News

Feb 25, 2016
UBM announced last year its strategy was going to focus on putting ‘Events First’, and those efforts paid off, with full-year 2015 total revenues surging 30 percent to $1.3 billion (£974 million) , compared with $1 billion (£746 million) in 2014. The addition of Advanstar Communications to the company’s portfolio was a boost, with a first year return on investment of 10.3 percent. UBM also sold PR Newswire for $841 million last year, further solidifying its ‘Events First’ strategy. “UBM has taken significant steps in its transformation in 2015. We’ve integrated Advanstar, announced the… more
Feb 25, 2016
The Center for Exhibition Industry Research’s CEIR Total Index, which tracks the overall health of the trade show industry, ended last year with a substantial uptick in not only the fourth quarter, but also for the full year. The index posted a strong year-on-year gain of 3.7 percent in the fourth quarter. This growth is the second highest rate since the second quarter of 2012. It also marked the 22nd consecutive quarter of year-on-year growth. During the three years, 2012 through 2014, the exhibition industry growth generally lagged the pace of GDP, but the industry has now outperformed the… more
Feb 24, 2016
In just more than a month, top-level executives from trade show organizing companies worldwide will converge at the Society of Independent Show Organizer’s CEO Summit to hear about the latest trends in the market, whether it be why so many overseas companies are buying up U.S.-based shows or how every event should be considering its content marketing program. “Ranked as one of the best networking events of the year in the trade and consumer show industry, the SISO CEO Summit gathers together CEOs and executives from more than 100 small and large global show organizing companies for not only… more
Feb 23, 2016
Meeting management firm Spargo has been on a hot streak recently, kicking off 2016 with several new business contracts signed, along with other companies that have added clients to their busy portfolios. The International Council of Ophthalmology appointed SPARGO, Inc. as their exhibit and sponsorship sales and management firm for the 2018 World Ophthalmology Congress, on tap June 16-19 in Barcelona.  This gathering of international ophthalmologists occurs every two years, attracting upwards of 15,000 attendees from more than 130 countries. “One of the primary reasons we selected SPARGO… more
Feb 23, 2016
The past month has marked a busy time, with several companies not only bringing on new employees, but also naming people into top positions. SnowSports Industries America, the snow sports industry’s member-owned trade association, has named Nick Sargent as SIA president. Sargent, who joined the organization in August 2015 as SIA’s incoming president, has spent the last five months working alongside exiting President David Ingemie. “Nick holds a background in all aspects of the snow sports industry, which has proved to be extraordinarily beneficial in helping to strategize future growth,” said… more
Feb 23, 2016
In 2016, MEDICAL FAIR ASIA, 11th Exhibition on Hospital, Diagnostic, Pharmaceutical, Medical & Rehabilitation Equipment & Supplies, will be held at a new venue:  the Sands Expo & Convention Center, Marina Bay Sands Singapore from Aug. 31-Sept. 2. Also new will be the first staging of the MEDICINE + SPORTS CONFERENCE ASIA, scheduled Sept. 1. The conference is jointly organized by Messe Düsseldorf Asia (also organizer of MEDICAL FAIR ASIA) and Navispace AG, with the support from the founding cooperation partners Sports Medical Association Singapore (SMAS), Exercise is Medicine… more
Feb 23, 2016
By Elizabeth Johnson From classic toys like Lincoln Logs and Legos to innovative tech toys like drones, the world of toys came together for the 113th time Feb. 13-16 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center of New York. This year’s North American International Toy Fair exceeded 30,000 play professionals from 92 countries - a 16-percent increase, compared with 2015. The show also included 1,237 exhibitors covering 415,000 net square feet. And, amongst the fanfare, excitement and business deals, the Toy Industry Association that supports it all quietly turned 100. "With hundreds of thousands of… more
Feb 21, 2016
UK.-based Informa Exhibitions has scooped up the WATER & WASTEWATER EQUIPMENT, TREATMENT & TRANSPORT Show from Cole Publishing. Terms of the deal were not discussed. “Bob has spent the last 40 years creating and building the leading environmental services industry event,” said Rick McConnell, president, of Informa Global Exhibitions. He added, “The acquisition is a great addition to the Informa portfolio and we are excited to partner with Cole Publishing to continue to make Water & Wastewater Equipment, Treatment & Transport the must-attend event for the industry.” The WATER… more
Feb 21, 2016
Powerful, cloud-based technology solutions, which are also cost-effective and fast to deploy, easily are available to show organizers in the events industry. If you currently are exploring technology options for your event, here are some tips on what to look out for and how to make an informed decision.  1.     Appraise track record When picking a technology vendor, check their long-term history and performance in the industry. Consider their market share and reputation before investing in a partnership with them. Select them for what they have delivered to other… more
Feb 21, 2016
Powerful, cloud-based technology solutions, which are also cost-effective and fast to deploy, easily are available to show organizers in the events industry. If you currently are exploring technology options for your event, here are some tips on what to look out for and how to make an informed decision.  1.     Appraise track record When picking a technology vendor, check their long-term history and performance in the industry. Consider their market share and reputation before investing in a partnership with them. Select them for what they have delivered to other… 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.