Jan 01, 2016
The Aria Resort & Casino has unveiled plans for a major expansion of its LEED Gold-certified convention center in Las Vegas.
The $154 million project will feature an additional 200,000 square feet of technologically advanced, flexible meeting space across four stories, highlighted by indoor/open-air spaces and a glass-enclosed venue with views of The Park and new Las Vegas Arena.
With the completion of the expansion, ARIA will feature more than 500,000 square feet of meeting space for its clientele.
Construction is scheduled to begin May 2016 with anticipated completion February 2018.… more
Dec 13, 2015
Longtime hospitality executive, David M. Gibbons of Rockport, Mass., was named by board of directors for the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority as its executive director.
Gibbons becomes the third leader in the history of the MCCA, taking over most recently for James Rooney, who left to run the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce.
Gibbons appointment comes after a several-month search process led by executive search firm Korn Ferry. In his role, Gibbons will oversee ownership and operations of the Authority’s four facilities, including the Boston Convention & Exhibition… more
Nov 21, 2015
You may not have heard of Branson, Mo., but it’s a unique place to plan your next meeting or event. Located about an hour south of Springfield, Mo., Branson provides some fantastic options for meeting spaces and entertainment options, all with the backdrop of the Ozarks.
The Branson Convention Center is located next to Branson Landing and is connected to the Hilton Branson. The 220,000 square foot meeting space in the convention center has been designed to mimic the vast waterways in the area, in terms of materials, shaping of accents and hallways and large windows that overlook… more
Nov 19, 2015
Denver voters overwhelmingly approved an expansion of the Colorado Convention Center by passing a special initiative Nov. 3. The project will be paid for by funding that will come by extending current taxes that are set to expire in 2023.
“We’re thrilled to have the support of the people of Denver behind our city’s convention and tourism industry,” said Richard Scharf, president & CEO of VISIT DENVER, The Convention & Visitors Bureau. This is the third time in recent years that Denver voters have strongly supported the travel industry, having previously… more
Oct 20, 2015
By Wendy Helfenbaum
When Kathie Canning first started working at Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center in the mid 1980s, it was a bit of a circus. Literally.
“At that time, we were the only concert venue; we did a lot of civic events, and we did the circus every year. It was very interesting when Avon came in to do a meeting right after the elephants left,” said Canning, now the OCCC’s executive director. “Many things have changed drastically since then; it’s been quite an amazing transformation.”
Today, as convention centers worldwide explode in number, size, and technology, Orlando… more
Oct 12, 2015
Comcast Spectator’s Spectra Venue Management division (formerly Global Spectrum) and the Spectra Food Services & Hospitality division (formerly Ovations Food Services) will be combined, effective Nov. 2.
This model integrates Spectra food and venue operations management into one team. In total, there will be four geographic divisions and 19 regions.
“The strong partnerships we have with our clients allow us to innovate in ways that benefits our clients, our employees and our customers,” said Glen Brandeburg, who joined the company in 2015 as the president and COO of… more
Oct 12, 2015
Comcast Spectator’s Spectra Venue Management division (formerly Global Spectrum) and the Spectra Food Services & Hospitality division (formerly Ovations Food Services) will be combined, effective Nov. 2.
This model integrates Spectra food and venue operations management into one team. In total, there will be four geographic divisions and 19 regions.
“The strong partnerships we have with our clients allow us to innovate in ways that benefits our clients, our employees and our customers,” said Glen Brandeburg, who joined the company in 2015 as the president and COO of… more
Oct 05, 2015
Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear, Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer and officials of the Kentucky International Convention Center recently unveiled the design and renderings for the downtown convention center’s expansion.
“The improvements for the Kentucky International Convention Center are very important to downtown Louisville and the many businesses that depend upon conventions in this city,” Beshear said.
He added, “This work will result in an annual economic impact of more than $50 million and will help retain current business and attract new conventions to Kentucky. Tourism is a major… more
Oct 01, 2015
Cleveland’s I-X Center has added a unique component to its venue - a state-of-the art live performance space, where acoustically treated sound walls, elevated telescopic seating and custom staging all scales to various flexible configurations.
“Previously, our barriers attracting major concert promoters and national touring acts, included a lack of elevated seating and the sound quality in this industrial complex,” said Jeremy Levine, I-X Center vice president of Business Development.
He added, “We now offer a state-of the art performance space with remarkable flexibility and world class… more
Aug 25, 2015
Even with so many attendees it's not easy to find a hotel room close by and some exhibits are outside in tents, Emerald Expositions’ Outdoor Retailer community has spoken loud and clear saying they want to stay in Salt Lake City.
The company listened and recently signed a contract to keep the massive show in the city through 2018.
“Salt Lake, and the State of Utah have proven to be wonderful hosts to the Outdoor Industry and to Outdoor Retailer over the years,” said Marisa Nicholson, vice president and Outdoor Retailer show director.
She added, “The community is welcoming, supportive and we… 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.