Association Show News
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Dec 04, 2020
While the 2020 edition of Expo! Expo! IAEE’s Annual Meeting and Exhibition will look different this year, that doesn’t mean the first-ever virtual “show for shows” isn’t going to be packed with tons of valuable content, business and engagement opportunities.
Set for Dec. 8-10, the annual trade show and conference will once again offer exhibition and events industry professionals the chance to learn about the latest, top-of-mind industry trends and technology, participate in special events and network with like-minded professionals as the industry looks toward a brighter future after one of… more
Nov 24, 2020
Due to continued concerns for the health and safety of its members, industry partners, volunteer leaders, staff and other stakeholders during the COVID-19 pandemic, the American Society of Association Executives will continue to hold its events virtually through February 2021.
This decision means that all ASAE events including the CEO Symposium programs scheduled in January and February; an Exceptional Boards program in January and ASAE’s Great Ideas Conference, which was scheduled to take place Feb. 21-23 in Salt Lake City, will be held online. The next in-person edition of Great Ideas will… more
Nov 17, 2020
Messe Frankfurt Inc. and the Food Processing Suppliers Association have entered into a joint venture to align their resources and co-produce PROCESS EXPO, the U.S’s largest horizontal trade show for the food and beverage processing and packaging industry. Through FPSA’s strong industry relationships and MFI’s international reputation as a leading event producer servicing the food technology and processing markets, the biennial PROCESS EXPO will benefit from an expanded global reach as well as a customized attendee and exhibitor experience, according to show officials.
Last spring, MFI was… more
Nov 17, 2020
The city of Grapevine, Texas, played host to Meeting Professionals International’s World Education Congress, held in hybrid format Nov. 3-6. “Reunite for Recovery” was the theme of the event, which took place at Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center and drew nearly 700 in-person attendees and 1,000 virtual participants.
Grapevine CVB partnered with MPI in developing Duty of Care procedures that allowed for safe general sessions, breakout sessions and one-on-one appointments. The goal was to demonstrate the new standards for a safe return to live, in-person meetings and conferences. In… more
Nov 16, 2020
The Puerto Rico Convention Center hosted its first event since achieving GBAC STAR accreditation — the only Caribbean facility to do so — last month. The meeting of the Puerto Rico Chapter of the Association of General Contractors of America (AGC) on Oct. 17 featured a debate among local governorship candidates as well as the organization’s annual convention. More importantly for tourism officials and event organizers, it served as a testimony to Puerto Rico’s ability to produce a safe and successful gathering.
“We hope that our event will serve as an example for other associations and… more
Nov 10, 2020
The National Confectioners Association will move Sweets & Snacks Expo, which has taken place in Chicago every spring in its 23-year history (except for 2020, which was canceled), to Indianapolis next year. As the confectionary and snack industry’s premiere event, the 2021 Sweets & Snacks Expo — which typically features approximately 800 exhibitors and draws 15,000 attendees from 90 countries — will take place June 22-25 at Indiana Convention Center.
Together with the Board of Trustees and the Sweets & Snacks Expo Committee, NCA made this decision to move out of Chicago’s… more
Nov 09, 2020
Due to the continued rise in COVID-19 infections in the U.S. and across the globe, the in-person portion of this year’s Expo! Expo! IAEE’s Annual Meeting and Exhibition — which was to be a hybrid event Dec. 8-10 in Louisville, Ky. — has been called off. Instead, the association will refocus on transitioning many of the show’s physical elements into a virtual format, according to IAEE officials.
“Our board, staff and members were excited to take part in this annual, in-person event,” said Bob McLean, IAEE chairperson. “However, in light of current health and safety concerns, the board has… more
Oct 12, 2020
UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, and SISO, the Society for Independent Show Organizers, are calling on global policymakers and governments to follow a “testing before quarantine” approach for business-related travel and activities. This approach, both organizations say — which would include activating the potentials of rapid antigen COVID-19 tests — would enable businesses to move forward out of a severe global recession.
A statement signed by UFI President Mary Larkin (president of Diversified Communications, USA) and SISO Chair Doug Emslie (group chief executive,… more
Sep 30, 2020
Louisville Tourism, the marketing agency charged with promoting the Kentucky city as a travel destination, has unveiled hospitality industry initiatives designed to address racial imbalances inside and outside the organization while promoting its reputation as an inclusive and welcoming destination. Launched on Sept. 23, the same day that charges against one police officer involved in the killing of Breonna Taylor were announced, the new initiatives come as Louisville finds itself in the spotlight while the nation reckons with its history of racial disparities.
“As we process the grief and… more
Sep 23, 2020
While there has been an understandable drop in new and renewed business deals in the trade show industry lately, there have been some bright spots, particularly in the virtual space. Here are a few companies continuing to forge ahead as they prepare for a post-COVID-19 business future.
Stetson Convention Services
Pittsburgh-based Stetson Convention Services has been tapped by Jamie Belkin Productions, Cleveland Clinic and The Commission on Presidential Debates to help produce the 2020 Presidential Debate, set for Sept. 29 at the Health Education Campus of Case Western Reserve University… 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.