Jun 15, 2017
Two major trade show producers recently have added specialty conventions to their extensive event portfolios.
Reed Exhibitions acquired the Tiny House & Simple Living Jamboree, a consumer event focused on the growing tiny house movement.
The event will collaborate with the National Tiny House Jamboree to host the world’s largest tiny house and simple living consumer convention, set for Oct. 27-29 at the Arlington Convention Center in Arlington, Texas.
Founded in 2015, the Tiny House & Simple Living Jamboree grew to attract more than 50,000 attendees in just its second year, while the… more
Jun 13, 2017
At the 2017 Licensing Expo, held May 23-25 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, the power of the brand story was evident to the more than 16,000 attendees and 406 exhibiting companies, including 185 new exhibitors.
The overall focus of the licensing industry is to help brands expand into new businesses, with licensing providing the necessary brand exposure in these new categories.
Visitors at the event were greeted by bright primary colors and an abundance of mascots and costumed characters.
According to Jessica Blue, senior vice president of UBM Americas, the first Licensing… more
Jun 13, 2017
The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority’s Board of Directors gave final approval for the $1.4 billion expansion and renovation of the Las Vegas Convention Center, paving the way for 600,000 new square feet of meeting space.
“Today marks a monumental occasion for not only the LVCVA, but also the entire destination,” said Rossi Ralenkotter, LVCVA President and CEO.
He added, “We commend the foresight of our community and state leaders for recognizing the importance of the LVCCD and we are eager to get to work! We will ensure that the LVCVA continues to provide the world-class… more
Jun 12, 2017
The Consumer Technology Association will feature Smart Cities as a new area of focus at CES®, which will include a dedicated Marketplace (exhibit area) and a full schedule of related conference programming.
Owned and produced by CTA, CES 2018 is the world's gathering place for all who thrive on the business of consumer technologies.
"We are thrilled to announce our new Smart Cities Marketplace and conference at CES 2018. Connected and smart technologies are making our cities more efficient, sustainable and responsive through the use of data to enable better processes and decision making,"… more
Jun 12, 2017
UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has unveiled Fira Barcelona as the winner of its annual Sustainable Development Award.
The theme of this year’s competition, “Best destination approach to implementing sustainability”, was chosen in order to recognize initiatives that combine the efforts of a destination, in partnership with a professional exhibition operator, to implement sustainability around an individual exhibition or a series of events.
The award jury was composed of Members of the UFI Sustainable Development Committee and Dianne Young, Chair of the UFI… more
Jun 10, 2017
For the fourth year in a row, the International Association of Exhibitions and Events spearheaded #ExhibitionsDay, held June 6-7 in Washington, D.C., at which 112 trade show professionals had more than 100 face-to-face meetings with congressional representatives on Capitol Hill.
"The 4th Annual Exhibitions Day was a tremendous success, as we realized a 30-percent increase in participation of IAEE members who joined us in Washington, D.C., to make important calls on Congressional staff,” said IAEE President and CEO David DuBois, CMP, CAE, CTA, FASAE
He added, “This year's issues were very… more
Jun 08, 2017
Urban Expositions scooped up the U.S. Coffee Fest event portfolio from Lifestyle Events, which includes the 2017 Coffee Fest Chicago and Portland events, along with the 2018 Baltimore and Denver shows.
Coffee Fest trade shows launched 25 years ago and focus on the coffee, tea and beverage industry.
“We are pursuing strategic opportunities to grow our business, and specifically our foodservice and hospitality sector. These shows perfectly align with the profile and growth potential we were hoping to add to this portfolio,” said Craig Dooley, president and CEO, Urban… more
Jun 08, 2017
According to PCMA’s recently released Convene 2017 Annual Salary Survey, most meeting professionals are happy to be working in the profession, 75 percent have earned an average increase of six percent within the last year and nearly 40 percent are dissatisfied with their salaries.
Published last month in Convene, the survey has served as an industry benchmark for several decades.
Completed by more than 800 association, corporate and independent meeting professionals last March, the survey found that the average salary for the role is nearly $82,000, about 2 percent higher than the average… more
Jun 07, 2017
Houston First Corporation’s supplier diversity program has experienced its biggest increase in participation numbers since the program’s genesis almost five years ago.
Participation by small, minority and women-owned business enterprises (MWBE) for 2016 measured at 41 percent, an increase of nine percent, compared with its 32 percent participation rate in 2015.
The program consistently has surpassed the 30 percent participation goal HFC established in 2012, when the program was launched with the intention of maximizing the number of suppliers able to provide quality goods and… more
Jun 06, 2017
SMG, known for its management of convention centers and venues, has scored a management contract for a whopping 4.3 million square foot convention center in Shenzhen, China.
The Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center is set to become one of the largest convention centers in the world. It also will be SMG’s new flagship venue in China’s growing trade show market.
“We are honored by our selection, which reflects our unique combination of resources, relationships and expertise in the industry,” said SMG President and CEO Wes Westley.
He added, “We look forward to operating a world-… 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.