May 07, 2014
For every, single show, organizers have to evaluate not only how they are going to spend their dollars to draw people there, but also what methods they will use.
In the latest in its series of reports, the Center for Exhibition Industry Research examined spending and the marketing-mix allocation for attendee promotions and marketing tactics found to be most effective in driving attendance at exhibitions - Cost to Attract Attendees.
Exhibition organizers use a broad range of traditional and digital tactics to attract qualified attendees to their events.
E-mail still reigns supreme, with 96… more
Apr 29, 2014
The Meetings Mean Business campaign - a national communications and advocacy platform that showcases the substantial value of meetings, conferences, conventions, incentive travel, trade shows and exhibitions - recently launched an industry-wide mobile app.
“It’s critically important that our industry continues to speak with one voice to communicate the value and benefits of meetings to communities, businesses and the economy,” said David Peckinpaugh, president of Maritz Travel and Co-Chair of Meetings Mean Business.
He added, “The MMB app is another significant tool to ensure that everyone,… more
Apr 26, 2014
The Consumer Electronics Association, owner and producer of the International CES, unveiled the results of an independent audit that confirmed a record number of international professionals – 40,828 (a 12.7 percent increase from the 2013 CES) – attended the 2014 International CES from 144 countries.
Additionally, 6,757 press and industry analysts attended the show to report on the latest consumer technologies and trends.
The 2014 CES ran Jan. 7-10 in Las Vegas and welcomed a record 160,498 industry professionals overall, up 5 percent, compared with 2013.
The independent… more
Apr 26, 2014
The United Fresh Foundation will host the first Fresh Produce Pavilion at the School Nutrition Association Annual Convention July 14-16 in Boston.
The pavilion establishes a destination area on the trade show floor that will focus exclusively on promoting fresh fruits and vegetables.
“Our goal with this pavilion is help schools maximize their success in serving a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables,” said United Fresh CEO Tom Stenzel.
He added, “We’re committed to helping school foodservice directors understand the ins and outs of purchasing produce, as… more
Apr 22, 2014
More and more shows are grappling with the issue of having their attendees duped by fraudulent housing companies that lure them in with cheap rates, take their money and then, when they show up onsite, there literally is no room at the inn.
“We get clobbered over the head with this in Las Vegas,” said Larry Schur, president and COO of All Baby & Child, which runs ABC Kids Expo.
Every year, thousands of attendees and exhibitors flock to the show, and every year, at least a half dozen people get taken in by what the industry calls “housing poachers” or “housing… more
Apr 21, 2014
When attendees take the time, expense and energy to spend a few days on a showfloor, they definitely want to make it worth their while.
With that in mind, the Center for Exhibition Industry Research released its latest report - Exhibition Floor Interaction: What Attendees Want – that takes a look at how attendees want to engage on the showfloor.
It’s no surprise that the top two answers on the survey when attendees were asked how they wanted to interact on a showfloor were through product demos (58.9 percent) or by having hands-on interaction with the products (58 percent).
The… more
Apr 14, 2014
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events opened a call for nominations for its annual awards program to recognize exceptional professionals in the exhibitions and events industry.
Each year, industry professionals who meet the outlined criteria can be nominated for any of the awards listed at www.iaee.com/awards. Nominations must be submitted to IAEE by June 13.
"One of the best perks in working in this industry is the number of motivated, passionate professionals involved," said 2014 IAEE Awards Committee Chair David Audrain.
He added, "You see this in… more
Apr 14, 2014
More than 6,000 nonprofit and association professionals are expected to attend the 2014 ASAE Annual Meeting & Exposition Aug. 9-12 at Nashville’s Music City Center.
Attendees now can register on the 2014 Annual Meeting & Exposition website, which includes information on all the speakers, more than 120 education sessions, registration, hotels, and events.
Have you ever wondered how to use networking, collaboration, influence, negotiation, and leadership skills to improve individual and team performance?
Opening General Speaker Adam Grant, author of “Give and Take: A… more
Apr 13, 2014
Turning a major spotlight onto the value of meetings, the International Association of Exhibitions and Events will launch of the first-ever Exhibitions Day.
The two-day event will be an industry-wide effort to educate federal legislators, helping them to understand the impact of regulatory decisions on the exhibitions and events industry, according to IAEE officials.
On tap June 16-17, Exhibitions Day will be in Washington, D.C. and was developed in collaboration with multiple industry organizations who have come together to develop and support this critical initiative to ensure… more
Apr 13, 2014
From the Cloud to net neutrality and the coolest cameras and software, the future of broadcasting and digital media was the focus of the National Association of Broadcasters’ NAB Show 2014 that took place April 5-10 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Not only the products and discussions were impressive here, but also the show featured the largest floor in more than a decade. It was up 7 percent from the previous year, spanning 945,000 net square feet and showcasing 1,746 exhibiting companies. Attendance was at 98,015, an uptick of more than 4 percent from 2013.
"NAB Show… 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.