Jan 30, 2018
Informa has made it official, formally offering $5.5 billion in a cash-stock deal for UBM, creating the largest exhibition company in the world.
"It is clear that the B2B market is moving to operating scale and industry specialisation,” said Stephen A. Carter, Informa’s CEO.
He added, “Our recommended offer for UBM promises to create a leading B2B information services group with the international reach and market capabilities to take full advantage of these trends."
Under the terms of the offer, UBM shareholders will receive 1.083 Informa shares for each UBM share and $2.26 in cash.… more
Jan 26, 2018
In a celebration of kids, cars and Motown, the 2018 North American International Auto Show’s (NAIAS) Charity Preview raced to the finish line with almost $5.1 million in funds raised for children’s charities in the Detroit area.
Held Jan. 19 at the Cobo Center, more than 13,000 people attended the black-tie gala, recognized as the largest annual single-night fundraiser in the world, according to NAIAS officials.
“Earlier in the week, we saw a powerful lineup of products and leaders come together to advance our industry’s mobility-focused future,” said 2018 NAIAS Chairman Ryan LaFontaine at… more
Jan 25, 2018
As part of an organizational restructuring that began in January 2016, The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority’s CEO Rossi Ralenkotter announced the hiring of Steve Hill to fill the role of president and COO. As part of the restructuring, the organization developed a c-suite structure for the executive office to better prepare for succession planning and create an organizational structure to better mirror and partner with the resort community.
Ralenkotter also announced the promotion of Cathy Tull to CMO and Ed Finger to CFO. Previous additions to the c-suite included Barbara… more
Jan 25, 2018
The European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is designed to harmonize all existing regulations to provide a higher level of security for citizens of the European Union (EU). Slated to take effect on May 25, the GDPR will apply to any organization that does business with citizens of the EU, regardless of that organization’s location.
The GDPR includes regulations on the collection, use, transfer, monitoring, tracking and even viewing of personal data.
The “personal data” bucket is a big one and includes information you might not have taken into consideration. In addition to data… more
Jan 24, 2018
As organic social media reach dwindles and competition for attendees increases, event professionals are increasingly using live streaming on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and other sites to achieve a number of goals.
Experts expect the live video trend to grow throughout 2018, including mdg President Kimberly Hardcastle-Geddes, who believes that given the experiential nature of trade shows and conferences, it makes perfect sense why live video is so hot right now.
“Video allows us to better engage the senses of our prospects and share stories that will entertain, educate, nurture and… more
Jan 23, 2018
MGM Resorts International launched a new standardized program for the safe collection, preservation and service of surplus banquet food in a long-standing effort to reduce food waste and fight hunger in Southern Nevada.
Created in partnership with Three Square Food Bank, the new program will enable MGM Resorts to donate prepared but unserved hot banquet food to Three Square, which will then repurpose the food into wholesome meals. The program is expected to provide 800,000 nutritious meals by 2020 to people combatting hunger.
According to statistics from the U.S. Department of Agriculture,… more
Jan 21, 2018
Two of the largest global trade show organizers – Informa and UBM – unveiled last week they were in talks to possibly merge in a deal valued at $5.3 billion.
The merger would create a trade show juggernaut, easily taking the No. 1 spot as the largest global organizer worldwide.
A decade after a proposed deal in which UBM attempted to buy Informa fell apart, the combined companies would give Informa scale and specialization in events.
"It is clear that the B2B Market is moving to Operating Scale and Industry Specialisation,” said Stephen A. Carter, Informa’s CEO.
He added, “The… more
Jan 18, 2018
On Jan. 16, the launch of the Visit U.S. Coalition was announced. Representing a broad cross-section of industries that have come together to address the decrease in international travelers to the U.S. and resulting opportunity cost to the U.S. economy and jobs, the coalition will partner with the Trump administration to reverse the decline in U.S. competitiveness for international travel dollars.
“America is the best country in the world to visit, but we’re losing the competition for international travelers and the dollars they spend when they come here,” said Roger Dow, president and CEO… more
Jan 17, 2018
PCMA always has made a priority of providing top-notch education and thought-provoking keynote speakers for its annual Convening Leaders conference.
But this year, the annual event for convention management professionals outdid itself in choosing Bill Strickland, who closed out the event with his heartfelt speech, “Leadership, Self-Worth, and the Ability to Transform Lives.”
“All of our lives have purpose, and it’s up to each and every one of us to decide how we’re going to use it – to benefit ourselves or to reach out and help others,” said Craig Davis, president and CEO of Visit… more
Jan 16, 2018
After UBM’s stock price jumped considerably, news was released that the mega exhibition organizer is in talks to possibly merge with Informa, another mega exhibition organizer.
UBM released the following statement:
“Further to the recent UBM share price movement, the Boards of UBM and Informa confirm that they are in discussions regarding a potential combination of the two companies, to be effected by way of an acquisition of the entire issued and to be issued share capital of UBM by Informa for shares and cash consideration (the "Potential Combination"). UBM and Informa are in preliminary… 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.