Jan 01, 2016
The Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) announced the selection of Aaron Bludworth, CEO of Fern, as the incoming Chairman of the Board along with the new slate of officers and board members during its meeting held Dec.1 in Baltimore, Md. The 2016 officers of the CEIR board of directors are as follows: ·  Chairman: Aaron Bludworth, president and CEO, Fern; ·  Vice Chair: Steve Moster, CEO, VIAD and president, Global Experience Specialists (GES); ·  Secretary/Treasurer: Bob Priest-Heck, president and COO, Freeman; and ·  Immediate Past Chair: Britton Jones,… more
Jan 01, 2016
Next year will be an interesting one for SIA Snow Show, since SnowSports Industries America, the show’s owner, will hold two shows that year. In 2017, the show will switch from a January to a December timeframe at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, meeting the needs of buyers and sellers, according to SIA officials. “This decision was made with great care and consideration given to the evolving buy/sell cycle, and an eye on the future growth of the industry,” said Nick Sargent, SIA’s incoming president. He added, “The show’s purpose is to preview product in the best possible… more
Dec 21, 2015
By Elizabeth Johnson If your New Year’s Resolution is to “do it better” in 2016, you’re not alone. Whether it’s more attendees, a larger exhibit hall, a broader international reach or more sponsorship revenue, show planners have ambitious goals that mean marketing needs to be more effective. But, with all the possibilities, how do planners market their events better than ever before? The industry’s leading marketing experts weighed in on how event marketing will evolve in the coming year and shared best practices for getting it right. Kevin Miller, president of Frost Miller “2016 will be the… more
Dec 15, 2015
Deutsche Messe’s five industrial trade show collocated at the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS), on tap Sept. 12-17 at McCormick Place in Chicago, will occupy two times more space, compared with 2014.  IMTS currently is up 10 percent in display area space and 16 percent in exhibitor participation. Hannover Fairs USA, Deutsche Messe’s U.S. subsidiary, is organizing the five shows and conferences. The growth of Deutsche Messe’s portfolio at IMTS is a direct result of the resurgence of manufacturing in America. Industrial Automation NORTH AMERICA premiered in 2012… more
Dec 13, 2015
Longtime hospitality executive, David M. Gibbons of Rockport, Mass., was named by board of directors for the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority as its executive director. Gibbons becomes the third leader in the history of the MCCA, taking over most recently for James Rooney, who left to run the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce. Gibbons appointment comes after a several-month search process led by executive search firm Korn Ferry.  In his role, Gibbons will oversee ownership and operations of the Authority’s four facilities, including the Boston Convention & Exhibition… more
Dec 13, 2015
The 2015 Greenbuild International Conference and Expo, owned and operated by Informa Exhibitions and presented by the U.S. Green Building Council and held Nov. 18-20 at the Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C., saw a big attendance uptick at the recent show. Attendance was 19,058, a significant increase, compared with the 2014 event. There also were 548 exhibiting companies participating on 144,300 square feet of exhibit and display space on the trade show floor.   Greenbuild featured more than 200 sessions, tours, summits and workshops in the robust education program… more
Dec 10, 2015
Meeting Professionals International and the International Association of Exhibitions and Event have decided to form a business partnership to benefit their respective members.   The agreement aims to leverage the two associations' complementary business synergies and increase brand awareness to member audiences through MPI's The Meeting Professional® magazine. "The partnership with IAEE is an opportunity for our associations to address the growing need for collaboration between the meeting, tradeshow and event principles," said Paul Van Deventer, president and CEO of MPI. He… more
Dec 09, 2015
The recent staging of ProWine China 2015, International Trade Fair for Wines and Spirits, in Shanghai drew around 600 wine and spirits producers from 33 countries presented their products. The event featured 16 country pavilions and three regional pavilions. The majority of the exhibitors was from France, followed by Italy, Spain and Argentina and included many large wine producers such as KWV, Les Grands Chais de France, Constellation Brands and LCW. Popular wine growing nations such as Australia and Chile exhibited with an official national pavilion for the first time. ProWine China is the… more
Dec 09, 2015
The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) is continuing its ASEAN Rising Trade Show (ART) campaign to support the Thai exhibition industry through promoting the country as a high potential marketplace for the ASEAN market. The ART campaign is expected to run for three years from 2015 with the goal to raise the profile and standard of the Thai exhibition industry. The first-year of the ART campaign is set to officially finish in December 2015. The number of international exhibitors and visitors in the first three quarters of 2015 increased more than 75 percent year-on-year. The… more
Dec 09, 2015
Whoever said December was a slow month, might have been wrong when it comes to end of this year’s new hires and promotions, with several companies bringing people on before kicking off a fresh start in 2016. Global Experience Specialists recently named Wendy Gibson as executive vice president of global marketing. Gibson is an accomplished B-to-B marketing leader with a high-tech background and brings 25 years of managing all aspects of marketing, including branding, lead generation, product marketing, corporate marketing, digital, social and business development. As executive vice president… 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.