Association Show News

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Jul 07, 2016
The plastics industry was still in its infancy when the first National Plastics Exposition (NPE) opened its doors in April 1946 at the Grand Central Palace in New York. The Society of the Plastics Industry (SPI) was founded in 1937. Organizers realized industry professionals needed a place to meet face-to-face and discover the latest technology in real-life machinery, materials, and processed goods all in one place at one time. So once World War II ended, the opportunity to demonstrate equipment operating in front of an audience of thousands became a reality. Plastics were a… more
Jul 06, 2016
The International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM) has selected Brad Mayne as its new president and CEO, effective July 19. Mayne also will serve as the president and CEO of the IAVM Foundation. “Throughout his career, Brad has garnered respect from every facet of our industry,” said Karen Totaro, CFE, IAVM chair. “He has worked across sectors in various leadership roles, including within IAVM, which have earned him awards and praise. We are excited to have him take over the helm of IAVM.” IAVM represents public assembly venues from around the globe. IAVM's active members include managers… more
Jul 05, 2016
By Elizabeth Johnson In a 1996 article published in the Harvard Business Review, “The Future of Interactive Marketing”, the authors noted, “Clearly, marketing’s tool kit is experiencing unsettling amounts of innovation today. The boom in direct and database marketing, the dawning of electronic commerce, new ways to automate sales force management, and the sudden blossoming of the World Wide Web all suggest that the discipline is under pressure to reshape.” In honor of TSNN’s 20th anniversary, we’re taking a look at some of the marketing tactics events used in 1996 and comparing them to today… more
Jun 29, 2016
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) has opened the 2016 Art of the Show Competition and entries are being accepted through Sept. 30. The IAEE Art of the Show Competition recognizes excellence in the development of promotional and marketing materials for exhibitions and events. This year, IAEE has expanded the competition to include a new category: Social Media Campaign. The remaining category descriptions have been significantly expanded which in turn brings clarity to the judging criteria. “It is always exciting to see the innovative ways in which our… more
Jun 29, 2016
“I can’t thank you enough for this opportunity,” and similar sentiments from SHOT Show exhibitors were repeatedly exchanged with National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) staff at the conclusion of the 3rd annual SHOT Show Exhibitor Academy. This year’s Academy was held June 20-22 at the Sands Expo  Convention Center and was attended by more than 100 SHOT Show exhibitors. The Exhibitor Academy is the brainchild of ConvExx, the show management firm who won the bid to manage SHOT Show beginning in 2014. ConvExx created their first Exhibitor Academy for the SEMA show during the height of… more
Jun 27, 2016
At the 2016 Professional Convention Management Association’s Education Conference in St. Louis. Mo., the planning committee did some quick thinking after the U.K. voted to leave the European Union last Thursday. The committee included on the event’s schedule a live-streaming and in-person session with representatives from three global companies to talk about the possible impact of the U.K. vote on the meetings industry. Moderated by PCMA’s Michelle Crowley, the three panelists were Oscar Cerezales, COO - APAC, MCI Group, Ben Hainsworth, executive director, K.I.T. Group GmbH and Simon Hughes,… more
Jun 24, 2016
Despite polls indicating that the opposite result would be achieved, Britain has voted to leave the European Union, which it has been a member of since the mid-1970s. The vote’s impact on the British pound and stock markets worldwide was swift, with the U.K. currency dropping to a 30-year low and the FTSE 100 also seeing steep declines. As a strong backer of the ‘Remain’ campaign, British Prime Minister David Cameron also announced that he would be stepping down from his post in the next few months as a result of the ‘Leave’ campaign winning the vote. The exhibition industry is a global one,… more
Jun 21, 2016
The summer months have not slowed down business in the event industry, with several companies signing new contracts and renewing existing ones to kick off the sunny season. SEMI, producer of SEMICON West, has renewed their contract for another three years with Convention Data Services (CDS), its registration partner for the past nine years. Under the agreement, CDS will provide complete registration management and technology, a full-service customer care center and exhibitor services. SEMICON West is the flagship trade and technology event for the global micro- and nano-electronics industries… more
Jun 21, 2016
Based on preliminary results, Asian Attractions Expo (AAE) 2016 attracted a record-breaking 11,500 total participants, including 8,100 buyers; and for the sixth consecutive year broke records for the size of the trade show floor and number of exhibitors; delivered information-packed education programs; and featured sold-out networking events at Shanghai-area attractions, including the new Shanghai Disney Resort.  Asian Attractions Expo, which is organized by the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (… more
Jun 20, 2016
In the midst of UFI’s Open Seminar in Basel, Switzerland, the association’s board of directors has selected Corrado Peraboni, CEO of Fiera Milano, as the president of UFI for 2018. As a result, the UFI Presidential Trio for the 2016-17 term will comprise Andreas Gruchow, (Deutsche Messe AG), president 2016-2017; Corrado Peraboni (Fiera Milano, Italy), incoming president; Sergey Alexeev (ExpoForum-International Ltd., Russian Federation), outgoing president. This decision will become effective at the conclusion of the 83rd UFI Annual Congress, which will run Nov. 9-12 in Shanghai. “I am… 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.