Association Show News

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May 07, 2024
New events, business locations, educational offerings and research reports are some of the most recent developments keeping the trade show industry a-buzz this month. Here’s our latest roundup of the latest industry news in brief to keep you in-the-know. Women in Exhibitions World Summit Announces Second Edition Following the success of its inaugural edition in The Netherlands last June, Women in Exhibitions (WIE) announced its second Women in Exhibitions World Summit, taking place Nov. 18-19 at I Chiostri di San Barnaba in Milan, Italy. Dedicated to empowering and advancing women… more
May 01, 2024
What’s the state of the exhibition industry in the Middle East and Africa (MEA)? In a TSNN exclusive, we interviewed Naji El Haddad, regional director of MEA for UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, to get the scoop on the annual in-person Regional Conference, held April 15-17 at the Kigali Convention Centre in Rwanda. Serving in his role for more than five years, El Haddad shared his insider’s view on what’s trending in the region for exhibitions.  Here are excerpts from our conversation. Watch or listen to the full interview here. Naji El Haddad, UFIKey markets for… more
Apr 30, 2024
Let’s start with this statistic: On average in 2023, 45% of conference attendees delayed registering until four weeks or less before an event. That’s among the eye-popping findings in a new Registrations Insights Report from experience design company Maritz, the result of a deep dive into more than 360,000 attendee registrations across 30 trade shows over the past few years. The report looks at registration pacing, which attendees are most likely to register late and why, and how to adapt to this changing attendee behavior. Significantly, the authors also work to reframe the discussion… more
Apr 25, 2024
After a six-year hiatus due to COVID, NPE2024: The Plastics Show will return May 6-10 at the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) in Orlando. When the triennial trade show and conference was last held in 2018, NPE2018: The Plastic Show attracted more than 55,000 attendees and 2,182 exhibitors covering 1.1 million net square feet of exhibit space at OCCC. Related: NPE WRAPS UP ITS LARGEST SHOW IN HISTORY Owned by the Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS), the trade show supports the entire plastics supply chain, including equipment suppliers, material suppliers, processors and recyclers… more
Apr 23, 2024
From new show launches and business ventures to strategic partnerships and acquisitions, the trade show landscape has been buzzing with event companies announcing new business moves and agreements this spring.  Taffy Event Strategies to Launch High Performance Expo (HPX) Next Year  Full-service trade show and management company Taffy Event Strategies is gearing up to launch a new show for the automotive racing and performance industry, High Performance Expo (HPX). Set for June 3-5, 2025, at the Charlotte Convention Center, the inaugural business and consumer show will be the exclusive… more
Apr 22, 2024
While 61% of exhibitors claimed unpredictable costs have a major influence on their decision to attend an event, 93% believe the quality of expected attendees is the most impactful outcome, even when compared to external constraints, according to “Event Excellence by Design,” a new report that takes an inside look at exhibitor objectives and provides show organizers with insightful data to help them design more impactful event experiences. Lead quality remains the No. 1 measure of success, even more than last year. When exhibitors were asked how they measure the value their organization… more
Apr 22, 2024
In celebration of Earth Day 2024, we want to share highlights from our latest podcast interview with Honeycomb Strategies CEO and ASM Global Chief Sustainability Officer Lindsay Arell. These 10 takeaways highlight the multifaceted approach to sustainability in events, encompassing operational changes, partnerships, transparency and a broader industry shift towards sustainable practices. Integration of Sustainability Practices: Natural Products Expo West is one trade show that’s leading by example. The trade show has successfully integrated sustainability practices into nearly every aspect of… more
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Apr 17, 2024
More than 300 independent trade show executives, suppliers and industry media convened April 1-4 for the 2024 Society of Independent Show Organizers (SISO) CEO Summit at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Amelia Island, Fla. The pre-registered attendance was the highest ever for this event, said SISO CEO Vincent Polito. The previous attendance record was set in 2019 when 295 industry leaders gathered in April at The Sanctuary in Kiawah Island, SC. SISO welcomed 35 first-time attendees, said Clarion Events CEO Lisa Hannant, who is serving as this year’s SISO chair after Arc CEO Americas Mary Larkin… more
Apr 16, 2024
Three major U.S. trade shows reported successful – and in two cases, growing – editions in Las Vegas, Orlando and Philadelphia last month. Take a look at our roundup of major U.S. trade shows held in March. The NGA Show  Who, When & Where: The NGA Show, March 10-12, Caesars Forum Convention Center  Key metrics: 3,600 grocery retail industry professionals (a new attendance record), 350+ exhibitors and sponsors, spanning 55,725 square feet. Looking Back: The exhibit hall grew substantially from the prior year, which saw 290 exhibiting companies and more than 45,000 sq. ft. Best new… more
Apr 15, 2024
While exhibition rates are more broadly aligning with inflation this year, specific areas, such as material handling rates, continue to outpace inflation, according to the findings of the Annual Survey of Exhibition Rates. The Exhibitor Advocate — a non-profit organization dedicated to providing industry stakeholders with expert advice, research and tools to amplify the voice of exhibitors — has released its latest survey that analyzes labor and equipment costs across 24 major U.S. cities. This year’s report demonstrates that while trade shows continue to be a valuable sales and marketing… 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.