Mar 13, 2019
Sitting on your trade show floor is an exhibitor who is spending quite a bit of money to be there, but he or she may be thinking, “For this type of investment, I could be doing an amazing brand activation out of the confines of this booth.” Or, “We really would like our products to be seen by our end-users, the consumers, but they aren’t allowed into this show.” As a result, some shows are losing major exhibitors, such as E3 — the big video gaming show held annually in Los Angeles that’s had several major gaming companies drop out wanting to use their marketing dollars in other ways. A… more
Cuba
Mar 13, 2019
You could say the team members behind MAD Event Management are masters of creativity. Based in Warwick, New York, they’re owners and operators of several large pop culture conventions, from Long Beach Comic Expo to C3: Comic Creator Conference. As such, they’re frequently managing events that involve large numbers of attendees dressed in costume, as well as in-depth education sessions designed to help high-level comics creatives learn and grow in the industry. Yet for its latest challenge, MAD stepped into a similar, yet different role in a new location: Havana, Cuba. Working with the… more
Mar 12, 2019
In response to the enthusiastic feedback of its attendees and exhibitors, LIGHTFAIR International will return to Las Vegas for its next West coast show in 2020. Staged alternately on the East and West coasts, the annual architectural and commercial lighting trade show and conference returns to the Las Vegas Convention Center after a six-year absence. The last time the massive show was in Vegas, in 2014, LIGHTFAIR set new West coast occupancy and attendance records, according to Bob Maricich, CEO of International Market Centers. “LIGHTFAIR and Las Vegas are natural partners with a strong… more
Mar 11, 2019
Diversified Communications has acquired three North American events focused on renewable energy and clean energy storage – Intersolar, ees (electrical energy storage) and Power2Drive North America – from German-based Solar Promotion International and FMMI. Held annually at San Francisco’s Moscone Center for the past 10 years in July, Intersolar and the two collocated events will forgo a 2019 edition and resume Feb. 4-6, 2020, at the San Diego Convention Center, according to Diversified officials. “Our teams are very excited to be a part of the solar and energy storage industries, and for… more
Mar 06, 2019
Last month, the Detroit Regional Convention Facility Authority awarded Chemical Bank the exclusive naming rights for Cobo Center via a 22-year, $1.5 million-per-year agreement. According to Claude Molinari, general manager of the downtown Detroit facility, the DRCFA’s selection of Chemical Bank represents strong financial future and a big move toward Cobo becoming a self-sustaining facility by 2024. “This unprecedented naming rights agreement is a great win for all parties,” Molinari said. “Chemical Bank makes a strong statement of commitment to the region and secured naming rights to a… more
Mar 05, 2019
The Center for Exhibition Industry Research has released the seventh and final report in its Attendee ROI Playbook series, a multiple fact sheet series that identifies general attendee practices while delivering insights on differences by specific attendee categories. Designed to summarize all aspects in the Attendee ROI study as well as analyze how attendee preferences and behaviors vary by the size of an event, “Where Value and Metrics Vary by Event Size,” uncovers competitive advantages for B2B exhibitions large and small, according to Nancy Drapeau, CEIR vice president of research. “… more
Mar 04, 2019
Tarsus Mexico not only will expand the EBIO beauty brand this year - strengthening its position as an organizer of international business forums within the beauty and styling industry – but also it bought the rest of the company. The purchase by Tarsus of the remaining 40 percent of its joint venture with Expo Guadalajara will ensure the continued success of EBIO in the city of Guadalajara and demonstrates Tarsus's confidence in Mexico and the beauty sector, according to Tarsus officials. In addition, Tarsus signed a multi-year agreement with Expo Guadalajara to be the host venue of EBIO… more
Jim Kelley
Mar 04, 2019
See who’s making big strides in their career this month. Have more people news to share? Send it to kogletree@tsnn.com to be included in our next story. Jim Kelley has joined Fern, a national marketing support and trade show services provider, as vice president of marketing and industry relations. His career has spanned roles with exposition service contractors, convention centers and hotels, and he was most recently with Production Resource Group. In his new position, Kelley will lead strategy for Fern and NexxtShow’s industry events, as well as be part of its sales leadership team. The… more
Mar 04, 2019
The Society of Independent Show Organizers’ long-time general counsel Henry Schaffer. passed away March 1 after a lengthy disease with Alzheimer’s. He leaves his wife Barbara, daughters - Emily (Deiwson Nogueira Araujo) Schaffer, Katherine (David Bamman) Schaffer, and four grandchildren Ruby, Sam, Theo, and Leo. Henry served as SISO Legal Counsel from the 1990’s through his retirement in October of 2014.  “Henry served SISO for most of its existence and was a valued member of its leadership. His knowledge and expertise of our industry was vast,” said David Audrain, SISO executive director… more
Mar 04, 2019
Despite headwinds, the Center for Exhibition Industry Research reports that the recent growth of the exhibition industry continued during the fourth quarter of 2018. The growth of the industry, as measured by the CEIR Total Index, accelerated from a year-over-year gain of 0.9 percent in the third quarter to 2.5 percent in the fourth quarter. “The performance during the fourth quarter shows the resilience of the exhibition industry despite uncertainties surrounding the trade negotiation with China, volatile stock markets and slowing world economic growth,” said CEIR Economist Allen Shaw,… 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.