MAGIC Market Week Breaks 1 Million Square Feet
August 21, 2013
The biannual MAGIC Market Week rolled out the white carpet Aug. 18-21 across the Las Vegas Convention Center and Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino for the fashion event that just keeps on growing.
Owned by Advanstar Global, it is now comprised of 10 trade shows that focus on men’s, women’s and children’s apparel, swimwear, footwear, accessories and sourcing. This summer’s event spanned more than a million square feet at multiple venues and attracted 70,000-plus attendees and 6,000-plus exhibiting brands.
A recent $155 million acquisition of ENK International has played in significant role in increasing the show’s presence in women’s apparel and footwear segments.
The inaugural WSA@MAGIC, featuring fast fashion in shoes, spilled over from the LVCC’s North Hall to LVH, launching at 100,000-plus sq. ft. and 500 exhibitors. “That’s going gangbusters right now,” said Allison Lombardo, vice president of marketing for Advanstar.
Making such a large event a successful experience for buyers is no small feat, and much is invested in helping them find the gems that they are looking for.
“Everything we do is coming from a perspective of the buyer and making their shopping experience successful,” Lombardo said.
To add efficiency and inspiration, the show launched an e-commerce aspect of its Shop the Floor online platform, where buyers and brands can connect and now do business directly for a month before and after the show.
“You’ll always want to touch and feel the products, but it makes it easier to see them at the show and to have a visual memory afterwards,” Lombardo said.
While not easy to implement across all segments of Market Week, a curated approach to organizing the showfloor is gaining momentum, as complementing brands form ecosystems with shared culture and personality.
WWD MAGIC White and ENKVEGAS offered an elevated look by hand-picked designers. This year, PROJECT, built on the idea of one-stop-shopping for creative contemporary brands, launched several special sections, including footwear, California-inspired Threads and Fins and Indigo for premium denim.
At seminars, participants expressed concern about the U.S. economy during the next two years, as well as global uncertainty with stagnant EU economies and slowing growth in China.
Days before the show, top retailers, including Wal-Mart, Nordstrom and Kohl’s, cut annual profit projections, but at the same time, talked with cautious enthusiasm about the potential for growth in the apparel and shoe sectors.
On the showfloor, veterans, along with newcomers, offered a positive outlook on the industry.
Taking a break from writing orders, exhibitor Kellie Canning from Calif.-based Velvet Heart called this show “consistent”, even though this was not their high season. The company had taken a break from exhibiting two years ago, but has been back for three shows now. “We’ve picked up quite a few new clients, and existing customers are spending more,” Canning said.
Several randomly picked attendees and exhibitors said that they had either started their company or launched a new line in the past six months.
First-time attendee Lisa Ibias, with Alaskan Dames was at the show to scout out high-end designs for a new boutique she is opening in addition to her consignment store. She said, “We think it’s a good time (to open a store.) Spending is starting to come back again.”
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.
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