May 12, 2014
The same day that the Center for Exhibition Industry Research launched a new support campaign to ensure the annual CEIR Index continues to be the essential source and predictive tool for the exhibitions and events industry data, Shepard Exposition Services donated $75,000 to the organization.
“While Shepard has relied upon CEIR’s strategic reports on trends and industry predictions for the past 18 years, this crucial data has become even more valuable to organizers in recent years,” said Shepard Vice President of Sales Richard Maples.
He added, “We encourage everyone… more
May 12, 2014
With 23 years of hospitality and tourism experience under his belt, Ronnie Burt has been tapped as the new president and CEO of the Kansas City (Mo.) Convention & Visitors Association.
Burt’s most recent position was vice president of sales and marketing for Destination DC, the bureau for the Washington, D.C., market.
"The search committee was pleased that an extensive search for a new president and CEO yielded numerous qualified candidates,” said Brenda Tinnen, KCCVA Chair and general manager and senior vice president of AEG/Sprint Center.
She added, “Ronnie’… more
May 12, 2014
When the International Home + Housewares Show packed up at the end of their show, held March 15-18 at Chicago’s McCormick Place, they encouraged their exhibitors to donate products to five local charities.
At this year’s show, 225 exhibitors took part in the donation program, a 29 percent increase, compared with donations the previous year.
The charities use the products for various activities, ranging from auction items at their annual fundraising galas to merchandise in their resale shops.
Charities participating in the product donation program this year were: Cystic… more
May 11, 2014
Winter is finally in the rearview mirror for most of the United States, and promoting and hiring has continued into April and May for companies in the trade show industry.
David Causton, general manager of Chicago’s McCormick Place, bas been upped by venue management company SMG to regional vice president of the company’s Convention Center Division. Causton, who has been with the center since 2004, will maintain his role as general manager of the facility.
“The successes we have had at McCormick Place are attributable to David’s leadership. He has… more
May 11, 2014
Several other trade show organizers already had staked a claim in the fast-growing trade show market in Mexico, and now UBM also has made a major move into the country with the buy of the construction event Expo CIHAC.
UBM bought Expo CIHAC Centro from Impulsor de la Construcción y Habitación A.C. (CIHAC), the Mexican construction industry trade association, which has agreed to continue to support the event.
"We are delighted to have Expo CIHAC as UBM's first tradeshow acquisition in
Mexico,” said Jamie Salazar, managing director, UBM Mexico. “Expo… more
May 08, 2014
More than 1,300 attendees, who are members of the artisan wine, craft beer, craft spiritsand craft cider industries, gathered May 6-8 in San Jose, Calif., for the inaugural Craft Beverage Expo.
“The turnout was simply incredible - the educational sessions were thought-provoking, and the networking events had great energy” said Kellie Shevlin, executive director of Craft Beverage Expo.
She added, “These folks work very hard at their craft and as small business owners it's challenging for them to get away for educational and networking purposes. We’re so proud and… more
May 07, 2014
For every, single show, organizers have to evaluate not only how they are going to spend their dollars to draw people there, but also what methods they will use.
In the latest in its series of reports, the Center for Exhibition Industry Research examined spending and the marketing-mix allocation for attendee promotions and marketing tactics found to be most effective in driving attendance at exhibitions - Cost to Attract Attendees.
Exhibition organizers use a broad range of traditional and digital tactics to attract qualified attendees to their events.
E-mail still reigns supreme, with 96… more
May 07, 2014
After more than 42 years in the hospitality industry and 14-plus years at the Greater Houston Convention & Visitors Bureau, its president and CEO Greg Ortale submitted his resignation May 1.
Ortale said it seemed like the right time, especially since Houston First Corp., which oversees the city's convention center and other venues and is the majority funder of the GHCVB, is in discussions to possibly absorb it.
“This was totally my decision,” he added. “The No. 1 reason I decided to step down was it seemed like the right time. The changes that are going to go on here… more
May 05, 2014
It’s been a roller coaster ride over at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia and, with the local Carpenters’ union striking twice in the past year - most recently in the middle of a show last week - venue officials drew a line in the sand and issued an ultimatum to all six unions working in the center.
A deadline of a minute before midnight May 5 was set for the unions to sign a new “Customer Service Agreement” that would allow exhibitors to do more of their own work at the Pennsylvania CC, and two of those unions, Carpenters Local 8 and Teamsters Local… more
May 05, 2014
Reed Exhibitions Japan Ltd. will launch a new business-to-business trade show - 1st CONSUMER IT PRODUCTS EXPO (C-PEX) - in Tokyo next spring.
This new show will be part of of Japan’s largest and Asia’s leading comprehensive IT solution trade show - Japan IT Week, providing a new platform for consumer IT related business in Japan and Asia.
C-PEX will specialize in consumer IT products (Smartphones/Tablets/Wearable Devices, PCs, and related accessories) and will be a platform to launch such products into Japan & Asia as well as finding the latest products from the region.
As… 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.