Crisis communications
Mar 09, 2020
More than 2,200 event professionals attended the Events Industry Council live webinar, “COVID-19: Discussion of Critical Insurance and Legal Considerations for Event Professionals” webinar on Friday, March 6.   The webinar featured hospitality attorney Barbara Dunn, a partner in the Chicago office of Barnes & Thornburg LLP, and Tyra Warner, department chair of hospitality and tourism management at College of Coastal Georgia. Alisa Peters, senior global account manager for Experient, a Maritz Global Events Company and chair-elect of EIC’s CMP Governance Commission, facilitated.  EIC CEO… more
Mar 06, 2020
The following is an open letter dated March 5, 2020, from the leadership of the American Society of Association Executives; Destinations International; Events Industry Council; International Association of Exhibitions and Events; International Association of Venue Managers; Meeting Professionals International; PCMA; and the U.S. Travel Association.  We share the concern about the coronavirus and the questions this challenge presents. The health and wellbeing of the public is always paramount. The goal, of course, in any moment of public health concern is to be guided by expert information,… more
Mar 06, 2020
The ASAE Board of Directors named Susan Robertson president and CEO of the organization on an 18-month engagement, which took effect this month. This decision comes about two months after the death of longtime ASAE president and CEO John H. Graham IV in January. In her newly appointed position, Robertson will oversee all ASAE operations, including Centennial-related activities and a recent board-approved strategic planning process. She has served as interim president and CEO since June 2019, during Graham’s illness, and is the first woman to lead ASAE as president and CEO in its 100-year… more
Mar 04, 2020
In the wake of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) resulting in a series of trade show cancellations worldwide, UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, and SISO, The Society of Independent Show Organizers, have launched a new campaign, “This Show Is Open”. The campaign materials are available for download here: https://www.supportingevents.org/ The campaign is intended to support exhibition and event organizers around the world as they put the industry’s full experience to the task of keeping events going wherever possible, in line with the guidance of health authorities and the… more
Mar 03, 2020
While trade shows throughout the globe are continuing to cancel due to fears of COVID-19, some major events in the U.S. and Germany are forging ahead. They’re leveraging strong and transparent communication plans to reassure concerned attendees and exhibitors that their health and safety remain a top priority.  CONEXPO-CON/AGG & IFPE CONEXPO-CON/AGG & IFPE will be taking place as planned at Las Vegas Convention Center, March 10-14. According to a statement on its website, the show is not only closely monitoring the latest updates from the Centers for Disease Control and the World… more
Mar 02, 2020
The COVID-19 coronavirus has now caused more than 3,000 deaths worldwide from a confirmed 89,253 cases. As this outbreak continues to lead to cancellations and postponements of business events, use these resources to stay informed on the latest news. IAEE Access the organization’s official statement as well as evolving resources on understanding novel coronavirus’ impact on the industry. SISO The Society of Independent Show Organizers is collecting resources and statements here addressing shows that are canceling or rescheduling, as well as news updates directly impacting events. UFI… more
Feb 28, 2020
Reed Exhibitions has acquired two signature events from Intelligent Transportation Society of America (ITS America) — the North American-based ITS World Congress and Annual Meetings — bringing together two respected names in the events and mobility industry. ITS American will continue to lead, manage and deliver content for both events, while Reed plans to bring its global reach and resources to ITS America members and stakeholders through personalized matchmaking, marketing and lead-gen opportunities for exhibitors. “I am delighted to announce this landmark acquisition and look forward to… more
Feb 27, 2020
The first quarter of 2020 has been a bustling time for the trade show industry, with event producers and solutions providers signing a bevy of new clients and renewing deals. Here are some of the latest: Corcoran Expositions Lands Five New Shows Independent trade show organizer Corcoran Expositions recently signed trade show management agreements with five events. They include three American Society of Microbiology shows: Clinical Virology Symposium, ASM Microbe 2020 and the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students (ABRCMS 2020), as well as American Geophysical Union’s… more
Feb 26, 2020
When I first learned about Chicago Planner Master Class, I was intrigued. Put on by Ateema Media & Marketing, this series of events designed specifically for professional event planners and event marketers isn’t a typical talking-head education session or a loose networking opportunity. Instead, events (which take place several times a year) are structured as a brief introduction from a partner sponsor followed by 10 roundtable discussions on topics pre-selected by attendees. I attended my first one last week and not only did I learn a lot, I was also impressed with the layout and flow… more
Feb 21, 2020
The ever-expanding tourism market is getting two new shows this year, one geared toward consumers with a job fair component, and one for business events professionals. Take a look.  Exceptional Experiences in Barcelona Reed Travel Exhibitions will launch Exceptional Experiences, a two-day conference and ideas showcased on experiential marketing and live events, in Barcelona later this year. Set for Dec. 2-3 at Fira Barcelona Gran Via conference center in Spain, the show will take place alongside the business events trade show IBTM World and bring together the creative live events community… 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.