Jan 11, 2017
For the second year in a row and much to my chagrin, I was unable to attend the Professional Convention Management Association’s Convening Leaders annual meeting.
This year, it was held in the great city of Austin, Texas, and had three days packed with education and networking events.
Of course, I had serious FOMO (fear of missing out) – but lucky for me, PCMA holds an online digital event powered by INXPO that streams throughout their live event.
In my humble opinion, it is bar none the best digital event out there that coincides with a live event.
Here are just a few of the reasons… more
Jan 11, 2017
The Craft & Hobby Association has transformed its CHA MEGA Conference & Trade Show into Creativation, a refreshed, reimagined event for the crafting industry. Set to debut Jan. 19-23 at the Phoenix Convention Center, the rebranded and reinvented show will feature new programs, learning opportunities and networking events; a targeted focus on innovation, collaboration and creative entrepreneurs, and at the heart of it all, a completely redesigned trade show floor.
As the annual trade show and conference for the global creative products industry, the event brings together manufacturers… more
Jan 06, 2017
PCMA Convening Leaders is set to kick off Jan. 8-11 at the Austin Convention Center in Austin, Texas, and that means it’s time to start planning your itinerary as you gear up to join several thousand of your peers in the Live Music Capitol of the World. If you’ve attended the conference in the past, you know what to expect: three jam-packed days of mind-expanding education, a host of inspiring general sessions, plentiful networking opportunities, and fun events in and around the host venue and city.
To make the most of your Convening Leaders experience this year, here are a few things you won… more
Jan 03, 2017
Before 2016 wrapped up, a few suppliers signed new contracts and renewed others to provide services to shows and venues.
The American Telemedicine Association selected Convention Data Services (CDS) as its new registration partner. The contract runs through 2018 and calls for CDS to provide full registration and lead retrieval services, along with housing and membership integrations for two events: the ATA International Conference & Tradeshow and the ATA Fall Forum.
ATA, the largest telehealth-focused organization, produces these two events to help educate industry professionals and… more
Jan 01, 2017
Most people make and break resolutions at the beginning of every year. Join us for the next #Expochat – Jan. 4 at 1 p.m. E.T. using a Twitter chat tool - with moderator Michelle Bruno to discuss what technology you’re resolved to implement—personally, professionally, and for your shows and clients—and eliminate in 2017.
Here are some questions to think about:
Which personal apps, devices, or platforms are you resolved to implement in 2017?
What technology are you planning to implement in your business or show in 2017?
What technology will you remove from your personal life in 2017… more
Jan 01, 2017
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events has opened the Call for Nominations for its 2017 IAEE International Excellence and IAEE Woman of Achievement awards. The deadline for submitting nominations for these awards Feb. 19.
“These awards honor outstanding individuals who elevate the exhibitions and events industry by going above and beyond the call of duty on a very special level,” said IAEE President and CEO David DuBois, CMP, CAE, FASAE, CTA.
He added, “Our global presence is growing by leaps and bounds, and the International Excellence Award recognizes the contributions… more
Jan 01, 2017
The American Society of Association Executives recently hosted a successful pilot for their newest event, Xperience Design Project (XDP).
Held Dec. 16, the exclusive, one-day, sneak peek of XDP was at the Gaylord National® Resort & Convention Center, and it brought together more than 80 association meeting, marketing, programming, and technology professionals, as well as industry partners to test and fine-tune the new format.
The inaugural event, May 23-24, will attract upwards of 1,800 total guests, according to ASA officials.
“XDP is an innovative, business-focused experience… more
Dec 27, 2016
Hannover Fairs Canada (HF Canada), Deutsche Messe’s Canadian subsidiary, today has formed a partnership with SME to collocate Industrial Automation, Motion, Drive & Automation, ComVac, parts2clean, and CeMAT trade shows with the Canadian Manufacturing Technology Show (CMTS).
“We were looking to secure a home for these five industrial events in Canada alongside a larger, well-established manufacturing technology trade show,” said President and CEO of HF Canada Larry Turner.
He added, “The opportunity to showcase these five advanced manufacturing technology shows and their industrial… more
Dec 16, 2016
By Elizabeth Johnson
A lot of unknowns face the exhibitions and events industry in 2017. Recently, the industry’s leading marketing experts weighed in on how trends and current events will impact the event industry in the coming year.
Kevin Miller, president and chief strategist, Frost Miller
“In 2017, we will see organizers use data more effectively for trade show marketing. Conferences and trade shows live or die by the quality of their data. Old or disorganized data about attendees and prospects yields slow or no growth. Good data—both accurate existing data and creative sources of new… more
Dec 13, 2016
More than 1,000 industry professionals will gather this spring at the 2017 Visionary Awards to honor these luminaries’ extraordinary contributions.
Attendees will experience an Oscars-like evening with red carpet arrival, awards show, and after party, hosted by the PCMA Education Foundation and presented in partnership with the Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau and Austin Convention Center.
“The event last year was an incredible success.” said Chair of the Board of Trustees, Tina Wehmeir. “We are thrilled we have the opportunity to celebrate these three extraordinary individuals who have… 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.