News
Nov 06, 2012
According to recent media reports, plans to build the US$85 million Phuket International Convention and Exhibition Centre have now been scrapped by the Thai government. The resort destination in southern Thailand was to be the first in the region to receive a large-scale MICE venue.
An original budget of US$85 million (THB2.6 billion) was approved by the government of former Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, which also included plans for a US$186 million upgrade to the Phuket International Airport. The budget for the MICE venue will now reportedly be allocated “to another economic area… more
Nov 06, 2012
The Suntec Singapore International Convention & Exhibition Centre has unveiled a series of upgrades following its US$147 million makeover. Suntec will reopen its doors May 1 and highlight the upgrades’ ability to provide clients with greater control of their events and budget. The refurbished Suntec will contain a large number of configurable meeting spaces allowing its clients to rent according to their event’s specific requirements. Level 3 of the venue will include 36 configurable meeting rooms, in addition to four configurable exhibition halls on level 4. Free Wi-Fi access… more
Nov 05, 2012
Despite opening its doors at Chicago’s McCormick Place the day before Hurricane Sandy hit the East Coast, PMMI’s biennial PACK EXPO International still pulled in a 3-percent increase in attendees to 45,388, compared with the 2010 event.
Before the storm struck, attendance was tracking even higher, with pre-registration up nearly 10 percent.
“While we fully expected to surpass our attendance goals, the storm’s effect on East Coast travel prohibited many from making the show,” said Charles D. Yuska, president and CEO of PACK EXPO.
He added, “However, we… more
Nov 04, 2012
The World Pet Association’s SuperZoo won for overall fastest-growing net square footage and Nielsen Exposition’s GlobalShop nabbed overall fastest-growing attendance during the 3rd Annual TSNN T-awards weekend celebration held Nov. 2-4 in Louisville, Ky.
“To receive an award like this is a great honor,” said Jim Boschee, WPA’s second vice chairperson. “Everyone here has pets I assume … and everyone loves their pets.”
The awards were presented as part of a three-day gala weekend Nov. 2-4 in Louisville at which winning show organizers, as well… more
Nov 03, 2012
This is the fourth part of a six-part series on WiFi at events. Our next “C” of good wireless network design is congestion. Because radio frequency waves are not visible and they don’t take up physical space, it seems logical that there would be no limit to the number of signals that can effectively fly around at the same time.
Unfortunately, this is not the case. WiFi has a distinct number of channels, very similar to the different channels on the radio you listen to in your car. If you have ever brought a MiFi device into a crowded trade show, chances are you… more
Nov 01, 2012
Burning rubber, work-of-art rides and a Hackathon were just part of the action at the Specialty Equipment Marketing Association (SEMA) Show that took place Oct. 30-Nov. 2 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
The anchor of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week, this more of an immersive automotive experience than just a trade show attracted 130,000-plus attendees, spanned just over a million net square feet and set a record with 2,257 exhibitors, about a 100 more than the best show in 2007.
"This a blockbuster show," said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of… more
Oct 31, 2012
Update: New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg canceled the New York City Marathon on the second day of the 2012 ING New York City Marathon and Fitness Expo.
This time of year, more than 40,000 runners usually converge on the streets of New York City to run the historic marathon and, even after Hurricane Sandy wreaked destruction across the Northeast, this year’s marathon, along with the 2012 ING New York City Marathon and Fitness Expo, still is on tap.
The expo runs Nov. 1-3 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center of New York.
Javits’ officials credited the center’s… more
Oct 30, 2012
Companies related to the trade show industry have been busy as of late with a spate of new hire announcements and promotions, signaling optimism about the future.
Choose Chicago, the city’s CVB, named D. Bradley Kent senior vice president of sales and services.
Kent most recently served as the vice president of industry relations for Freeman and he will join Choose Chicago Dec. 3.
"Brad is an influential leader with tremendous respect throughout the industry,” said Don Welsh, Choose Chicago’s president and CEO.
He added, “Choose Chicago has an aggressive… more
Oct 29, 2012
The Professional Convention Management Association, with support from the PCMA Education Foundation, announced the launch of the “Industry Business Forum for Local Leaders” series.
The invitation-only program is designed for global convention center and DMO executives and their local board members and policy makers, with programming focused on how strategic industry business issues impact their organizations and local communities, according to PCMA officials.
The Forum program content was developed by PCMA staff and leadership, along with the professional support and guidance from Bruce… more
Oct 29, 2012
Not only will there be nearly 25 percent growth of digital health and fitness technology at the Consumer Electronic Association’s 2013 International CES, but the event also will feature a record number of automotive manufacturers, as well as being billed as the “largest app event in the world.”
More than 215 exhibitors will showcase the latest digital health and fitness technologies when International CES runs Jan 8-11 at the Las Vegas Convention Center and other venues around the city.
“Health and fitness technology is booming and will continue its dominance on 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.