Nov 20, 2013
Despite 13 straight quarters of trade show industry growth, as tracked by the Center for Exhibition Industry Research, the third quarter showed slowing growth of 0.2 percent, compared with 0.9 percent in the same quarter last year. Three metrics showed decline, also compared with the same quarter last year – net square feet, exhibitors and attendees – with real revenues the only increase in the third quarter since the same period in 2012. The results also showed continued slowing growth in contrast to the overall economy, which saw the GDP gaining 1.6 percent year-on-year in the… more
Nov 18, 2013
When FABTECH Canada, the fabricating trade show, returns to Toronto in 2014, it will be significantly expanded in both size and scope. The show will take place from March 18-20 at the newly renovated Toronto Congress Centre and will feature the latest trends in fabricating, welding, metal forming, stamping, coating and finishing. “The decision to expand the show is based on the success of the 2012 premiere event, which was the first time the world-renowned FABTECH brand launched a show in Canada,” said Janine Saperson, show manager with SME, which is hosting FABTECH Canada 2014… more
Nov 18, 2013
The 80th UFI Congress recently wrapped up in Seoul, drawing more than 400 exhibition leaders to a three-day conference filled with networking and educational opportunities. The event, hosted by the Association of Korea Exhibition Industry, was held Nov. 13-16 at Coex, an events center in Seoul. “We are honoured to host the 80th UFI Congress, one of the global exhibition industry’s most prestigious events. The UFI Congress presents a wonderful opportunity for Korea to present Korean exhibitions management capabilities to the elite of the exhibition industry,” said Lee Han-… more
Nov 15, 2013
With a population of 251 million and the fastest-growing economy in the G20 after China, Indonesia is a hot spot for new shows, including U.K.-based Tarsus Group and U.S.-based E.J. Krause & Associates partnership to launch CONNECT EXPO COMM INODONESIA 2014. E.J. Krause’s EXPO COMM-branded series of shows is a leader in its sector, and Tarsus already has several shows in the country, such as Connect Indonesia, which runs as part of the annual Indonesia Infrastructure Week. “Indonesia Infrastructure Week has already established itself as the major international platform to… more
Nov 14, 2013
The third annual EVENTtech attracted more than 800 attendees, nearly doubling the conference from last year. And, with more than one-third of attendees as first timers, being able to experience the technology first hand was a huge attraction.  “This year’s EVENTtech was about pushing the technology experience,” said Dan Hanover, editor at Event Marketer Magazine (the host of the event). He added, “You learn about the technology in an educational session, and then go over to the exhibitor and actually test drive it. This year, we had $2 million worth of… more
Nov 13, 2013
The largest horticulture show in the United States, Short Course Convention & Marketplace, decied to stay close to home in 2017 and 2018 when it chose Columbus, Ohio, for the site of its 2017 and 2018 events. Columbus is home to some of the offices for a newly formed association that runs the show.   In September, two national associations representing the horticulture industry – OFA and the American Landscape Nursery Association – voted to join forces as AmericanHort, effective Jan. 1. Next year’s Short Course show will be managed by AmericanHort and held in… more
Nov 12, 2013
It was a long time coming, but the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center of New York recently celebrated the completion of its 110,000 square foot expansion, as well as renovations to the center located in the heart of New York City. Renovations included the installation of a new 240,000 sq. ft. glass curtain wall and the construction of the largest green roof in the Northeast. Billed as “the busiest convention center in the United States”, the Javits Center generated $1.4 billion of economic activity in FY 2012 for New York City and New York State. “The Javits Center fuels… more
Nov 11, 2013
"Zombie Apocalypse" and "Jesus is Lord" custom vehicles next to each other. That pretty much captures the spirit of the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show that took over the Las Vegas Convention Center Nov. 5-8.   From a 2,000-horsepower '68 Charger to a SpongeBob Square Pants Highlander, with a whole aquarium in the back, the most outrageous rides challenged the limits of imagination and drove the business of customization at what looked like a swirling mass of people, cars and parts. The anchor of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week,… more
Nov 10, 2013
Dallas-based Hanley Wood Exhibitions already has spread its wings and launched its World of Concrete show into India, with the show recently running in October in Hyderabad, and now it’s taking the brand to Europe. Hanley Wood signed a memorandum of understanding with S.E. INTERMAT, owner of the INTERMAT series of shows, to debut World of Concrete Europe, alongside the next INTERMAT show in 2015 in Paris. “We are very excited by this partnership, which is another major step in the worldwide development of World of Concrete subsequent to the launch of World of Concrete India,… more
Nov 06, 2013
Bring up the words “virtual trade show” around many in our industry and eyes start to roll. You’re even likely to get the cold shoulder here and there. At least one person will emphatically state, “virtual shows will never replace face-to-face events.” But two organizations have embraced virtual trade shows, while taking two very different approaches. The International Wireless Communications Expo (IWCE) uses their virtual trade show as a marketing tool for their real world event. The virtual show, held almost four months prior to their real world show,… 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.