Jan 31, 2013
The trade show industry continues to see more and more people flocking to exhibit halls, with three recent shows from completely divergent industries all scoring strong attendee numbers. AHR Expo, the top heating, air-conditioning and refrigerating show in the United States that was held Jan. 28-30 at the Dallas Convention Center, established four new all-time records for a show held in the Southwest.  More than 52,000 attendees, 35,000 of them visitors, filled the aisles to see the latest products and technologies on display from 1,951 exhibiting companies covering 397,000 square feet… more
Jan 30, 2013
George Armando Aguel was named president and CEO of Visit Orlando, filling the open position after its prior leader, Gary Sain, passed away suddenly last year. “George is an incredibly accomplished industry leader, with extensive experience in both leisure and business travel,” said Paul Mears III, chair of the Visit Orlando board of directors. He added, “His knowledge of the meetings and conventions industry, as well as his relationships throughout the travel and tourism segment, matches perfectly with the criteria that our search committee identified as priorities.”… more
Jan 29, 2013
George Little Management’s US Antiques Shows portfolio just grew a little bigger, with the recent acquisition of the Miami National Antiques Show and Sale from Dolphin Promotions. "The acquisition of the Miami National Antiques Show and Sale further strengthens US Antique Shows' unique position to deliver well-timed and ideally located shows to support the southeast Florida antiques marketplace,” said Dan Darby, GLM vice president and US Antique Shows group director. The Miami National Antiques Show features 150 exhibitors annually, presenting a wide range of antique… more
Jan 29, 2013
Messe Frankfurt’s Texworld USA nearly doubled its exhibitor base by 47 percent to 238, compared to last year’s event during the same time frame, when it ran Jan. 14-16 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center of New York. There also was an 8-percent increase in attendance, compared with the 2012 January event as well. A total of 3,627 verified attendees visited the three-day event. Visitors came from 48 countries including Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Japan, Mexico and the United States, to name a few. First-time exhibitors from Belarus, Turkey and Taiwan and returning exhibitors… more
Jan 27, 2013
Nielsen Expositions, which produces the biannual ASD Show in Las Vegas, will launch a regional event – Miami Wholesale Expo - Sept. 30-Oct. 2 at the Miami Airport Convention Center. The new event is in response to market demand for a wholesale merchandise event to expand relationships for vendors specializing in fashion accessories, travel/leisure products, health and beauty items, resort apparel and footwear, novelty and souvenir items and general merchandise, according to show officials. The Miami Wholesale Expo is a natural extension to Nielsen’s two ASD Show flagship events,… more
Jan 26, 2013
First, they show you where to get ear plugs. Then, Eddie Van Halen walks by. It’s the 2013 NAMM Show, the 109-year-old event for the music industry that brings together instrument and equipment manufacturers and buyers as well as vibrant music community. Owned and produced by the National Association of Music Merchants, it took place Jan. 24–27 at the Anaheim Convention Center. Music hits you long before you step onto the showfloor. “How do we control the decibel level of exhibitors? We have sound control guys, all with pro firefighter and paramedic background,” said… more
Jan 23, 2013
Reed Exhibitions’ decision to ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines at its upcoming Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show and the ensuing outcry not only from exhibitors and the National Rifle Association, but also the National Shooting Sports Foundation – owner of Reed-produced SHOT Show, has led to the postponement of the ESOS. “Our original decision not to include certain products in the Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show this year was made in order to preserve the event’s historical focus on the hunting and fishing traditions enjoyed by American families,”… more
Jan 22, 2013
Malaysia will host Asia’s future leading architects in 2014 when they convene in the country for the 16th Asian Congress of Architects 2014 (ACA 2014). The Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) and the Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM) announced the congress will take place at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. ACA is a regional congress held every two years, attended professionals and students from member countries of the Architects Regional Council of Asia (ARCASIA). The main objective of the congress is to facilitate Asian talents of architecture to travel around… more
Jan 22, 2013
The 8th UFI Open Seminar in Asia in Jakarta, produced by UFI, The Global Association for the Exhibition Industry, will kick off Feb. 28- March 1, featuring sessions with leaders in the industry. "This is the 8th edition of the UFI Open Seminar in Asia, and it is the first time we have taken the event to Indonesia,” said Mark Cochrane, UFI’s regional manager Asia/Pacific. “Growth in South-East Asian exhibition markets has easily outpaced the rest of the region in recent years and we expect that trend to continue in 2013.” He added, “In addition to the… more
Jan 22, 2013
This year was a very good one for the MICE industry in Thailand, with targeted visitor numbers for 2012 of 750,000 being exceeded by 19 percent to 895,224 visitors. "Thailand's MICE industry is growing strongly despite the economic crises in Europe and USA. The 2012 figures have exceeded our annual target of 750,000 MICE visitors in 2012, and are a clear vote of confidence in Thailand as a cost-effective MICE destination,” said Thongchai Sridama, acting president of TCEB. Thongchai added, “Last year, we saw an increase of 19 percent above target to 895,224 MICE visitors,… 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.