Mar 01, 2019
Venue management and hospitality company Spectra will become the new provider of venue management for Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas, effective April 1. This marks the first time in the center’s history that it will be run by a private operator.
The City of Dallas City Council unanimously approved this partnership. Spectra will focus on short-term bookings, taking over a role historically maintained by City of Dallas employees. Visit Dallas will emphasize bookings 18 months out or more at KBHCCD, in addition to other venues in the city.
“Partnering with Spectra is going to… more
Feb 27, 2019
In a year without its two biggest biennial shows – Labelexpo Europe and the Dubai Airshow – U.K.-based Tarsus Group still snagged a 9-percent increase in like-for-like revenue (compared to 2016) of $133 million, according to the company’s 2018 results.
Another bright spot was a double-digit increase of buyer/visitor growth across the portfolio of 10 percent, at the top end of the Group’s KPI target of 5-10 percent.
"2018 saw the launch of the latest phase of our Quickening the Pace strategy and we are delivering
against that strategy with another good year of progress both operationally… more
Feb 27, 2019
CVBs are thrilled to be in headlines when it comes to stories boasting record tourism to their respective cities, often for which they deserve credit. Yet Visit Dallas could have done without the media blitz that ensued this month following the release of an audit in January that revealed numbers viewed as unsavory to some.
In a meeting of Dallas City Council’s Government Performance and Financial Management Committee last week, three of the five members voted against canceling the city’s contract with the CVB as a result of the audit. While that much is good news, it’s not the end of the… more
Feb 26, 2019
Here’s a glimpse inside of some of this month’s top trade shows, which brought together industry professionals specializing in home building, health care technologies and more.
World of Asphalt
The 2019 edition of World of Asphalt Show & Conference and AGG1 Academy and Expo, held Feb. 12-14 at Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, was a smashing success by all accounts. Attendance was at an all-time high, according to show officials — this year’s 10,063 attendees accounted for a 28 increase over the 2018 show in Houston.
All 50 states were represented in delegation and… more
Feb 25, 2019
Hilton launched Signia, a new brand designed to cater specifically to the meetings and events industry, last week. The Signia Hilton portfolio promises to infuse state-of-the-art technology and design into the entire guest experience, with a strong focus on meeting space.
“In our 100th year of hospitality, we are more focused than ever on providing exceptional experiences to all of our guests — and that includes evolving those experiences to meet their changing needs,” said Christopher J. Nassetta, president and CEO of Hilton.
He continued, “We are proud to launch Signia Hilton, which… more
Feb 20, 2019
While event professionals have long touted the power of the events they plan, many have not previously had great support from leadership in this area. The good news is that the data shows that to be changing.
Recent event industry studies all indicate the industry is healthy and growing, and a big part of that is due to marketing. Findings from Bizzabo’s “Event Marketing 2019: Benchmarking and Trends” report show that today, face-to-face events are more effective for achieving business goals than ever before — and executives are taking notice.
Bizzabo surveyed more than 1,000 mid- to senior… more
Feb 20, 2019
Smart fabrics, sustainable fashion and the ongoing tariffs dispute were only a few of the hot topics at this year’s MAGIC, the biannual fashion trade show that brought about 80,000 attendees to Las Vegas Feb. 4-7.
Comprising a dozen shows within the show, MAGIC covers nearly every aspect of the apparel, accessories, pool wear and footwear industries. This month’s event marked the last time the show will be collocated at both Las Vegas Convention Center and Mandalay Bay Convention Center (in case you missed it, learn more about this big show announcement here.)
At SOURCING at MAGIC,… more
Feb 19, 2019
ASAE today announced two changes to its Certified Association Executive (CAE) Program. The biggest takeaway is that the experience requirement for candidates employed as an association CEO or another C-suite-level position has been reduced to one year.
Additionally, the CAE Commission has adopted a one-credit ethics requirement to be included as part of the 40 credits required for each CAE renewal cycle. This will begin with certificates set to renew in 2010.
“The CAE Commission recognizes that executives come to the association world through many paths, often gaining valuable experience… more
Feb 19, 2019
In its 17-year tenure, Connecticut-based trade show incubator JD Events has launched many successful shows —Travel Commerce Expo (sold to U.S. Travel Association in 2005), SATCON and HD World (now owned by National Association of Broadcasters and branded as NAB Show New York), to name a few. After selling Drone World Expo to Diversified Business Communications at the end of 2017, the company was on a mission to launch a trade show in a new marketplace.
Joel Davis, founder and CEO of JD Events, enlisted his son, Ben Davis, to help brainstorm ideas. Together, they began looking at the plant-… more
Feb 18, 2019
Thirty-year event veteran Danny Phillips has joined media M&A firm Oaklins DeSilva+Phillips as managing director for events.
For 16 years, Phillips was executive vice president of Advanstar (now UBM/Informa), where he was responsible for technology, automotive, licensing, entertainment and healthcare divisions in the U.S., France, Brazil, Germany, the UK and Hong Kong.
Previously, he led European technology media business units for both International Thomson and EMAP from London, and also served as CEO of Argyle Executive Forum, a B2B and media and events company, where he oversaw its… 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.