News

Oct 09, 2019
Event professionals and trade show organizers know it’s crucial to create an event website that is not only visually compelling but also easy to navigate and intuitive. We’ve been sharing tips and tricks to help content creators develop event websites that are an end-user’s dream. If you haven’t read about why content creators should care about their event websites, get caught up here.  In part two, we’re sharing a few best practices to consider when developing a website that is designed for event and conversion optimization: Know when to use visual illustration versus plain text. This… more
Oct 08, 2019
Almost three out of four Americans are unprepared for the October 2020 deadline for full implementation of REAL ID, and millions could be prevented from boarding a plane due to lack of required identification, according to a U.S. Travel Association-commissioned study.  To combat this problem, USTA is leading an initiative by private-sector travel stakeholders to better prepare the country for the REAL ID deadline. The association has developed a toolkit filled with resources for its membership and other allies to help educate Americans about REAL ID and is coordinating engagement with… more
Oct 07, 2019
A record number of utility and construction professionals seeking the latest industry technologies, innovations and trends converged at the 2019 International Construction & Utility Equipment Exposition, held Oct. 1-3 at Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville. Known as North America’s largest event for utilities and utility and construction contractors, the biennial ICUEE — aka, The Demo Expo — had upward of 19,000 attendees from the United States, Canada and 65 countries. More than 1,000 exhibitors spanned the show’s 1.34 million square feet of expo space. In 2017, the event drew… more
Oct 07, 2019
A sunny late-autumn morning in St. Louis started with a convenient and delicious morning meal of grab-and-go breakfast sandwiches (complemented by Starbucks coffee and cans of Mountain Dew). The room was energetic and filled with conversation before the group of about 300 migrated into the main ballroom to kick off the 2019 Ungerboeck UNITE Conference, which ran Sept. 30-Oct. 3 at Marriott St. Louis Grand. Emcee Justin Ungerboeck, market communications manager for Ungerboeck Software International — a world leader in event management software — came on stage to set the tone for the day,… more
Oct 04, 2019
Seattle played home to a major event for United States tourism last month. The 13th annual U.S.-China Tourism Leadership Summit took place at Hyatt Regency Seattle, Sept. 18-20, with the goal of building and strengthening relationships between U.S. and Chinese travel and tourism leaders and government officials. During the three-day show, participants focused on the contribution of the industry to the world’s two largest economies. Notable attendees this year included Washington Governor Jay Inslee; former U.S. Secretary of Commerce, Ambassador to China and Washington Governor Gary Locke; U.… more
Oct 03, 2019
Voice-operated technology is at its flash point. Innovations in smartphones, networked home devices, and voice recognition enable futuristic applications such as voice-operated Google search, and personal assistant software including Amazon’s Alexa and Apple’s Siri. Google is one key beneficiary and driver of voice tech: Voice searches account for 20 percent of queries on Google mobile app and Android devices, according to Google CEO Sundar Pichai’s Google I/O keynote in 2016 — and that volume continues to grow. More recent data from Statista Digital Market Outlook shows approximately 260… more
Oct 03, 2019
Tarsus Group has added Tarsus Egypt to its global network – the group’s newest division has been formed as a joint-venture partnership with Amr Shawki, a leading figure in the Egyptian exhibition industry and Chairman of local organiser, Egytec. Tarsus Egypt will create a new B2B events platform for local and international customers to build valuable partnerships in the dynamic Egyptian and North African markets. “Egypt has a population of 105 million and the fastest economic growth of all African countries,” said Tarsus Group CEO Douglas Emslie. He added, “Its geographic, political and… more
Oct 02, 2019
Freeman, a provider of live events and brand experiences, has acquired Convention Data Services (CDS), an event registration, business intelligence and lead management company.  Combined with its acquisition of Info Salons in 2018, Freeman significantly has added to its global event registration and digital services offerings.  “Show organizers are asking for simple, unified and effective ways to create a better experience for their teams and attendees around the world,” said Bob Priest-Heck, CEO of Freeman. He added, “The addition of CDS to Freeman’s suite of digital tools and services… more
Oct 02, 2019
If you’re well-versed with sustainable trade shows, you’ve heard of Greenbuild International Conference & Expo. As the world’s largest sustainable event for the green building industry, the 17-year-old trade show and conference has become one of the most pace-setting events in the sustainable show universe. Behind the curtain is a team of passionate individuals building upon the show’s sustainability prowess, including Senior Show Manager Rachel Motekaitis, who has been with the show since 2013. TSNN sat down with her to learn how Greenbuild works, as well as what’s in store for its 2019… more
Oct 01, 2019
Venue management companies AEG Facilities and SMG have completed their merger to create ASM Global, a new, stand-alone global facility management and venue services company that now operates more than 300 arenas, stadiums, convention centers and performing arts centers across five continents. The completion of this transaction comes eight months after the companies announced the proposed merger. Onex, of which SMG is a portfolio company, and AEG’s subsidiary are now equal co-owners of ASM, according to ASM officials. Headquartered in Los Angeles, with key operations based in the… 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.