News

Jun 20, 2024
Google’s annual developer conference, dubbed Google I/O (or just “I/O”), took place for two days beginning on May 14. The first day, its long-awaited, buzzed-about “keynote day,” is touted as being one of the tech industry’s biggest events of the year. It’s when Google unveils what it’s working on, plus new products and features, as well as what it’s focusing on in the future.  Similar to years past, I/O 2024 took place for a small live audience from the Shoreline Amphitheater just down the road from its Mountain View, Calif., headquarters, with the lion’s share of attendees tuning in via… more
Jun 19, 2024
After not gathering together for six years, NPE2024: The Plastics Show returned with more than 51,000 leaders from more than 130 countries representing every industry—from automotive and healthcare to consumer products to construction. Produced by the Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS), the triennial trade show showcased the newest and most innovative plastics products and solutions across more than 1 million net square feet of exhibit space, including six technology zones, keynotes, workshops, and opportunities to network and build partnerships.  Related: 10 Things To Do at NPE2024… more
Jun 18, 2024
Reaching $480 billion, the U.S. wellness market is growing at 5 to 10% per year, according to research by global management consulting firm McKinsey & Company. In fact, 82% of U.S. consumers consider wellness a priority in their everyday lives. As wellness trends up on the consumer side, how can business events incorporate healthy activities and food and beverage into their packed conference, networking and trade show schedules? To find out, more than 120 industry professionals — including meeting planners, press and Caesars Entertainment staff — gathered at the inaugural Global… more
Jun 17, 2024
A new spring edition of a burgeoning trade show and conference for the outdoor industry is making its debut in Nashville next year. Set for June 16-18, 2025, at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, Switchback Spring is the new sister show of Switchback, a business and education gathering owned and operated by international media company Diversified Communications. Launched in 2022 as a specialty outdoor showcase and held each fall in conjunction with run and outdoor specialty retail conference and trade show The Running Event (TRE), Switchback offers forward-looking education… more
Jun 14, 2024
At the crux of a vibrant, inclusive culture, an iconic skyline, and a booming tech culture is Seattle. The nearly 84-square-mile northwestern city — though best known for its coffee scene (it’s the hometown of Starbucks) — has a flourishing meetings and events landscape marked by LEED-certified hotels teeming with eco-friendly initiatives, local produce-forward culinary experiences, and more than a million square feet worth of gathering space to take advantage of. Here’s what’s new, noteworthy, nearly open, and more for meeting and event groups in Seattle. Plentiful Spaces to Meet: Seattle… more
Jun 13, 2024
MetroMultimedia CEO Bruno Giaccio has joined New York trade show royalty as the recipient of the 2024 King’s Glove Award by the New York Area Chapter of the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (NYIAEE).  A list mostly filled with trade show organizers vs. suppliers, a few of the notable names that many will recognize — William Little, Sr., 1987; Saul Poliak, 1989; Ralph Ianuzzi, Sr., 1992; Alan Larkin, 1993; Peter Nathan, 1999; Michael Bloomberg, 2005; Vincent Polito, 2006,  Jack Buttine, 2007; and Alan Steel, 2014 – comprise the long list of past winners. The most recent… more
Jun 12, 2024
Touted as the largest annual gathering for high-performance audio enthusiasts, music lovers, audio dealers, manufacturers and distributors in North America, AXPONA offers three jam-packed days of immersive, high-fidelity listening experiences, high-end audio equipment and technology, seminars, live music, and the very latest consumer audio products in the industry. Who, When & Where: AXPONA (Audio Expo North America), April 12-14, 2024, Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel and Convention Center in Schaumburg, Ill.  Show Size: 10,391 attendees from 42 states and 31 countries, 600 exhibitors (… more
Jun 11, 2024
With summer right around the corner, event technology companies in the U.S. and abroad are forming partnerships and releasing new and updated solutions ­– some with the help of AI – to enhance event experiences for attendees, exhibitors and show organizers alike. Inteprefy Launches AI-Powered Live Translation Solution  In its quest to break down language barriers between international meetings attendees, multilingual meeting technology and services provider Interprefy unveiled Interprefy Now, a new mobile application that harnesses the power of AI to provide instant live translation in… more
Jun 10, 2024
With the global business events and trade show industry facing increasing pressure to move in a more sustainable direction, the Experiential Design and Producers Association (EDPA), the Exhibition Services & Contractors Association (ESCA) and the Events Industry Council (EIC) have teamed up to offer clear and actionable guidance to help exhibiting companies and exhibit builders reduce their environmental impacts and promote responsible practices.  Released on May 16, the EDPA, ESCA, and EIC Sustainability Guidance for Exhibition Stand Construction is designed to offer practical… more
Jun 07, 2024
Even when he’s not at work creating delicious fare for hotel guests and event groups at the William F. Bolger Center conference hotel in Potomac, MD, Chef Justin Key is still thinking about food.  “My oldest friends and my brother are all professional chefs, which makes for some interesting ‘shop talk’ even on days off,” Key said. “We often bounce ideas off each other and get together to play around with food. I enjoy cooking for large family events and find many food inspirations from those gatherings.”  A food and beverage (F&B) industry lifer, the Maryland native has been working in… 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.