Association Show News

Sponsored by  

a2z-logo
2018 Air, Space and Cyber Conference
Sep 07, 2017
Summertime ended with a flurry of new and existing business being contracted between suppliers and event organizers in the trade show industry, ranging from Event Advisory Group to SmithBucklin to Spargo and National Trade Productions. National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) has contracted with Event Advisory Group (EAG), an event consulting firm, to continue supporting the organization to improve the performance of their event portfolio based on the recommendations EAG made after conducting their unbiased 360° Review this past spring. Realizing the importance of implementing EAG’s… more
Sep 05, 2017
Destinations International and Travel Alberta recently announced a Memorandum of Understanding for the implementation of the Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME) program in Alberta Canada beginning in 2018. The CDME program is offered by Destinations International and is the tourism industry’s highest individual educational achievement. The certification program is part of Destinations International’s educational programs that elevate destination organizations’ credibility and effectiveness. CDME has a focus on vision, leadership, productivity and the implementation of… more
Surf Expo
Sep 05, 2017
Just more than a week after Hurricane Harvey wreaked devastation on the Texas Coast, Hurricane Irma now is hurtling toward a possible strike in Florida, prompting organizers to start postponing events or ending them earlier than scheduled. With the state of Florida declaring a state of emergency in 67 counties, the opening of the Miami International Auto Show, originally scheduled to open Sept. 9 at the Miami Beach Convention Center, has been postponed. “Our priorities are to provide any assistance that helps our community better prepare for this hurricane,” said Richard Baker, president… more
Lightfair International
Aug 31, 2017
After a slow start to the year, the second quarter of 2017 in the U.S. trade show industry jumped into high gear, posting 2.9-percent overall growth, compared with the same quarter last year, according to the Center for Exhibition Industry’s latest Index Report. Also, in the first time since the fourth quarter of 2016, the trade show industry out-performed the macroeconomy, with real GDP growing 2.2 percent year over year. "The increase in the second quarter validates our prediction that economic fundamentals continue pointing to moderate growth for the exhibition industry," said CEIR… more
George R. Brown Convention Center
Aug 30, 2017
After Hurricane Harvey slammed into the Texas Coast and spurred days of record rainfall resulting in deadly flooding conditions, the doors of Houston’s George R. Brown Convention Center opened and currently houses more than 9,000 evacuees. In addition, Houston’s NRG Center opened last night as a shelter, and the Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center in Dallas also is mobilized so it, too, will be able to take in people as needed.   Visit Houston released the following statement: “Over these last few days, the residents of this great city have shown the true Heart of Houston, and… more
Aug 29, 2017
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events unveiled a new direction for the association after intense board level discussions and approval of a new strategic plan through 2025. “IAEE’s redefined direction is based on two years of strategic planning with the board of directors and a futurist asking tough questions on what the association and the industry can and should look like in the future and how to remain relevant to our stakeholders,” said IAEE president and CEO, David DuBois, CMP, CAE, FASAE, CTA. The strategic plan looks ahead to 2025 and focuses on three pillars:… more
Aug 29, 2017
True to its theme on “Pressures & Profits”, the program for this year’s UFI Global Congress is filled with sessions focused on overcoming obstacles and adapting to change. The sessions will feature a number of knowledgeable industry professionals sharing case studies of successes and failures, unpacking research results and discussing the latest trends within the exhibition industry. The UFI Global Congress, titled “Raising the Odds - Pressures and Profits in the Exhibition Industry”, will take place Nov. 1-4 at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg (South Africa). UFI’s Global… more
Aug 29, 2017
ASAE has booked Johnny P to be the musical entertainment at this year’s Power of A-Summit Awards Dinner Oct. 4 at the National Building Museum. Jonny P is a Bronx-born, Nashville-based singer-songwriter, who plays soul music. His songs are rooted in the sounds of the past, but also incorporates the present with disarmingly direct arrangements and a smooth vocal style. “He just wrapped up his first role in the film Detroit by Oscar-winning director Kathryn Bigelow (The Hurt Locker, Zero Dark Thirty), and screenwriter Mark Boal, a fictionalized chronicle of the Detroit riots of 1967. In April… more
Aug 25, 2017
Informa Exhibitions’ WWETT, a wastewater management show, and the World Pet Association’s SuperZoo snagged top honors for fastest-growing shows in attendance and net square footage, respectively, at the 2017 TSNN Awards Aug. 21-23 in New Orleans. The Rivergate Room at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center was packed with show organizers representing the Top 25 fastest-growing shows in attendance and net square footage during the Aug. 22 celebration, as well as winners of the TSNN Best of Show, Best of Tech Innovation, Industry Icon Award and The Expo Group’s Show Manager of the Year Awards… more
Aug 15, 2017
When nearly 200 for-profit trade show executives and suppliers to the industry gathered Aug. 1-3 in Philadelphia, they were treated to a few days filled with not only with top-notch education sessions about everything from when or when not to launch and the latest event tech out there, but also valuable networking opportunities with their peers. “This year’s program had a strong marketing focus to it, and we saw more marketing director types than usual. But the majority of the attendees continue to be from our core focus, vice presidents and show directors,” said SISO Executive Director… 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.