Aug 23, 2015
The first show to take advantage of all of the extra space at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center was one it long-time clients, UBM Advanstar’s MAGIC, which ran last week in Las Vegas.
The $70 million project added 350,000 square feet onto the center, allowing shows like MAGIC to not only expand, but also opening up more space for shows looking in the city.
“We have enjoyed working with the professionals at Mandalay Bay throughout the years and appreciate their willingness to help us create the most positive, productive experiences for our customers,” said Tony Calanca, executive vice… more
Aug 19, 2015
Cracking down ever further, the Federal Communications Commission recently fined Smart City $750,000 for blocking consumers’ Wi-Fi at various convention centers around the United States.
Last year, the FCC also fined Marriott International $600,000 for illegally blocking personal users’ Wi-Fi signals at its Gaylord Opryland Hotel and Convention Center property in Nashville.
Smart City, an Internet and telecommunications provider for conventions, meeting centers and hotels, had been blocking personal mobile “hotspots” that were being used by convention visitors and exhibitors who used their… more
Aug 17, 2015
LIGHTFAIR International, billed as the world’s largest annual architectural and commercial lighting trade show and conference, will return May 7-11, 2017, to Philadelphia’s Pennsylvania Convention Center in 2017 for its 28th annual staging, according to Jeffrey L. Portman, Sr., vice chairman, president and COO of LFI managing partner AmericasMart Atlanta.
Produced annually alternately on the East and West Coasts, LFI was last staged at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in 2013.
LFI’s 2017 return to Philadelphia will follow its 2016 showing in San Diego at the San Diego… more
Jul 28, 2015
Reed Travel Exhibitions’ IBTM Americas spent this year in Chicago and will head to Nashville, aptly named “Music City”, June 15-17 next year.
ibtm america 2015 featured more than 5,200 pre-scheduled appointments with mutually matched suppliers and buyers in a closed show environment that mixed business with networking and education.
Exhibitors averaged 29 appointments during the course of 2.5 days, according to ibtm officials.
“The excitement behind delivering our event in different key convention cities in the US adds variety and new experiences for all our attendees,” said Jaime… more
Jul 16, 2015
The Oregon Convention Center plant to install what is anticipated to be the largest solar array on a convention center in the U.S.
More than 6,500 rooftop solar panels are expected to produce 25 percent of the facility’s electricity.
Construction of the two megawatt project is scheduled to begin in August and the system is estimated to be in service this fall.
“One of our core values is sustainability,” said Convention Center Executive Director Scott Cruickshank. “The rooftop solar installation will help us meet our carbon emission reduction goals, offset utility costs and provide an… more
Jul 13, 2015
Running traditionally in later January, Emerald Expositions’ Outdoor Retailer will move to Jan. 7-10 show dates for next year in response to not only attendee and exhibitor feedback, but also to shift the event away from the nearby Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah.
The 2016 show originally was scheduled Jan. 20-23.
Outdoor Retailer Winter Market, which is held in the Salt Palace Convention Center and fills the venue and surrounding hotels, will remain in the earlier timeframe for future Winter market dates as well, with the 2017 show slated for Jan. 7-10 and the 2018 show scheduled… more
Jul 02, 2015
Just days before Comic-Con International kicks off its annual convention, San Diego likely is breathing a huge sigh of relief, with its biggest event signing on to stay in the city through 2018.
With 130,000 attendees expected July 8-12 at the San Diego Convention Center, the event has grown so large, there was talk that it might move somewhere else when the current contract expired next year.
But, even with hotels booked for miles around and the halls filled to the brim with exhibits, the show will stay put.
“We are thrilled to be the home for Comic-Con International for two additional years… more
Jun 30, 2015
Nearly six years have passed since the $600 million expansion project was completed on the Phoenix Convention Center, providing attendees with nearly 900,000 square feet of event space.
Just steps away from downtown Phoenix, the convention center sits on a 26-acre campus and is linked to downtown and several hotels via the new light rail system.
The expansion provided several elements that positioned the convention center for the future. There is more than 300,000 sq. ft. of continuous exhibition hall space that connects the North and West Buildings, including 190,000 sq. ft. of virtually… more
Jun 29, 2015
Launched in 1992, Anime Expo, which promotes Japanese Pop Culture and the arts related to Japanese Animation, recently signed on to be held at the Los Angeles Convention Center through 2019.
The show, on tap July 2-5 and owned by the Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation, the show is billed as the largest anime convention in North America, with 100,000 attendees expected at this year’s event.
In 2014, the show attracted 80,000 attendees, and in 2013, the show drew 61,000 attendees.
“2015 marks Anime Expo’s 24th year and we are excited for another… more
Jun 25, 2015
Following the trend of dropping the lengthier monikers, the Anaheim/Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau now is called Visit Anaheim.
After more than 20 years as AOCVCB, the bureau streamlined its name and introduced a new brand.
“A year’s worth of brand exploration, consumer, meetings and travel trade research told us clearly that we needed a name and brand that is reflective of our organization’s mission,” said Jay Burress, president & CEO, Visit Anaheim.
He added, “Visit Anaheim is a name that travel enthusiasts and conventioneers can easily find and understand. It evokes a… 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.