Association Show News

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Oct 16, 2023
For the attendees and exhibitors of Toy Fair, North America’s largest trade show and conference for the $40 billion toy industry, there’s no place like its home in the Big Apple for more than a century. After The Toy Association announced on Oct. 1 that it was moving the Toy Fair from New York’s Javits Center to the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center for three years starting in 2026, the association quickly reversed course when faced with overwhelming community outrage. The Toy Fair will stay in New York City in its traditional Q1 time frame, returning March 1-4, 2025, to the… more
Oct 09, 2023
After 35 years, the National Association of Consumer Shows (NACS) is closing its doors. Founded in 1988 for the advancement of the consumer show industry and to further the growth and professionalism of those involved in consumer show production, including show organizers, venues, decorators, advertising agencies and insurance companies, NACS focused on meeting the needs of its membership through advocacy, education and networking. According to NACS President Jacqui McGuinness, the somber decision to shutter the organization, recently made by its board of directors, followed extensive… more
Oct 03, 2023
Following the global shutdown of the exhibition industry due to the COVID pandemic, 19 of the world’s largest exhibitions markets are experiencing a robust recovery and are poised to surpass their 2019 size by 7% by 2024, according to the latest projections from Globex 2023, the exhibition industry’s annual report published by Stax. Now in its 15th edition, Globex – the global exhibition organizing market: assessment and forecast to 2025 – analyzed 19 markets, including the U.S., China, U.K., Germany, France, Italy, Brazil, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Hong Kong, Turkey, Mexico, India… more
Oct 02, 2023
Produced by PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, PACK EXPO Las Vegas posted a record-breaking turnout, with nearly 32,000 attendees converging on the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) Sept. 11-13. Attendees engaged with more than 2,300 exhibitors spread across a sprawling 1 million net square feet of exhibit space.  As the packaging and processing industry experiences steady growth, this edition earned the distinction of being the biggest PACK EXPO Las Vegas in history. The industry grew 3.4%, resulting in a market size of $10.2 billion in the U.S., according to… more
Sep 27, 2023
On Sept. 26, members of the Culinary Workers Union Local 226 and Bartenders Union Local 165 voted 95% in favor of authorizing a citywide strike at 22 casino resorts properties on the Las Vegas Strip, operated by the three of the largest gaming employers: MGM Resorts, Caesars Entertainment Corporation and Wynn and Encore Las Vegas.   The strike authorization attracted tens of thousands of hospitality workers, who packed in two sessions to cast their votes at the Thomas and Mack Center at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. According to union officials, 53,000 Las Vegas workers were eligible… more
Sep 26, 2023
IMEX America is less than one month out. Are you prepped and ready for the global gathering for the business events industry? This year’s event runs Oct. 17-19 at Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. TSNN has the inside scoop on what you need to know about IMEX America 2023 — whether you are a first-timer or regular attendee.  Launched in 2011 in Las Vegas, IMEX America is produced by IMEX Group, which also produces IMEX Frankfurt. Last year, IMEX America drew more than 4,000 buyers from 69 countries and more than 3,300 exhibiting companies from 180+ countries, according to an IMEX… more
Sep 25, 2023
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) has appointed Cathy Breden, current IAEE executive vice president and COO, as the interim CEO for the organization, effective Oct. 1. She assumes the helm following the departure of IAEE President and CEO David DuBois, for whom the organization is currently searching for a permanent successor.  “With 28 years of service to IAEE, there was no question in the minds of the Board of Directors who the best person would be to lead the association as we continue the search for a new president and CEO,” said 2023 IAEE Chairperson Dennis… more
Sep 25, 2023
Imagine an event that serves an industry where the products are still illegal at the federal level. Now imagine that show’s attendance growing four times.  That’s exactly what happened in June when Psychedelic Science 2023 (PS23) landed in Denver at the Colorado Convention Center. When the last Psychedelic Science conference was held in Oakland, Calif., in 2017, more than 3,000 attendees from the international scientific community came together to explore new research into the benefits and risks of MDMA, LSD, psilocybin, ayahuasca, ketamine, ibogaine, medical marijuana and more.  Since… more
Sep 21, 2023
Combining more than 75 years of trade show and conference industry experience, Wayne Crawford and Jim Forlenza have formed Cobalt Event Studios, a new company that serves not-for-profit associations, independent organizers, corporate events and exhibiting companies. The company provides strategic insight and consulting to optimize event sales, efficiencies and planning. Crawford and Forlenza have integrated their expertise and knowledge in sales maximization, business development, strategic planning, event technology platforms, event creation, international event management, M&A and… more
Sep 19, 2023
Google has introduced sensory event kits for its own corporate events, and the company is making them available for purchase to other events through the Google Merch Shop. “As we rolled these out internally in a series of other efforts, we wanted to make them accessible to other event professionals who want to be more inclusive for more than 20% of attendees who are neurodivergent or experience sensory sensitivities,” said Megan Henshall, global events strategic solutions lead for Google. Henshall is the force behind Neu Project, a community that began at Google, working to inspire safe,… 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.