News

Feb 15, 2019
The first quarter of 2019 is off to a roaring start, with event companies and suppliers far and wide renewing partnerships and signing new business contracts. The Dallas City Council approved a five-year contract with Spectra Venue Management to manage the day-to-day client and facility operations of the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas, effective Feb. 13. Spectra, an Atairos-owned and Comcast-backed events management and promotion company, will implement its best practices over an initial 45-day transition period, with the goal of reducing costs, increasing revenues and… more
Feb 14, 2019
While innovations in exhibit design and technology continue to drive the trade show industry’s evolution, the development of lead capture and post-show strategy can be overlooked. To remedy that, Gateway, a St. Louis-based exhibitor services company, is now offering a next-generation digital lead capture system designed to help exhibiting companies improve their show metrics. Launched last month, LeadConnectis an interactive platform integrating lead capture, qualifying surveys and digital collateral on a custom-branded device. The system gathers data instantly and syncs with most CRM or… more
Feb 14, 2019
The UFI Global Exhibition Barometer, issued semi-annually by UFI, the Global Association for the Exhibition Industry, is an important gauge of global trade show health. The latest report, which came out Feb. 5, revealed a positive look at 2019. Between mid-2018 and the end of 2019, the data shows a majority of companies from all four global regions indicate gross turnover increases. This positive outlook is especially strong in the Asia/Pacific and Middle East/Africa regions, which each recorded their highest levels in the last five years. A growing number of companies are also trying to… more
Feb 13, 2019
Sustainability and “green” practices are becoming standard for many corporations, driven by both a belief in corporate responsibility and by customer mindset. A recent Nielsen global online survey shows 81 percent of respondents feel strongly that companies should help improve the environment. The initial worry that sustainable events would result in higher costs has subsided. In fact, it has been shown that environmentally-friendly events can actually cost less, as they require a more mindful approach to waste reduction. But there is still quite a bit of misperception related to what it… more
Feb 12, 2019
As part of its ongoing partnership with the American Heart Association’s Orange County Division, Visit Anaheim has donated eight life-saving CPR kits to two more high schools in its local community. Launched in November 2017 in conjunction with the AHA, the CVB’s multi-year Heart-to-Heart campaign was created to give back to local residents by providing more than 15,000 Anaheim high school students with life-saving CPR skills and education.  “Inspired by American Heart Association’s decision to host their 2017 Scientific Sessions at the Anaheim Convention Center after a 16-year absence and… more
Feb 12, 2019
As technology continues to become an essential part of the trade show ecosystem, some show organizers are creating dedicated showfloor spaces for tech innovations that make sense for the industries their shows represent.  Case in point: PROCESS EXPO, which will unveil its Augmented Reality Showcase as one of its new showfloor activities, Oct. 8-11 at McCormick Place in Chicago. Organized by Harvin AR, the AR Showcase will provide attendees with new ways to experience processing and packaging equipment through AR holograms and guided AR training simulations by participating exhibitors. The… more
Feb 12, 2019
The sun will shine bright in San Diego next week as the National Grocers Association convenes in the city for the first time ever for the 2019 NGA Show. The 35th annual trade show and conference for the grocery industry brings together independent retailers and wholesalers, food retail industry executives, food/CPG manufacturers and service providers for learning and networking opportunities. This year’s show, produced and managed by Clarion UX, will feature more than 400 exhibiting companies occupying a total of 57,000 square feet of space across San Diego Convention Center, Feb. 24-27.… more
Feb 12, 2019
Are you feeling uncertain about how to get more millennials to your event? Then you won’t want to miss our next Ask Me Anything chat, Marketing Your Next Event to Millennial Professionals, set for Thursday, Feb. 28 at 2 p.m. EST. Join our host Dahlia El Gazzar of DAHLIA+ AGENCY and special guest Michaela Alexis, one of North America’s most in-demand speakers on topics related to LinkedIn and personal branding, to learn best practices for marketing your event to an audience that is critical to your event’s future success. RSVP for this free chat HERE today via Facebook or simply join HERE… more
Feb 11, 2019
Messe Frankfurt — known as the world’s largest trade show, congress and event organizer — has deployed electric StreetScooters transport vehicles for deliveries on its exhibition campus. As part of a two-year trial, the zero-emission vehicles are being used for Messe Frankfurt exhibitors and visitors.  With an area the size of 90 football fields comprising 11 exhibition halls, more than 90 conference rooms and 26 restaurants, the Messe Frankfurt exhibition grounds are a veritable “city within a city.” It offers services including booth construction, visitor marketing and catering, ensuring… more
Feb 07, 2019
AEG Facilities, the venue management subsidiary of AEG, and SMG, an Onex portfolio company and venue management company, have signed a definitive agreement to merge. This combination will create a new, standalone global facility management and venue services company that will operate as ASM Global (“ASM”). Onex and AEG’s subsidiary will each own 50 percent of the company following the completion of the transaction. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Wes Westley, CEO and president of SMG, said, “This merger is a major step for our industry. We are excited to bring… 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.