Mar 03, 2014
February was another brisk month of not only new hires, but also several companies promoted from within their own ranks. Wyndham Jade has promoted Bryan A. Scott from chief strategy officer to president of the company’s Convention Division. In his new role, Scott will continue to sit on the company’s senior leadership team and influence the strategic direction of the organization, while taking an even greater role in management oversight and innovation of new housing, registration, and meeting offerings. “We are proud to recognize Mr. Scott’s contributions to our… more
Mar 03, 2014
With a portfolio already brimming with home shows, Marketplace Events scooped up two more annual ones in Raleigh, N.C., from American Consumer Shows (ACS). The Raleigh Spring Home Show and Raleigh Home Fall Show are both held at the Raleigh Convention Center. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. "We're very pleased to be in Raleigh; it's a major growth and strategic opportunity for our company," said Tom Baugh, CEO of Marketplace Events. He added, "Raleigh is the fourth fastest-growing U.S. metro area - a region with great traditions, robust corporations, a highly… more
Mar 03, 2014
Destination Marketing Association International awarded 10 new destinations the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP) seal, designed to “illustrate a DMO's commitment to industry excellence and to raising the performance and accountability of DMOs around the world." "DMAP accreditation requires DMOs to demonstrate compliance across 16 disciplines, composed of 53 mandatory standards and is globally recognized by the destination marketing industry as the highest achievement in destination excellence," said Jack Wert, DMAP Board Chair. He added, "We… more
Mar 02, 2014
Adding to their travel online, magazine and events portfolio, Northstar Travel Media recently acquired Travel Weekly China, Travel Weekly Asia, and Events China from Contineo Media, a multi-platform information provider based in Singapore, with locations in Beijing and Shanghai. Northstar already owns Travel Weekly and, according to company officials, the additional Asia-based business-to-business brands will “create an international network with platforms serving the fast-growing global retail/leisure segment of the travel industry.” Thomas Kemp, chairman and CEO of Northstar… more
Mar 02, 2014
D.C.-based general service contracting firm, Hargrove, scored not only several new pieces of trade show, meetings and corporate business to start off 2014, but also secured a number of returning clients. The Association of American Geographers Annual Meetings has inked a two-year deal with Hargrove, with a possible reup in 2016. This year’s meeting will be held April 9-11 in Tampa, Fla. Hargrove also snagged another new piece of business, Restore America’s Estuaries for its Seventh National Summit on Coastal and Estuarine Restoration, taking… more
Feb 27, 2014
How do you drive traffic to the slow areas of a trade show and also engage potential attendees online? Western Veterinary Conference that took place Feb. 16-20 at Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas solved that problem by streaming live action straight from the floor. To entice attendees to come back to the floor after lunch, the show launched WVC Live!, 20-minute TED-style presentations that covered topics from Zappos corporate culture to the new products in animal care. For the first time, the talks were streamed online for non-attendees and also made available on the show's… more
Feb 26, 2014
A strong market for discount apparel and accessories, as well as a growing manufacturer confidence were among the driving forces at the OFFPRICE trade show Feb. 16-19 at the Sand Convention and Expo Center in Las Vegas. Owned by U.K.-based Tarsus Group, OFFPRICE was part of the Las Vegas's biannual Fashion Week, which spread over several venues, including the Las Vegas Convention Center and Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino. At 132,000 net square feet, this winter edition was the largest in the show's history. The Cash & Carry section was moved into its own two ballrooms and is… more
Feb 25, 2014
Twelve years ago, Joel Davis sat down and wrote up a business plan outlining a goal of setting up a company that was literally a ‘trade show incubator’ in which he would look for ideas or actual shows that his company would acquire and grow until it was time for them to be sold. That plan has been successfully realized many times over, with Davis’ company that he is founder and CEO of, JD Events, shepherding several events from their nascent stages to profitable enterprises. “The entire premise of the business was to be a trade show incubator,” Davis said.… more
Feb 24, 2014
From vintage splendor to comfortable yoga pants, the latest fashions sizzled at Advanstar’s MAGIC Market Week, held Feb. 18-20 and took over the Las Vegas Convention Center and the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. After a slower-than-expected holiday season and several severe storms around the nation that impacted buying patterns, the winter edition of the event came in strong with robust showfloor activity across its 10 trade shows that focus on men’s, women’s and children’s apparel, swimwear, footwear, accessories and sourcing.  “We’re… more
Feb 24, 2014
Asia’s largest HVAC, plumbing and sanitation exhibition, ISH China & CIHE – the China International Trade Fair for Sanitation, Heating, Ventilation & Air-Conditioning, organized by Messe Frankfurt (Shanghai) Co Ltd and Beijing B&D Tiger Exhibition Co Ltd, will take place May 13-15 at Beijing’s New China International Exhibition Center. The three-day event expects to welcome more than 950 exhibitors, covering 85,000-plus square meters of exhibition space across six halls. The fair also anticipates more than 40,000 professional visitors from across the world,… 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.