April Show Recap: NRA, DSE and NAB Shows Set Records
May 17, 2019
From Los Angeles to Germany, trade shows around the world saw higher attendance and larger exhibit floors than previous years last month. Take a look:
DSE 2019
Digital Signage Expo—the world’s largest trade show and conference for digital displays and interactive technology—saw the second-largest attendance in its 16-year show history at its Las Vegas show this year, logging a 3 percent increase in end-user attendees over the previous year and a 6 percent increase in total verified attendance (4,260), which includes end-users along with system integrators and advertising executives. This was partially due to an uptick in international attendees from 63 countries, which accounted for nearly 18 percent of overall attendance—an increase of 7 percent from 2018. In addition to the stellar numbers, which show officials attributed to “relentless marketing,” other highlights of DES 2019 included a high-profile keynote on innovation from author Tom Goodwin, action-oriented (rather than track-driven) sessions and peer networking discussion groups during lunches.
Beauty Düsseldorf 2019
This year marked the best-attended event in the history of Beauty Düsseldorf, drawing around 58,000 guests and 1,500 exhibitors and brands across three days to Düsseldorf Exhibition Center in Düsseldorf, Germany. As the leading industry meeting for professionals in the cosmetics, nail, foot, wellness and spa industries, it serves as an international forum for service cosmetics, giving attendees an overview of new products, care concepts, scientific findings and themes. Digitalization was a big focus of the conference for a second time, with workshops addressing topics related to online marketing and social media. “Suppliers in the professional cosmetics segment confirm Germany as a leading international location,” said attendee Alexander Drusio, deputy chairman of Verband Cosmetic Professional eV. “This is also reflected at Beauty as the most relevant event of the year with high-profile trade visitor attendance and high-quality contacts.”
Aging into the Future
Los Angeles Convention Center was home to the third annual Aging Into the Future Conference + Expo, which gives seniors the opportunity to explore new technologies. The one-day conference is organized by the non-profit organization St. Barnabas Senior Services. This year, the show featured its first-ever Tech Expo, with 50 interactive product demonstrations geared toward making life easier for seniors and caregivers. There was also a Tech Help Lounge that served as a learning hub to teach attendees about Facebook, YouTube, computers, email and smartphones. Among the biggest hits on the show floor were a virtual reality experience and a self-driving taxi, giving a new perspective on what “aging into the future” really means. This year’s show had 753 attendees and 50 exhibitors, occupying approximately 16,000 square feet.
NRA
The 148th annual meeting of the National Rifle Association of America brought in more than 81,000 members to Indianapolis, April 25-28. This year featured the show’s largest-ever exhibit hall, covering 15 acres and encompassing 800 exhibitors. Over four days, attendees took in a nonstop lineup of events and performances, including appearances by President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence at the NRA-ILA Leadership Forum. Another highlight of the event was the National NRA Foundation Barbecue and Auction, which sold out with 1,500 tickets and included a concert from country music artist Alan Jackson at Lucas Oil Stadium. In 2020, the NRA Annual Meeting will be held in Nashville, Tennessee.
NAB Show
More than 91,000 professionals in the media, entertainment and technology industry convened in Las Vegas April 6-11 for the NAB Show, the world’s largest convention for this audience. A large part of the attendance was international guests, with 24,000 from countries outside the U.S. This year’s show boasted 224 first-time exhibitors, a major milestone, who joined exhibiting veterans across nearly 1 million net sq. ft. of space. Also new this year were several technology-focused areas on the showfloor, focused on things like esports and 5G technology; as well as the NAB Show Product of the Year Awards, which recognized the most promising new products and technologies on display at the show.
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.
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