Jul 19, 2023
The exhibition industry has made a significant recovery in 2023 and has reached pre-pandemic levels in many parts of the world, according to UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry’s 2023 Global Exhibition Barometer, a biannual research report offering comprehensive insights into the current state of the exhibition industry, including its post-pandemic recovery and emerging trends and challenges.  In 2023, the exhibition industry revenues are expected to reach 97% of the 2019 levels on average globally, according to the report. In the first half of 2023, 79% of companies… more
Jul 14, 2023
Fanatics, a global digital sports platform valued at $31 billion, and IMG, an events and talent management company that’s part of public company Endeavor Group Holdings Inc., have launched Fanatics Events to bring communities together at live events to celebrate all aspects of fandom, including sports, collectibles, memorabilia, fashion, music and entertainment.  Fanatics Events, which is majority owned by Fanatics with IMG as a minority partner, will create fan festivals that feature athletes and brands from across the industry, limited edition apparel drops, musical performances and… more
Jul 13, 2023
Last month, the largest annual exhibition and conference for the commercial audiovisual (AV) and information communications industries brought AV professionals from across the globe together again to connect, learn and celebrate a resilient industry on the cutting edge of technological innovation.  Held June 10-16 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla., InfoComm 2023 hosted a vibrant week of showcasing innovative products and solutions, a wide-ranging education program and numerous networking events while enjoying a strong surge in attendee and exhibitor participation. … more
Jul 10, 2023
Exhibitions remain a valued sales and marketing channel among event teams and their senior leadership, but global inflation — along with increasing exhibit costs — is changing the way budgets are distributed between events or decreasing per-event spend on in-person events in 2023, according to a Exhibit Leader Insights 2023 report released in June. Budget cuts for exhibit-related activities may be looming for those who are struggling to demonstrate exhibit ROI against business and commercial objectives.  Findings from the report shed light on the dynamic nature of exhibit marketing in… more
Jul 07, 2023
A government crackdown on impersonation fraud targeting the business events industry may soon become a reality thanks to efforts spearheaded by the Exhibitions and Conferences Alliance (ECA) and its 10 professional and trade associations, in addition to numerous other industry entities that make up the face-to-face business events industry.“For far too long, the industry has been preyed upon by the hotel reservation scams and the attendee list scams that not only harm our events but are also a form of identity theft for all the people who get targeted by these scammers,” said Tommy Goodwin,… more
Jul 06, 2023
More than 30,000 professionals from all facets of the jewelry industry recently converged once again at The Venetian and The Venetian Expo in Las Vegas for a week of product sourcing, education and networking at JCK, considered one of the world’s most important jewelry industry gatherings that has served as a global launchpad for jewelry trends, products and brands for three decades.   Held June 2-5, operated by RX and collocated with sister show Luxury, the massive trade show and conference confirmed its status as a one-stop destination that boasts the most diverse selection of brands and… more
Jun 29, 2023
Atlanta-based private equity firm, MSouth Equity Partners,  acquired Fern Exposition Services, a trade show service provider and general contractor with headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio. The value of the deal was not disclosed.  Fern will join forces with Nth Degree, an existing MSouth portfolio company and provider of comprehensive trade show management, labor, and event production to some of the largest brands in the U.S. and internationally.  The combination of Nth Degree and Fern gives MSouth a prominent footprint in the in-person event and experiential… more
Jun 27, 2023
LightFair, North America’s largest architectural and commercial lighting trade show and conference, recently brought together more than 11,500 global lighting industry professionals for five days of education, discovery and networking at its most recent trade show and conference, held May 21-25 at the Javits Center in New York City. Owned by the International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD) and the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES), the show is produced and managed by International Market Centers (recently rebranded as ANDMORE).  According to show officials, LightFair… more
Jun 26, 2023
Larry Arnaudet, executive director of the Exhibition Services & Contractors Association (ESCA), announced his retirement, effective December 2023, following an impressive career in the meetings and conventions industry. "Yogi Berra once said, 'When you come to a fork in the road, take it,'” Arnaudet told Trade Show News Network (TSNN). "Well, I’m there now and can see that fork ahead. After 53 wonderful years in this incredible industry, it’s time to hang up the coat and tie and catch up on all the holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, etc., that eluded me over the years." Arnaudet’s… more
Jun 23, 2023
With a strong turnout, robust business activity, renewed faith in the industry’s future and innovative event design, IMEX Frankfurt, which took place May 23-25 at Messe Frankfurt, was one of the show’s most impressive to date and a testament to an industry focused on new business horizons. “The 2023 edition clearly reflected an industry pride and renewed confidence among exhibitors and, of course, a strong desire to do business with thousands of buyers,” said Ray Bloom, chairman of IMEX Group. Carina Bauer, CEO of IMEX Group, added that this year’s IMEX Frankfurt gave the industry a more… 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.