Jan 19, 2015
Penton has acquired iNET Interactive, an event and digital information company that focuses on the cloud, hosting and data center segments of the technology sector and includes HostingCon and Data Center World trade shows.
These segments are expected to experience annual growth of 25-30 percent in the years ahead, according to industry experts.
“A core element of our strategy is creating scaled positions in advantaged sectors. This acquisition doubles our tech sector footprint, and does so in exceptionally fast growing segments. The acquisition of this high quality… more
Jan 17, 2015
FABTECH, an event for metal forming, fabricating, finishing and welding, experienced its most successful Atlanta show to date, exceeding attendance, exhibitor and floor space records.
More than 30,800 attendees from more than 70 countries visited Atlanta for this year’s conference, held Nov. 11-13 at the Georgia World Congress Center.
FABTECH 2014 generated an increase of 40 percent in attendance, more than the 2010 expo in Atlanta, resulting in a direct economic impact of more than $38.7 million.
Nearly 1,500 exhibitors covered more than 550,000 net square feet with live equipment… more
Jan 15, 2015
An uptick in holiday sales to $616.1 billion, a 4 percent year-over-year increase, was just one piece of good news for the retail industry during the record-breaking Retail’s BIG Show held this week in New York City at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.
“Today’s holiday retail sales results are welcome news for our industry and for our economy,” said NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay.
He added, “There is every reason to believe that we have moved well beyond the days of consumer pessimism and that the trajectory for retailers continues to point up.”
The trade show, owned and… more
Jan 14, 2015
After considering other destinations, the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) decided to keep its annual trade show RECon in Las Vegas for another two years with the option for a three-year extension.
ICSC's current contract runs through 2017. The new contract begins in 2018 to potentially 2022, if the extension is exercised.
ICSC presented the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority board with a demo check to the Las Vegas community for $223 million, which is the estimated non-gaming impact of the show for Southern Nevada.
"We are excited to keep RECon in Las Vegas, where it… more
Jan 13, 2015
Unmanned aircraft systems are a fast-growing trend right now, which has led to JD Events launching Drone World Expo Nov. 17-18 at the San Jose McEnery (Ca.) Convention Center.
The show will serve commercial drone technologies and applications.
To put together a show for the industry, by the industry, a board of advisors has been chosen that includes people such as Gretchen West, vice president of business development and regulatory affairs, DroneDeploy; Jesse Kallman, global business development and regulatory affairs, Airware; Dave Charlesworth, alliance nanager, Chevron… more
Jan 13, 2015
The Consumer Electronic Association’s 2015 International CES presented attendees from around the world, with the latest in autonomous cars, wearable technology, the Internet of Things and much more Jan. 6-9 in Las Vegas.
The world’s largest tech event just keeps growing, taking over the entire Las Vegas Convention Center, much of the Sands Expo Convention Center and parts of Aria.
This year’s show featured 3,600 exhibitors spread out over 2.2 million net square feet of space, or as Tara Dunion, senior director of communications for CEA, likes to say, “that’s 35 football fields of technology… more
Jan 09, 2015
Going into the end of last year and starting 2015, companies have continued to add to their ranks by adding board members, promoting from within or hiring a veteran in the field.
Lew Shomer, chairman of 5NET4 and ABILITIES EXPO, said that Charlie McCurdy, CEO of Apprise Media, will join the Board of Directors of 5NET4.
McCurdy’s role will be to help Abilities Expo extend their brand through spin-offs, additional launches and acquisitions.
David Korse, president and CEO of 5NET4, said, "As 5NET4 continues to make an impact on the disability community and, through its Abilities Expo, has an… more
Jan 08, 2015
The good news is that of companies polled for UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry’s 14th Global Barometer Survey, the majority of them have seen positive turnover since 2011. However, 41 percent of those surveyed didn’t think the worldwide economic crisis was over as of yet.
In addition, while there were profits in 2014, less than one company out of two saw annual profits rise more than 10 percent.
“In a globally fragile economic environment, the exhibition industry continues to demonstrate a fairly good performance, except in some countries with specific current issues,”… more
Jan 06, 2015
Last year was a good one for Atlanta, with the city’s convention and visitors bureau unveiling that the city not only had a record number of citywide conventions, but it also hit milestones in hotel occupancy.
Atlanta hosted 21 major citywides in 2014 that generated more than $750 million in direct economic impact and drew nearly a million convention and event attendees, according to the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau.
By year-end, occupancy levels for Atlanta neared 70 percent, a high not seen in the city in more than a decade.
As of November 2014, Atlanta ranked No. 1 for the… more
Jan 06, 2015
Several thousand convention managers and suppliers to the industry will be heading to the Windy City’s McCormick Place Jan. 11-14 to take part in the Professional Convention Management Association’s annual Convening Leaders event.
This year will have a lot to live up to, with last year’s event in Boston drawing the highest attendance in the event’s history, nearly 4,000 attendees.
Chicago is a major base for associations, so there likely will be once again a huge turnout to this year’s event.
Convening Leaders kicks off Sunday with an opening party – Hyde Away Chicago – at the Museum of… 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.