Jul 22, 2013
The Singapore Gifts & Premiums Fair (SGPFair) drew a record-breaking 10,000-plus visitors when it recently was held at the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore. The three-day show, held July 10-12, showcases promotional, corporate, incentive and retail gifts. There also were 158 exhibitors on the showfloor. Both local (61 percent) and overseas exhibitors (39 percent) presented unique products and the latest designs from more than 30 countries, such as Australia, Germany, Korea, Japan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Italy, United States, United Kingdom and more.  International Group Pavilions… more
Jul 21, 2013
From crazy nail designs to textured curls and wrinkle erasers, the spirit of style and rejuvenation was in the air at Cosmoprof North America, the annual trade show and conference for beauty professionals held July 14 -16 at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. Sporting a new look and feel in partnership with Global Experience Specialists, the show boasted an increase in numbers across the board, compared with 2012. Attendance was up 8 percent at about 26,000, space was up 5 percent at 209,358 net square feet and the number of exhibitors also increased 5 percent to 892. In… more
Jul 21, 2013
Despite the Chapter 9 bankruptcy filed by the city of Detroit last week, the meetings and conventions business won’t be impacted, according to Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau officials. They added that events already held in the city or ones that are considering Detroit for the first time will find their experience ‘seamless’. Detroit is the largest U.S. city to file for bankruptcy protection in federal court, laying the groundwork to help the city recover from an $18 billion deficit, loss of population and tax revenues. The meetings and conventions… more
Jul 18, 2013
Freeman’s chief sales officer, Bob Priest-Heck, will step into the president and COO role when John O’Connell, the company’s current president, retires June 30, 2014. The leadership transfer will be in phases, with Priest-Heck assuming the COO role Aug. 1 of this year and reporting to O’Connell and Freeman CEO Joe Popolo. When O’Connell retires, Priest-Heck will step in his new president role, overseeing the Freeman Companies, overseeing Freeman’s Exposition business, as well as Freeman AV and FreemanXP. "As a family and employee-owned business, we… more
Jul 17, 2013
There’s no doubt that the ability for consumers to directly book their own travel online has been a game-changer, and at the top of that game is Travelocity.com, billed as one of the largest online travel agencies in the world. TSNN is proud to announce that attendees to the 4th Annual TSNN Awards Nov. 1-3 in Reno will have the opportunity to hear a keynote from Terry Jones, founder of Travelocity, board chair of Kayak.com and board member of LuxuryLink, Smart Destinations and Rearden Commerce. In other words, when it comes to the evolution of online travel booking, Jones has been at… more
Jul 16, 2013
In 2014, not only will the OFA – The Association of Horticulture Professionals and American Nursery and Landscape Association combine, but also the OFA Short Course show will expand its showfloor by 50,000 square feet at next year’s show. Additional educational and networking opportunities will be offered to serve the increasing attendance. “For years, OFA Short Course has been a preferred destination for independent garden retailers, florists, growers, and installers. Our 7-acre trade show sells out every year, and it already includes numerous companies that provide… more
Jul 16, 2013
The U.S. Poultry & Egg Association has made Atlanta the home for its International Production & Processing Expo for more than six decades, and it doesn’t plan to go someplace else any time soon, signing on to the city through 2020. The deal recently was completed with the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau. “We have been courted by other cities, but at the end of the day Atlanta is the best choice for IPPE. Through discussions with the hotel community, the Georgia World Congress Center and the ACVB we have arrived at a commitment that will take us through 2020,… more
Jul 15, 2013
With the darkest days of the recession fading and attendee numbers already seeing healthy increases at trade shows, it only was a matter of time before exhibitors would up their booth space, exhibit at a show for the first time or return if they had been away. Second-quarter net square footage for the hundreds of shows tracked by a2z's Quarterly Tradeshow Industry Index Report is up 5.7 percent, compared with the same time period last year. The uptick for the second quarter continued the trend from the first quarter of this year, which saw a quarter-over-quarter net square footage… more
Jul 14, 2013
A lot of time, energy and dollars are invested when a company decides to exhibit at a show, but what’s sometimes overlooked is training the staff in the booth to engage effectively with potential customers. The Center for Exhibition Industry Research recently released its latest Guru Report – “A Primer for Exhibit Managers on Exhibit Staff Orientation”- written by Candy Adams, a well-known exhibition industry veteran and owner of ‘The Booth Mom®’ Trade Show Consulting. The report takes a look at why exhibit training is so important to having a successful show, what topics should be covered in… more
Jul 13, 2013
Are you considering an online or hybrid event, but not sure what initial steps to take? Join TSNN July 18 at 1 p.m. for the latest complimentary webinar - "What Everyone Ought to Know About Effectively Using Online and Hybrid Events.” Register HERE. Stressed about the rapid growth of digital technology and its effect on the exhibition and meetings industry? Discover simple and effective ways to overcome your challenges and fears, so you can easily capitalize on this rising industry trend. Learn the top ways to prepare and stay at the forefront of the industry’s… 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.