention Center since 1995 and our partnership between the OCCC and Visit Orlando truly has been an integral part of our incredible success,” Britt said. He added, “We are excited to stay in Orlando for the next 5 years… more
Sep 03, 2014
Lew Shomer, the executive director for the Society of Independent Show Organizers, will be stepping down from the organization that represents for-profit show organizers when the current management agreement with his management company, Shomex Productions, expires Sept. 30, 2015. Shomer told the SISO Board of Directors at the last meeting in Atlantic City that "it's time to change leadership and continue the growth of SISO." SISO Chairman Rick McConnell said, "With the help of Lew, SISO is in the best possible shape and is a great organization, with lots of upside still to come." He added… more
Sep 02, 2014
Global trade show company Reed Exhibitions has appointed Chet Burchett CEO of the company, and Mike Rusbridge, who previously held that title, will remain in his other role as executive chairman. “Reed Exhibitions has an exciting future ahead with strong growth expected and a clear plan of what will be required to realize our goals over the coming years,” Rusbridge said. He added, “I believe, as both chairman and CEO, now is the right time to separate these two roles to ensure we remain focused on our strategic direction, while executing well on the objectives we set ourselves each year.”… 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.