News

Nov 14, 2019
We spend a lot of time on #Expochat examining how we can do things better in the ever-evolving trade show industry. It’s a great way to make sure that we’re keeping on top of trends, best practices and the challenges we all face as event professionals. But our next chat will be different.  In honor of the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday in the U.S., we’ll discuss what our industry has done well this year and who is doing it. Get ready to name names and give shout-outs to people and organizations making a positive impact in their workplaces, communities and the world! Join us on Wednesday, Nov… more
Nov 14, 2019
The holiday season may be fast-approaching, but that hasn’t slowed down a bevy of trade show-related companies and suppliers from forging new business partnerships.  Centerplate Granted F&B Contract for World Market Center Las Vegas  Event venue hospitality partner Centerplate has been awarded a long-term contract with the World Market Center Las Vegas to provide hospitality and food service at the newly enhanced furniture, gift and home décor venue. The contract will grant Centerplate management of the venue’s catering, food and beverage and concessions services. Centerplate, which… more
Nov 13, 2019
The organizers of IBTM World are feeling pretty good going into next week’s event, set to take place Nov. 19-21 in Barcelona. This year, the event has double the number of first-time exhibitors compared to 2018, according to show officials.  Of the more than 2,600 exhibitors confirmed to attend the 2019 event, at least 35 have never participated before. The countries of Mallorca, Greece, Azerbaijan, Macau, South Korea and Croatia are among the first-time exhibitors. Other new exhibitors this year include The Hoxton, Israel Ministry of Tourism, The Gleneagles Hotel, Renfe, Goyang CVB, Maison… more
Nov 12, 2019
For all the talk of living a healthy lifestyle these days, from working out in hotel gyms to eating better while on the road, sleep is an essential part of the wellness equation that often gets neglected. There are many studies that show how vital sleep can be to your overall health. Getting enough sleep bolsters your physical and mental wellbeing, helps your brain function properly and improves learning and problem solving. Being sleep deprived has been shown to increase your risk for many serious health conditions, including heart disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure, diabetes,… more
Nov 11, 2019
Event organizers today are using digital tools to provide better end-to-end experiences. Attendees expect convenience along with accurate, real-time information and crave two-way conversations, says Danielle Puceta, Freeman’s senior vice president of digital. These are the main drivers for Freeman’s new Explore, Luminate and Fluent digital products. The offerings are designed to help event marketers increase and enhance attendee engagement. Explore by Freeman Explore is a set of packaged immersive products that help brands showcase their products and tell their stories in multisensory, eye… more
Nov 11, 2019
As evidenced by its impressive growth in participation, relocating to Denver seemed to have been a good decision for the International Fly Tackle Dealer trade show, which took place Oct. 16-18 at Colorado Convention Center. Known as the world’s largest international gathering of fly fishing manufacturers, retailers, sales reps, media and fly fishing organizations, IFTD 2019 experienced a record 137 percent increase in its attendance at 2,251, its largest audience ever in the history of the event. In July 2018, the show drew in 950 attendees to a collocated event with ICAST at Orange County… more
Nov 08, 2019
The inaugural edition of PRINTING United proved strategic reinventions can be a good move in the trade show industry. Held Oct. 23-25 at Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, the new trade show and conference is built upon the strong foundation of its predecessor, SGIA Expo. It was designed to meet industry demand by servicing the entire commercial printing industry under one umbrella.  Developed by Specialty Graphic Imaging Association and NAPCO Media, the event drew in approximately 30,000 attendees and more than 680 exhibitors. A sold-out showfloor featured a massive showcase… more
Nov 07, 2019
Several event technology companies have been busy creating new and enhanced platforms as well as upgrading technologies to help venues and exhibiting companies enhance the trade show experience.  Concept3D Unveils New 3D Panorama Feature Concept3D, provider of immersive online experiences with 3D modeling, interactive maps and virtual tour software, has launched a new 3D Panorama feature that integrates into its interactive map and virtual tour platform.   Designed to replace cumbersome, static practices such as setting up and photographing rooms with multiple layout options or providing… more
Nov 07, 2019
UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, is reaching more industry professionals around the world than ever before. On Nov. 6, UFI members from more than 50 countries converged for the 2019 UFI General Assembly in Bangkok, Thailand, to review the organization’s work throughout the past year, as well as discuss plans for 2020.  The meeting precedes UFI’s 86th annual Global Congress, which boasts more than 550 registered participants this year, making it the largest in UFI’s history and matching the record number of attendees at the 2016 Congress in Shanghai, China.  Chaired by… more
Nov 06, 2019
Have you ever hired a photographer for an event (or worse, used your own smartphone) and wound up with very few photos you could actually use? Event photography is an important component of capturing the trade show or conference, but often it’s something that planners don’t spend much time thinking about aside from sourcing a photographer. Professional event photographer Chris Savas, who owns and operates Chris Savas Photography in the Atlanta area, has been in the business for more than 30 years. He worked as a photojournalist and in advertising for more than a decade before switching his… 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.