News
Dec 04, 2019
A new leader will soon take the helm at VisitDallas, the city’s convention and visitors bureau responsible for attracting tourism, meetings and conventions to the Texas destination. On Jan. 6, 2020, Craig Davis, the current president and CEO of VisitPITTSBURGH, will become the Dallas CVB’s new president and CEO.
Davis will replace VisitDallas Interim President and CEO Sam Coats, who assumed leadership of the agency in May after former President and CEO Phillip Jones stepped down. Jones left his position following a controversy stirred up by a January audit that questioned the ROI of the CVB… more
Dec 04, 2019
U.K.-based Tarsus Group, a global B2B media company, has acquired Smarter Shows, a U.K.-based exhibition and conference organizer.
The acquisition enables Tarsus to strengthen its position in the aerospace, automotive and manufacturing industry sectors while increasing its coverage of the related industry supply chains and opening up access to new verticals.
“Over the years, I have observed and admired what James [Reader] and the Smarter Shows team have achieved,” said Douglas Emslie, Tarsus Group CEO.
He added, “I’m pleased to be working with them to develop and expand the business… more
Dec 04, 2019
You may have never heard of Soundings Connect, but it’s a group you’ll want to get familiar with — and maybe even join. Founded in San Diego in 2018, it’s a network of 200 (and growing!) freelance meeting and event professionals, all of whom have professional experience in the fields of trade show management, meeting planning, event marketing and more.
The goal of the organization is to strategically match companies in need of these services with professionals whose skill sets and talents line up with their objectives. “We focus on both hard and soft skills to ensure the right fit,” says… more
Dec 02, 2019
Experiential marketing and live event production agencies Gravel Experiential and GES Events are teaming up. The two companies will work together to broaden their existing client base with a focus on corporations searching for top-notch event production in new and emerging markets.
While both GES Events and Gravel XP offer similar services, the two are also complementary in many ways. Gravel XP has a long history supporting U.S.-based events in specialized industries including consumer packaged goods, alcohol and spirits, pharmaceutical, technology and consultancies. Its services are… more
Dec 02, 2019
Tarsus Connect has today announced the purchase of BizBash, the iconic trade media company for event and meeting planners, further expanding Connect’s market-leading position. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
The acquisition of BizBash adds four premier events — including the BizBash Live in New York and L.A. shows for event pros — to the current Connect portfolio of more than 30 national, regional and vertically focused events around the United States. Connect will now also publish two of BizBash’s popular magazines and oversee all of its digital properties. In cities where… more
Dec 02, 2019
Could your show land on the prestigious 2018 TSNN Top 250 Trade Shows list because it boasts more than 50,000 net square feet? (U.S. shows only)
Then make sure to submit HERE to be on the 2018 TSNN Top 250 List! U.S. shows only.
For the past 10 years, the TSNN Top 250 Trade Shows List has ranked the biggest shows in the U.S. by net square footage, as well as how many shows are snagged by host cities.
This year’s list will be out in March, so make sure to submit your show before Feb. 20!
For more info on the TSNN Top 250 list, please go HERE.
The 2018 TSNN Top 250 list is exclusively… more
Dec 01, 2019
In a trade show industry first, Trade Show News Network, in partnership with data analytics company Bear Analytics, have teamed up to unveil a 5-year dynamic dashboard of the TSNN Top 250 Trade Show list metrics.
Analyzing more than 1,200 trade shows that represent 18,000,000 million attendees, 982,857 exhibiting companies and more than 336 million net square feet, the dashboard is complimentary to all users and allows them to search data on all of the shows.
HERE is the link to the TSNN Top 250 Dashboard.
“We are thrilled to partner with TSNN on this project – bringing together a… more
Nov 27, 2019
It’s a big month for Portland, Oregon: Last week, its Oregon Convention Center officially completed a momentous $40 million renovation. It marked the first large-scale renovation to take place at the facility since it was built three decades ago, and also took place during OCC’s busiest year to date — a feat in itself.
The renovation included updates to public spaces throughout the venue to improve accessibility, creating a new plaza to serve as a flexible outdoor space option for events, and elevated design touches that reflect the building’s surroundings.
“We made sure to keep our local… more
Nov 27, 2019
For many in the events industry, the holidays are a time of open-hearted generosity and giving back. Here’s what several event venues and companies are doing to bring holiday cheer to those in need.
Centerplate and Pasadena Convention Center Celebrate a Heartfelt Thanksgiving
For the sixth year in a row, the Centerplate team at Pasadena Convention Center in Pasadena, Ca., will prepare 300 turkeys to feed more than 1,500 homeless men, women, children, seniors and very low-income families at the 49th annual Union Station Homeless Services Dinner in the Park, taking place at Pasadena Central… more
Nov 26, 2019
Attending IAEE’s Expo! Expo! In Las Vegas from Dec. 3-5? As you’re planning your schedule, be sure to slot in time to stop by the AV Experience by SmartSource. Together with AVIXA and IAEE, SmartSource will deliver audiovisual-focused education on the showfloor, ranging from practical advice for exhibition planners tasked with changing the attendee experience, to checking out next-gen and experiential AV technology.
“SmartSource has enjoyed a long and productive relationship with IAEE,” said Sonny Goyal, SmartSource CEO. “We are excited to be a part of the AV Experience with AVIXA to help… 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.