Jul 14, 2017
When a room filled with trade show organizers and suppliers gathers July 20 at the Washington Marriott at the Metro Center in Washington, D.C., for Transform USA, they will have the opportunity to take a deep dive into topics that are top of mind right now – data, analytics and digital. The inaugural event is co-presented by UK-based trade show industry research firm AMR International and U.S.-based vent producer Lippman Connects. “I would like everyone to leave Transform USA with a new sense of security because they now have a road map that is relatively risk free based on what they… more
Jul 13, 2017
Destination Marketing Association International has been renamed, officially becoming Destinations International, effective July 13. The new name was unveiled this week during the association’s Annual Convention in Montreal, Canada. Several other announcements, including a partnership with the James Beard Foundation, Canadian engagement initiatives and the results from the Defining the Impact of the Weaponization of Travel and DestinationNEXT studies also were made. “Our new name, Destinations International, reflects the new reality that we are so much more than just marketers of our… more
Jul 12, 2017
Cobo Center has entered into an eight-year contract with the North American International Auto Show that will keep one of the U.S.’s largest and world’s most influential auto shows in downtown Detroit through 2025, according to Claude Molinari, general manager of SMG/Cobo Center. “With the leadership and work of the Detroit Regional Convention Facility Authority (DRCFA), along with SMG, Cobo Center is truly a world-class venue,” said Rod Alberts, NAIAS executive director. He continued, “The significant renovation (at Cobo Center) has allowed the auto show to expand our footprint and has… more
Jul 11, 2017
Two major exhibition organizers in Korea will collaborate this year to organize an enhanced exhibition and more global networking experience for Korea’s perfumery and cosmetics industry.  From Nov. 23-25, Reed K. Fairs and SeoulMesse International will blend their two respective events, InterCHARM Korea and Beauty Expo Korea, to create a unique international beauty industry platform. The event, which will be held at COEX Convention Center in Seoul, is expected to be highly effective in driving international expansion through a single, mega event, according to both show organizing… more
Jul 11, 2017
The Virtual Reality Developers Conference (VRDC), an event for creators of immersive VR, AR, and MR experiences, has unveiled dates and location for an expanded edition, VRDC Asia. To meet the growing demand in China for high-quality education and networking opportunities, VRDC Asia will deliver relevant regional content hosted by a new Advisory Board. The two-day event will bring together designers, programmers, business professionals, producers, artists, and audio practitioners to share best practices, demo new technology, create new business partnerships, and exchange ideas with… more
Jul 11, 2017
The 14th edition of Thaifex-World of Food Asia was jointly organised by Koelnmesse Pte Ltd, the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), and the Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC). Over the span of five days, the event was attended by 43,129 Thai visitors and 11,982 international visitors, all comprising key decision makers and buyers in the food and beverage (F&B) trade. They were not only treated to a wide array of food products and technologies, but also access to insights that could help extend their businesses throughout ASEAN and beyond. Committed to providing a truly global… more
Jul 11, 2017
Preliminary estimates indicate the successful Asian Attractions Expo (AAE) 2017 in Singapore attracted more than 7,500 participants, including 5,100 qualified buyers and 375 exhibiting companies. The continued growth of the attractions industry within the Asia-Pacific region was evident at the Expo. More than 50 percent of buyers attended AAE for the first time. Participation in education sessions nearly doubled from 2016 and the event featured the second largest trade show floor in event history at 10,170 net square meters. Asian Attractions Expo, which is produced by the International… more
Jul 11, 2017
In most cases, summer is a slower time of year, but hiring in the trade show industry continued at a brisk space through June and the first part of July. The Expo Group recently brought on Chad Chappell as national sales director. “Professionals like Chad who are true solution providers and see events holistically are vital to The Expo Group’s work as strategic partners, helping clients drive attendee, exhibitor and sponsorship revenue,” said The Expo Group President and COO Randy Pekowski. He added, “His experience in the hospitality industry is particularly aligned with our emphasis on… more
Jul 10, 2017
Instead of nine different credentials for workers to use in order to move around in the San Diego Convention Center, the venue now will have just one credential - the ESCA Exhibition Industry Worker Identification System WIS Badge. “We are pleased to announce that the San Diego Convention Center is now the 17th U.S. venue to implement the ESCA Worker Identification System (WIS),” said Mitt Arnaudet, WIS National Administrator and ESCA Member Services Director. He added, “We are in discussions with many other facilities and will be announcing the 18th venue later this month.” ESCA is the… more
Jul 06, 2017
Blackstone, through funds managed by Blackstone Real Estate Partners and Blackstone Tactical Opportunities, entered into a definitive agreement to acquire International Market Centers (“IMC”), an owner and operator of showroom space for the furnishings, home decor and gift industries, from Bain Capital Private Equity, LP and funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management, L.P.  Fireside Investments also is expected to partner with Blackstone in the acquisition. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. At the IMC venues, there are several trade shows, including the High Point… 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.