Aug 19, 2013
Savings await buyers planning to visit the upcoming 52nd Bangkok Gems and Jewelry Fair (BGJF52) after the Thai government last month announced the lifting of the 20 percent tax on imported gems and jewelry products to be sold at the exhibition. Foreign exhibitors are now allowed to bring in and sell gems and jewelry from their countries duty-free, while local exhibitors can reduce selling prices as they cut down on imported parts and products’ costs. Both local and foreign buyers can thus take advantage of the 20 percent savings. Somchai Phornchindarak, president of the Thai Gem and… more
Aug 19, 2013
Expanding their reach even more, Global Sources is adding another sourcing fair to their portfolio: China Sourcing Fair: Mobile & Wireless, which will be held in April 2014 at Hong Kong’s AsiaWorld-Expo. The new show is scheduled to be held each April and October and will showcase more than 800 booths at launch. The event will be collocated with the China Sourcing Fair: Electronics & Components and the China Sourcing Fair: Security Products and its pavilions will include smartphones and tablets, accessories, mobile apps and applications and wireless devices. President of… more
Aug 18, 2013
The Center for Exhibition Industry Research’s latest Index Report for the second quarter was just released, and the good news is for the 12th consecutive quarter, the trade show industry continues to grow, though that growth has slowed. Year-over-year growth increased 1.2 percent overall, which is down slightly, 0.3 percent, compared with the second quarter of last year. The growth also lagged behind that of the GDP numbers in the second quarter that saw a 1.4 percent increase. "Overall, the second-quarter results continue on a positive upswing, and they confirm that the… more
Aug 18, 2013
Thousands of independent pharmacists converged Aug. 7-10 in Seattle for Cardinal Health's annual Retail Business Conference, with the theme Discover New Horizons for improving their businesses and for delivering quality, personalized care to patients. "RBC is the industry's best opportunity to celebrate independent pharmacy and to encourage owners to discover new opportunities to move their businesses forward," said Steve Lawrence, senior vice president of Retail Independent Sales for Cardinal Health.  He added, "This event is one of the largest gatherings of… more
Aug 18, 2013
Even before “Superstorm Sandy” struck the Eastern seaboard of the United States, officials in the conventions and meetings business in Atlantic City had been brainstorming about a way to bring more events into their town. The hurricane brought a tremendous amount of damage in its wake, but, according to Gary Musich, Atlantic City CVA’s vice president of convention development, much of the city was spared. “There was no damage to any of the hotels or the convention center,” he added, “There was some flooding, but that’s it. There also was no damage… more
Aug 18, 2013
As part of the final piece of the Sunshine Act that went fully into effect Aug. 1, all pharmaceutical, medical device, biological, and medical supply manufacturers have to report to the Health and Human Services (HHS) any "payment or other transfer of value" to physicians, including any giveaways at medical and pharmaceutical trade shows and meetings. These requirements apply if a manufacturer sells or distributes at least one covered drug, device, biologic or medical supply. For organizers, it just adds one more layer of data collection, but fortunately, technology company… more
Aug 14, 2013
Atlanta-based Urban Expositions has further expanded into the restaurant and foodservice industries by scooping up three shows from Reed Exhibitions and one more from the New York State Restaurant Association. The Reed shows are the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Show, Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo and Expo Comida Latina, as well as the association’s International Restaurant & Foodservice Show, which was managed by Reed. "We have been searching for strategic opportunities to grow our retail/hospitality sector and these shows perfectly reflect the profile and… more
Aug 13, 2013
Trade Show News Network is pleased to announce that Henry S. Givray, president and CEO of SmithBucklin, has not only been named the TSNN Awards Industry Icon honoree, but also he will be speaking on leadership at the awards’ weekend executive conference. Givray leads the world’s largest association management and professional services company, providing full-service management and high-impact specialized services to more than 420 trade and professional associations, corporations and government institutes. “Being named the TSNN Industry Icon Award recipient for 2013 is a… more
Aug 13, 2013
After a 15-year run as the telecom provider for the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority, which oversees the Las Vegas Convention Center and the Cashman Center, Smart City Networks lost the lucrative contract to Cox Nevada Telcom, following a 14-1 vote by the LVCVA board on Aug. 13. Smart City came in second, followed by A&T. According to LVCVA board meeting notes, Cox Nevada Telcom was awarded a seven-year contract, with the option of a three-year extension, and will subcontract with showNets to provide on-site services to show management, exhibitors and attendees. “The… more
Aug 12, 2013
Nineteen destination marketing organizations (DMOs) have recently been accredited under Destination Marketing Association International's (DMAI) Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP). "Congratulations to these nineteen destinations for receiving their DMAP accreditation," commented Shelly Green, Chair of DMAP and president and CEO of the Durham (N.C.) CVB. She added, "The DMAP process is a comprehensive review of a DMO's business procedures and accountability. These DMOs have shown their dedication to continually providing customers with superior service… 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.