Oct 04, 2017
A strong roster of expert speakers leading sessions is critical in an event’s appeal to attendees. In addition to events promoting their speaker lineup, speakers promoting the events they participate in can help push attendance growth.
While not all show organizers are utilizing this grassroots effort, many have found it to be a critical tool and likewise, many speakers are eager to contribute to an event’s success.
“Because of the ease of use in posting to social media and even creating videos (after all, how hard is it to stick your face in front of your computer’s webcam, hit ‘record’… more
Oct 03, 2017
MGM Resorts International will provide donations through the MGM Resorts Foundation in the amount of $3 million to fund humanitarian assistance to victims of the Las Vegas shooting, along with organizations who provide support to those who are first on the scene to assist in traumatic events.
"There are simply no words to express our grief and outrage over this senseless and horrific attack on our community," said Jim Murren, chairman and CEO of MGM Resorts. "Yet in this devastating time, we are inspired. From the heroic stories of victims on the ground who placed the safety of strangers and… more
Oct 03, 2017
For event planners and marketers, analytical reports can be gold mines for driving registrations, adoption of tools and calculating ROI. However, the true potential of analytics remains underutilized in testing the effectiveness of marketing efforts, testing new audience segments and creating impactful cross-promotional efforts. This is mostly because there are a plethora of options and features available, as well as disconnected channels that add significant complexity to the analytical process and make accurate attribution extremely difficult.
If you have been struggling with putting your… more
Oct 03, 2017
Last week, the Anaheim Convention Center unveiled its biggest and most significant expansion in nearly two decades: ACC North, boasting 200,000 square feet of flexible, two-level meeting and event space.
The addition of the new building officially marks the ACC’s induction into the “1 million-square-foot-club,” increasing its ranking to the 11th largest convention facility in the U.S. and preserving its standing as the largest on the West Coast.
“This is a transformative event for the Anaheim Convention Center,” said Tom Morton, executive director of Anaheim’s Convention Sports &… more
Oct 02, 2017
In the wake of the mass shooting last night on the site of the Route 91 Harvest country music festival outside the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, several shows scheduled in Las Vegas in the coming week have released statements.
Global Gaming Expo (G2E), which is set to open Oct. 3-5 at the Sands Expo & Convention Center, attracts more than 450 exhibitors and 26,000 attendees.
American Gaming Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman released the following statement:
"The American Gaming Association and our Global Gaming Expo (G2E) partner, Reed Exhibitions, are closely… more
Sep 29, 2017
Smart City Networks, a provider of technology and telecommunications services for the convention industry, has embarked upon a process to convert phone lines at 39 convention centers and venues to SIP trunking in the next year.
The upgrade is expected to improve reliability, performance and cost at these facilities, according to Smart City officials.
While not the in-demand technology in the current industry landscape, phone service in public assembly areas can play a key role in emergency response situations, as demonstrated in Houston with Hurricane Harvey, Florida with Hurricane Irma and… more
Sep 29, 2017
Show organizers will have an opportunity to find even more answers to their questions about sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) at this year’s IMEX America.
The annual exhibition for incentive travel, meetings and events industry is set for Oct. 10-12 at the Sands Expo and Convention Center at The Venetian | The Palazzo in Las Vegas.
From environmental best practices and making a business for green to pairing the right CSR activity with an event and eliminating waste at meetings, new CSR and environmentally focused learning sessions will grace the show’s Sustainability… more
Sep 28, 2017
If the Los Angeles Convention Center’s recent fiscal report is any indication, the Downtown L.A. facility most certainly is not a loss-leader, but rather an integral economic impact generator for the City of Los Angeles.
The LACC recently reported generating a record-breaking $781 million of economic impact for the City in fiscal year 2016/2017, with $478 million attributed to convention attendee direct spending.
An additional $26.4 million was generated in tax revenues to the City, with $18.2 million in hotel transient-occupancy tax contributions to the City’s general fund – an increase of… more
Sep 27, 2017
Core-apps has updated and enhanced its Access 365 product, an event app feature that allows show organizers to extend the life of their apps beyond their events.
The new updates not only provide associations and event planners with a flexible payment structure but also technical enhancements designed to help turn an event app into a year-round engagement tool.
The new pricing model features a low monthly fee to help mitigate the upfront costs of implementation, thus lowering the barrier of entry so organizers can engage with their audiences 365 days a year. This goes into effect immediately… more
Sep 27, 2017
A month after Hurricane Harvey made landfall in Texas as a category 4 hurricane, many coastal communities in the Lone Star State now are in the process of picking up the pieces. An unprecedented storm that affected thousands of people in the greater Houston area, Harvey not only flooded homes but also disrupted businesses, including area restaurants and hotels – and their employees.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly 330,000 people work in the Houston leisure and hospitality industry, employees that especially are vulnerable to natural disasters like hurricanes when… 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.