News
Mar 04, 2019
See who’s making big strides in their career this month. Have more people news to share? Send it to kogletree@tsnn.com to be included in our next story.
Jim Kelley has joined Fern, a national marketing support and trade show services provider, as vice president of marketing and industry relations. His career has spanned roles with exposition service contractors, convention centers and hotels, and he was most recently with Production Resource Group. In his new position, Kelley will lead strategy for Fern and NexxtShow’s industry events, as well as be part of its sales leadership team.
The… more
Mar 04, 2019
The Society of Independent Show Organizers’ long-time general counsel Henry Schaffer. passed away March 1 after a lengthy disease with Alzheimer’s.
He leaves his wife Barbara, daughters - Emily (Deiwson Nogueira Araujo) Schaffer, Katherine (David Bamman) Schaffer, and four grandchildren Ruby, Sam, Theo, and Leo.
Henry served as SISO Legal Counsel from the 1990’s through his retirement in October of 2014.
“Henry served SISO for most of its existence and was a valued member of its leadership. His knowledge and expertise of our industry was vast,” said David Audrain, SISO executive director… more
Mar 04, 2019
Despite headwinds, the Center for Exhibition Industry Research reports that the recent growth of the exhibition industry continued during the fourth quarter of 2018.
The growth of the industry, as measured by the CEIR Total Index, accelerated from a year-over-year gain of 0.9 percent in the third quarter to 2.5 percent in the fourth quarter.
“The performance during the fourth quarter shows the resilience of the exhibition industry despite uncertainties surrounding the trade negotiation with China, volatile stock markets and slowing world economic growth,” said CEIR Economist Allen Shaw,… more
Mar 01, 2019
Venue management and hospitality company Spectra will become the new provider of venue management for Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas, effective April 1. This marks the first time in the center’s history that it will be run by a private operator.
The City of Dallas City Council unanimously approved this partnership. Spectra will focus on short-term bookings, taking over a role historically maintained by City of Dallas employees. Visit Dallas will emphasize bookings 18 months out or more at KBHCCD, in addition to other venues in the city.
“Partnering with Spectra is going to… more
Mar 01, 2019
With sharing economies transforming how people travel, commute, work, read and listen, it makes sense that this trend is spilling over into trade show exhibiting. Enter Exhibitshub, an exhibit sharing marketplace launched earlier this week at ExhibitorLive.
Inspired by companies like Airbnb, Uber and Lyft, Exhibitshub has aggregated an extensive collection of custom exhibits in key convention cities that can be reserved, booked and rebranded online.
Using this new platform, exhibitors simply search exhibits by city, type, size, design and budget; select booth options that meet their… more
Feb 27, 2019
Myriad event-related companies and organizations are demonstrating their cultures of compassion by donating their time, money and energy to causes that make a difference. Here are four carrying out initiatives that might just inspire your own CSR programming.
International Home + Housewares Show Celebrates Philanthropy
At its upcoming 2019 Annual Housewares Cares Charity Gala, taking place March 4 during the 2019 International Home + Housewares Show at McCormick Place in Chicago, the Housewares Charity Foundation will honor four industry veterans for their philanthropic endeavors.
Honorees… more
Feb 27, 2019
In a year without its two biggest biennial shows – Labelexpo Europe and the Dubai Airshow – U.K.-based Tarsus Group still snagged a 9-percent increase in like-for-like revenue (compared to 2016) of $133 million, according to the company’s 2018 results.
Another bright spot was a double-digit increase of buyer/visitor growth across the portfolio of 10 percent, at the top end of the Group’s KPI target of 5-10 percent.
"2018 saw the launch of the latest phase of our Quickening the Pace strategy and we are delivering
against that strategy with another good year of progress both operationally… more
Feb 27, 2019
CVBs are thrilled to be in headlines when it comes to stories boasting record tourism to their respective cities, often for which they deserve credit. Yet Visit Dallas could have done without the media blitz that ensued this month following the release of an audit in January that revealed numbers viewed as unsavory to some.
In a meeting of Dallas City Council’s Government Performance and Financial Management Committee last week, three of the five members voted against canceling the city’s contract with the CVB as a result of the audit. While that much is good news, it’s not the end of the… more
Feb 26, 2019
Here’s a glimpse inside of some of this month’s top trade shows, which brought together industry professionals specializing in home building, health care technologies and more.
World of Asphalt
The 2019 edition of World of Asphalt Show & Conference and AGG1 Academy and Expo, held Feb. 12-14 at Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, was a smashing success by all accounts. Attendance was at an all-time high, according to show officials — this year’s 10,063 attendees accounted for a 28 increase over the 2018 show in Houston.
All 50 states were represented in delegation and… more
Feb 26, 2019
In response to the increasing digitization of the retail sector, Messe Frankfurt has joined forces with nmedia, an electronic data interchange company, to develop nextrade. Set to launch in the second half of this year, this new platform is a digital B2B marketplace for suppliers and retailers in the home and living consumer goods industry.
Along with placing orders at trade shows in the traditional way, retailers will be able to use this new online platform year-round for ordering products and product lines from their supplier partners.
“Nextrade will be open to all suppliers and… 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.