May 25, 2017
Sharon Enright has joined NXT Events Media Group as its president and COO.  After serving in top operations management positions at Conference Management Corporation and Reed Exhibitions, Enright moved to Business Journals Inc. in 1997 as its director of operations, where she rose to the ranks of EVP of the company’s Trade Show Division. As the second person in BJI’s 90-year history to earn this prestigious title, Enright helped build the company’s event portfolio from three to 27 annual shows, managing virtually all facets of the portfolio for more than 18 years. Her special areas of… more
May 24, 2017
Trade show marketing firm mdg has expanded its foorptint by opening a new office in Chicago to service several clients based in the area. The downtown office will be led by Leana Salamah, account strategist and executive director, who has experience on both sides of the client/agency relationship. Salamah was proactively recruited by ownership to serve as a strategic lead for existing Chicago clients and to be a resource for other association and for-profit event clients looking for audience acquisition solutions. “Chicago, with its reputation as a world-class event destination and… more
May 24, 2017
With Outdoor Retailer looking for a new home after a public land dispute resulted in the decision to leave Utah, Denver in the hunt as one of the cities trying to capture it and the January timeframe getting crunched with different crossover shows, it makes perfect sense that Emerald Expositions would buy SnowSports Industries America’s SIA Snow Show. Now, two of the strongest shows geared toward segments of the outdoor sports industry will both be combined under one roof – the Colorado Convention Center – in Denver starting January 2018. “By merging these two January shows, we will bring the… more
May 23, 2017
By Elizabeth Johnson Out with the old? Not so fast … While digital and data may be getting all the buzz these days, a few, let’s call them “experienced” tactics, are quietly getting the job done for many event marketers. So before throwing out your old marketing plan, consider keeping some old-school workhorses that these event planners swear by. Handwritten Notes Although her company incorporates the latest technology and trends into its events, from virtual reality to artificial intelligence and interactive engagements, there are some traditional touches for reaching attendees that still… more
May 22, 2017
UBM is set to launch a newly branded show in its medical design show series -  Advanced Design & Manufacturing (ADM) Expo Toronto, taking place May 16-18 at the Toronto Congress Centre. This event originally launched in 2011 as five separate advanced design and manufacturing industry trade shows running alongside one another. This year, under the new ADM Expo Toronto banner, UBM presents a cohesive brand experience throughout the customer journey. ADM Expo Toronto will bring together the region's five most popular industry trade shows – ATX Canada, Design &… more
May 22, 2017
Corcoran Expositions and SmithBucklin both have signed on new medical associations to manage. The American Association of Sleep Technologists (AAST) has selected SmithBucklin, the association management and services company more organizations turn to than any other, to provide full-service association management. Abigail Lynn will serve as AAST’s chief executive, and its headquarters will move July 1 to SmithBucklin’s Chicago office. Established in 1978, the American Association of Sleep Technologists is a health membership association for professionals dedicated to improving the quality of… more
May 22, 2017
As a trade show organizer, you know the kind of attendee you want at your event: an influencer with buying power who actively participates and advocates for your show, an industry expert who comes every year and brings their friends, and an enthusiastic participant who possesses a robust digital presence and plays a key role in contributing positively to your show’s content and evolution. Just by their presence, such an attendee has the power to not only attract more exhibitors but also increase the brand value of your show, which in turn can result in drawing more attendees to your… more
May 22, 2017
Connect Meetings has launched an event specifically for medical stakeholders and continuing medical education providers to take place Oct. 24-26 in Cincinnati. Hosted by Connect at the Renaissance Cincinnati Downtown Hotel, Connect Medical is a hosted-planner, appointment-only program and education conference. The event brings together the most active planners, suppliers and experts in medical meeting planning for three days of general sessions, roundtables, workshops, preset appointments and quality networking. "We produce over 60 events a year," said Doreen Brown, CEO of the American… more
May 18, 2017
Marketplace Events has acquired the Cincinnati Home & Garden Show from Hart Productions of Cincinnati, Ohio. The Cincinnati show is the largest single-show acquisition made by Marketplace Events, known as the No. 1 producer of consumer home and garden events in North America. “We are thrilled to add a show of this size and quality to our portfolio,” said Tom Baugh, CEO of Marketplace Events. He added, “I’ve been friends for decades with the Harts, so it is a special honor for me to know Marketplace Events is assuming stewardship of one of the finest home and garden shows in North America… more
May 17, 2017
The Association of Event Organisers (AEO) and The Society of Independent Show Organisers (SISO) have entered into a reciprocity agreement following a meeting among several of their independent trade and consumer organiser members in Miami last month. The agreement sees both organisations supporting each other with information exchange, research insight and mutual discounts for members to attend each associations’ events. In addition, it sees the formation of a new special interest group the ‘Independent Organiser Network’ (ION). The ION is a group formed of AEO and SISO commercial event… 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.