Association Show News

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Oct 29, 2013
National Association of Convenience Stores Association’s 2013 NACS Show set a new record with 396,000 net square feet, up 4 percent compared with 2012. The annual event took place Oct. 12-15 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta and attracted 1,160 exhibitors, including 195 first-timers, and about 22,000 attendees from 65 countries. “The growth of the NACS Show is impressive, and it’s also a clear indicator that the supplier community is serious about partnering with convenience store operators to leverage business connections and solidify their position within… more
Oct 28, 2013
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events has unveiled this year's recipients of the IAEE Awards program that recognizes professionals who have made outstanding contributions to the exhibitions and events industry. Award winners will be honored at the IAEE Annual Networking Luncheon and Awards Presentation on tap at the Expo! Expo! IAEE's Annual Meeting & Exhibition, Dec.10-12 in Houston. "Recipients of the annual IAEE Awards personify the hard work and dedication that the exhibitions and events industry demands from each of us," said 2013 IAEE Awards… more
Oct 14, 2013
Gear Expo 2013, owned by the American Gear Manufacturers Association, saw growth in all three metrics – attendance, exhibitors and net square footage – at its recent show. The biennial event, held Sept. 17-19 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, attracted more than 3,400 industry professionals, an 11.8-percent increase in attendance, compared with 2011. The sold-out showfloor also had 219 exhibiting companies this year, a 26-percent increase, compared with 2011, and a 52,500 net square foot showfloor, which grew 29 percent since the 2011 show. National Trade… more
Oct 14, 2013
Convention Centers have identified growing international competition and government policies toward meetings and events participation as their top concerns heading into a period of slow economic recovery, according to the latest annual survey carried out by AIPC, the International Association of Convention Centres. The survey, carried out between April and June 2013, achieved a 65 percent response rate from centers in 54 countries, with heavy participation from Europe. "Growing competition amongst centers worldwide has been an issue for some years, but this very real spike in… more
Oct 14, 2013
Taking advantage of the cooperative partnership between the International Association of Exhibitions and Events and União Brasileira dos Promotores de Feiras (Brazilian Union of Exhibit Promoters), Reed Exhibitions in Brazil enrolled 12 participants in IAEE’s Certified Exhibition Management (CEM) Learning Program. Those 12 went on to successfully complete the Exhibition and Event Sales Fundamentals and Event Marketing modules, which were held Sept. 2-3. "This has been a great opportunity to fulfill the skills of our talented management in Brazil with the ‘essence… more
Oct 07, 2013
Smart eyewear that captures video and sunglasses that float were among the showstoppers at the International Vision Expo West, co-owned by Reed Exhibitions and The Vision Council, which took place Oct. 2-5 at the Sands Convention & Expo Center. The show celebrated its 25th anniversary with strong numbers as attendance trended up 8 percent from 12,000 last year. Square footage was at 185,000 and exhibitor count was at 426, also showing positive trends. “We’ve rebound quite nicely over the past several years,” said Courtney Muller, group vice president for Reed… more
Oct 02, 2013
Thirty-year trade show industry veteran Brian Casey has been chosen by the Center for Exhibition Industry Research’s board of directors as the new president and CEO for the organization. Casey was identified as the best candidate after an extensive search process that was initiated after long-time head of CEIR, Doug Ducate, announced he was stepping down from the role. Casey’s new position will begin Dec. 1. "I am very honored and excited to have been selected to lead CEIR moving forward,” Casey said. He added, “Having been in the industry for more than 30… more
Sep 28, 2013
Association management company SmithBucklin recently launched Board Forward, a content source specifically designed for volunteer board members and available free of charge. The new resource features a monthly e-newsletter and Web site that will provide relevant news, information and guidance to help volunteer board members enhance the performance of their boards and organizations. "At SmithBucklin, we understand the challenges volunteer boards face every day," said SmithBucklin President and CEO Henry Givray. He added, "Our client organizations' volunteer leaders have… more
Sep 28, 2013
SME’s manufacturing show, SOUTH-TEC, has expanded its showfloor to accommodate demand for more exhibit space at its Oct. 29-31 expo in Greenville, S.C. More than 300 companies will exhibit on the SOUTH-TEC floor at the TD Center and approximately 4,000 attendees are expected, according to SME officials. "SME SOUTH-TEC will provide attendees thousands of square feet of opportunity, bursting with a full spectrum of knowledge, innovation, training and learning," said Dennis Bray, CEO of Contour Precision Group, LLC of Clover, S.C., and president of SME. He added, "Experts… more
Sep 28, 2013
Young professionals are the future of the trade show industry and the American Society of Association Executives, along with its strategic partner Reno-Tahoe USA, recently hosted the NextGen Summit to touch on issues for this group. The NextGen Summit, held Sept. 18-21 in Reno, Nev., included guests from the ASAE Board of Directors, California Society of Association Executives, The Association Forum of Chicago and the Texas Society of Association Executives. Twenty-five individuals selected to participate were chosen from a national search process representing some of the brightest and most… 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.