Feb 10, 2013
Coming out of one of the worst economic periods in United States’ history, Las Vegas scored its highest visitor attendance record yet in 2012, and, while convention attendance was only up 1.6 percent from the prior year, the number of meetings and conventions held in the city were up more than 13 percent, compared with 2011.
Las Vegas welcomed 39.7 million visitors in 2012, approximately 500,000 more visitors than the previous high of 39.2 million set in 2007.
The record visitation generated more than $40 billion in economic impact for the local economy last year, according to Las Vegas… more
Feb 07, 2013
Even though there is two feet of snow forecasted to hit the Northeast beginning Feb. 8 and thousands of flights already have been canceled, the Toy Industry Association is going full steam ahead, planning to not only hold pre-show events for the American International Toy Fair, but also open the show’s doors as scheduled Feb. 10-13 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York.
Show organizers assured all attendees that “the show will go on,” despite unfavorable weather predictions for the New York City area, with a message on their Web site saying, “There… more
Feb 06, 2013
Global Experience Specialists was awarded a two-year contract for UBM Live’s 30-show European portfolio, and Experient scored a three-year, nine-show per year contract with the National Retail Federation.
The GES contract includes CPhI Worldwide (collocated with ICSE, PMEC, Innopack), Protection & Management Series (including IFSEC, Facilities Show, Safety & Health Expo and Firex), MEDTEC Europe, Ecobuild and Fi Europe, to name a few.
The Experient contract includes event registration, lead retrieval and CEU management services for shows such as NRF’s Retail’s BIG… more
Feb 06, 2013
The month of January signaled a continued positive trend in the trade show industry – several suppliers and show management companies added to their employee ranks.
George Little Management named Craig Dooley to senior vice president and group show director, IR Events Group, effective Feb. 4. Working from GLM's downtown Chicago office, Dooley will report directly to GLM’s CEO Charles McCurdy.
In this newly created role, Dooley will oversee the strategy, operations, and expansion – including conference development, sales, marketing, financial management, operations and… more
Feb 05, 2013
In its latest report, the Center for Exhibition Industry Research updated a study first released 10 years ago that took a look at attempting to answer the age-old question on everyone’s minds: “What Attendees Want from Exhibitions.”
The first part of the series of reports on this subject will focus on what attendees want from exhibitions and how well their needs are being met at events.
Respondents were asked to rate the importance of 22 possible reasons for attending, ranging from the seminars and speakers to finding a solution for an existing product.
Two overall reasons for attending an… more
Feb 05, 2013
The Association of Equipment Manufacturers’ biennial AG Connect Expo & Summit not only nearly doubled its attendance, but it also set records for exhibit space, number of exhibitor and education tickets.
The 2013 show attracted nearly 11,000 registrants, compared with 5,800 registrants in 2011. (The 2011 collocated American Farm Bureau Federation had an additional 5,500 registrants.)
The 2013 event was held Jan. 29-31 at the Kansas City Convention Center in Kansas City, Mo.
AG CONNECT Expo & Summit also had nearly 400 exhibitors and more than 220,000 net square feet of exhibit… more
Feb 04, 2013
The 2013 International Production & Processing Expo attracted more than 25,000 attendees Jan. 29-Jan. 31 to the Georgia World Congress Center, exceeding the goal established by the three associations that run the show, according to show management.
In addition, IPPE had 1,189 exhibitors with more than 430,000 net square feet of exhibit space.
The show was sponsored by the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association, the American Feed Industry Association and the American Meat Institute.
"We are extremely pleased with the number of exhibitors and attendees on the exhibit floor for IPPE,… more
Feb 04, 2013
Even though the launch of the show was announced just seven months ago, PMMI’s debut edition of EXPO PACK Guadalajara already has sold out when it’s set to run Feb. 27-March 1.
“In December, we were happy to see 90 percent of the exhibit space was sold,” said Enrique Guzman, director of PMMI’s Latin America office.
He added, “But now, less than a month later, we are even more pleased to report that 100 percent of available booth space is taken.”
EXPO PACK Guadalajara 2013 will feature more than 300 exhibitors from 18 countries and cover more than 3,… more
Feb 03, 2013
Phoenix-based Viad – Global Experience Specialist’s parent company – reached $1 billion in revenue for 2012, an increase of $82.9 million, or 8.8 percent from 2011, although full-year earnings dropped from $8.8 million in 2011 to $5.3 million in 2012.
“We achieved strong growth in 2012, hitting more than $1 billion in revenue,” said ,” said Paul B. Dykstra, Viad’s chairman, president and CEO.
He added, “Both business units delivered solid results consistent with guidance for the year.”
The Marketing & Events Group performed well, with… more
Feb 01, 2013
It’s hard to keep from taking photos of ripe oranges in the middle of the winter along Anaheim’s newest gem – the Grand Plaza that opened in January in front of the Anaheim Convention Center. This is, after all, Orange County.
With fountains and palm trees, the 100,000-square-foot pedestrian esplanade is the place to dig into a gourmet burger from a food truck, soak in the Cali sun between sessions and dance the night away at an outdoor concert.
Soon the Anaheim Convention Center campus also will welcome a $160 million expansion that will feature 250,000 sq. ft. of… 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.