News

Jul 03, 2023
Throughout the U.S. and across the pond, event-related organizations are promoting successful team members as well as appointing experienced leaders. Check them out!  Visit Winston-Salem  Stephanie Pace Brown has taken the helm of Visit Winston-Salem as its new president, responsible for overseeing a staff of 17 with the prime directive of generating overnight leisure, convention and sports visitation to Winston-Salem/Forsyth County. A tourism industry veteran of more than 30 years, she replaces Richard Geiger, who officially retired on June 30 after leading the organization for 13 years… more
Jun 30, 2023
Leading event technology company Gevme introduced GoGreen, a new platform feature designed to measure and offset carbon emissions associated with event attendees’ travel. By calculating carbon emissions and providing options to contribute toward eco projects worldwide, GoGreen aims to empower event organizers and participants to impact the environment positively.  “GoGreen is a game-changer in the events industry, offering a unique opportunity for event organizers and attendees alike to embrace environmental responsibility right at the starting line registration,” said Jonathan Easton, vice… more
Jun 29, 2023
Atlanta-based private equity firm, MSouth Equity Partners,  acquired Fern Exposition Services, a trade show service provider and general contractor with headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio. The value of the deal was not disclosed.  Fern will join forces with Nth Degree, an existing MSouth portfolio company and provider of comprehensive trade show management, labor, and event production to some of the largest brands in the U.S. and internationally.  The combination of Nth Degree and Fern gives MSouth a prominent footprint in the in-person event and experiential… more
Jun 28, 2023
Skilled trade unions are critical to the successful execution of meetings and trade shows at convention venues across the U.S. While working with organized labor such as teamsters, carpenters, electricians, stagehands and sound technicians at event venues can come with their fair share of complexities, these groups of skilled professionals can also serve as valuable partners in ensuring a successful event experience for exhibitors and attendees alike.  In its ongoing mission to be a leader in the meeting and convention venue space, Detroit’s Huntington Place has been busy launching proactive… more
Jun 27, 2023
LightFair, North America’s largest architectural and commercial lighting trade show and conference, recently brought together more than 11,500 global lighting industry professionals for five days of education, discovery and networking at its most recent trade show and conference, held May 21-25 at the Javits Center in New York City. Owned by the International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD) and the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES), the show is produced and managed by International Market Centers (recently rebranded as ANDMORE).  According to show officials, LightFair… more
Jun 26, 2023
Larry Arnaudet, executive director of the Exhibition Services & Contractors Association (ESCA), announced his retirement, effective December 2023, following an impressive career in the meetings and conventions industry. "Yogi Berra once said, 'When you come to a fork in the road, take it,'” Arnaudet told Trade Show News Network (TSNN). "Well, I’m there now and can see that fork ahead. After 53 wonderful years in this incredible industry, it’s time to hang up the coat and tie and catch up on all the holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, etc., that eluded me over the years." Arnaudet’s… more
Jun 23, 2023
As the industry begins to discover the significant impact artificial intelligence (AI) can have on certain aspects of event creation, three visionaries joined forces to design and produce AutonomousXP, a first-of-its-kind event that will utilize AI to make every decision possible. Margaret Launzel-Pennes, CEO of Pop Experiential, Mark Roberts, head of experiential at POP Experiential, and Audry Hegwood, CEO and Founder of Impact Events and Marketing, are the innovators behind the three-day experience that will take place in Los Angeles Feb. 4-6, showcasing AI’s revolutionary capabilities to… more
Jun 23, 2023
With a strong turnout, robust business activity, renewed faith in the industry’s future and innovative event design, IMEX Frankfurt, which took place May 23-25 at Messe Frankfurt, was one of the show’s most impressive to date and a testament to an industry focused on new business horizons. “The 2023 edition clearly reflected an industry pride and renewed confidence among exhibitors and, of course, a strong desire to do business with thousands of buyers,” said Ray Bloom, chairman of IMEX Group. Carina Bauer, CEO of IMEX Group, added that this year’s IMEX Frankfurt gave the industry a more… more
Jun 22, 2023
The importance of making the events industry more inclusive and welcoming to all continues to be a major talking point. With June being Pride Month, it’s an opportune time to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community and reflect on the industry’s accomplishments and ways to overcome obstacles that it continues to confront.    We checked in with four leading event professionals to find out what their organizations are doing to be more inclusive of the LGBTQIA+ community, how they are making their events more inclusive, the major challenges within the industry, how they are personally honoring Pride… more
Jun 20, 2023
Nearly 100 industry leaders from 24 states — including representatives from leading show organizers, exhibiting organizations, venues and destinations — gathered on June 1 on Capitol Hill for Exhibitions and Conferences Alliance (ECA) Legislative Action Day. View the full list of attendees here. During more than 100 meetings, Legislative Action Day attendees advocated for ECA’s federal public policy priorities and the vital role that the business events industry plays in helping to spur economic growth, support job creation and empower small businesses across the country. Watch or listen to… more
Partner Voices
Dallas already boasts 35,000 hotel rooms, award-winning global cuisine, and a walkable downtown. But we are just getting started. Visit Dallas is thrilled to announce that the city of Dallas is doubling down with a massive new convention center and entertainment district. Featuring 800,000 square feet of exhibit area, 260,000 square feet of meeting rooms, and 170,000 square feet of ballroom. The center will connect business travelers with dining and shopping options in the popular Cedars District means more places to get down to business, and even more ways to unwind. “Dallas is already a great meetings and conventions destination, with the accessibility of two major airports, affordable labor, and an outstanding hotel product,” said D. Bradley Kent, Visit Dallas senior vice president and chief sales officer. “The new center and Convention Center District will enhance Dallas’ competitive position and are exactly what our customers’ need and have been asking for." What’s New – AT&T Discovery District Located in the heart of Downtown Dallas, this new district on the AT&T corporate campus is tailor-made for groups of all sizes. It boasts a multi-sensory experience, including outdoor event space, the AT&T Theater, and multiple dining outlets including JAXON Beer Garden and The Exchange, a bustling food hall. Hotels Coming Soon Names like the JW Marriott (Downtown), lnterContinental Dallas (Uptown), and Hotel Swexan (Uptown) are adding luxury amenities and bountiful event spaces. The projects will debut in 2023 and beyond. JW Marriott This new, 15-story, 283-room hotel will open in the heart of the city’s downtown Arts District this year. The property features a 25,000-square-foot grand ballroom, as well as a spa, restaurant, lobby bar, fitness center, and a rooftop pool deck and bar. InterContinental Dallas  Located in Cityplace Tower in Uptown, InterContinental Dallas will feature sweeping panoramic views of the Dallas skyline. Guests will enjoy spacious, high-end rooms and amenities, including more than 21,000 square feet of event space.   Hotel Swexan Hotel Swexan, a new, 22-story luxury property, is rising in Uptown’s Harwood District and will make its mark on the Dallas skyline. Opening this year, it is a sculptural building with cantilevered upper floors, as well as a 75-foot rooftop infinity-edge swimming pool and a hidden underground lounge.