Aug 04, 2013
The summer months haven’t slowed down the busy hiring pace by show management and supplier companies, with two new leaders being named at CVBs and a host of other people news in the past month. Milton Segarra was named the new president and CEO of the Puerto Rico Convention Bureau. Segarra previously was executive director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company and served as Secretary of the Department of Economic Development and Commerce. He also has held various sales, marketing and C-level management positions with some of Puerto Rico’s top international hotel brands, including… more
Aug 04, 2013
Atlanta pulled out all the stops to show off the city to more than 5,000 association executives, suppliers, spouses and guests at the 2013 American Society of Association Executives’ Annual Meeting & Exposition Aug. 4-6. The number of association executives grew this year, with nearly 3,000 attending, the second highest amount since 3,124 attended in 2008 in San Diego. John Graham, president and CEO of ASAE, said cities often make a lot of promises when they bid on the meeting. “Atlanta lived up to and exceeded the promises and commitments (they) made,” he added.… more
Aug 01, 2013
Less than a day after members of Local Eight of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, who work at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, went on strike and threatened a 10,000-attendee medical meeting set to come into the center, the crisis was averted. Union officials for all six unions that work in the building and the Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority, which oversees it, signed one year collective bargaining agreement extensions. “I am very optimistic about the dialogue between the center, SMG, and the Labor Unions that emerged during… more
Aug 01, 2013
The city of Louisville, Ky., has reason to celebrate, with the booking of the world’s largest helicopter show – HELI-EXPO - March 1-3, 2016, at the Kentucky Exposition Center. The show, owned by the Helicopter Association International, attracts more than 20,000 exhibitors and attendees from around the world, including helicopter manufacturers, owners and operators, government agencies and helicopter industry products. “We know from experience that the people who attend HELI-EXPO stay for multiple nights, so it’s important for us that the host city has the room… more
Jul 31, 2013
In the midst of renegotiating contracts with the six unions that work at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, members of Local Eight of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America walked out of talks and went on strike this morning. The four other unions - electricians, riggers, laborers and stagehands – still are renegotiating, while the fifth union – Teamsters – honored the carpenters’ strike and have refused to cross picket lines. As a result, shows such as the American Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE) Annual Meeting, which… more
Jul 30, 2013
U.K.-based Tarsus Group, the parent company of Trade Show News Network, has scored record revenue results for the first half of 2013, with $40 million (£26 million), compared with $29 million (£19.2 million) during the same period last year. Adjusted profit before tax also more than doubled from $2.7 million (£1.8 million) in the first half of 2012 to $5.9 million (£3.9 million) in the first half of this year. Like-for-like exhibition revenue also was up 8 percent, compared with 2012, as adjusted for biennials and acquisitions. “Tarsus has delivered record… more
Jul 30, 2013
The Center for Exhibition Industry Research unveiled the speaker and session line up geared toward C-level executives in the trade show industry for its 3rd annual CEIR Predict: Inspiring Confidence in an unPREDICTable Time conference. The event will be held Sept. 12 at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City and typically draws more than 125 C-level trade show industry leaders, M&A representatives, financiers, economists and sponsor suppliers. "This year's Predict will continue in the collaborative spirit for which it is known, and we have designed a program to address the hard… more
Jul 29, 2013
Looking to tap into each other’s resources, the Society of Independent Show Organizers (SISO) and AFIDA, the International Association of Exhibition Industry in Latin America announced a new alliance at the recent 44th Congress of AFIDA held in Bolivia. SISO has 160 members worldwide with most based in the U.S., while AFIDA has 72 supplier and exhibition organizer members in Latin America. Because most of those members do not overlap, offering memberships to each organization broadens each other’s reach. “This agreement will offer our members an unprecedented opportunity… more
Jul 28, 2013
Viad, the parent company of Global Experience Specialists (GES), saw a Q2 uptick in net income this year to $6.3 million, compared with $6.1 million in the same period last year, as well as an increase in revenue to $249.3 million, compared with $246.5 million during the same period in 2012.                                                  “Our… more
Jul 28, 2013
After a two-year hiatus in Washington, D.C., the Specialty Food Association’s Summer Fancy Food Show broke attendance records back in New York City at its recent show. The event ran June 30-July 2 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center of New York and drew a record 24,100 buyers, breaking its previous record when the show was held in New York in 2010. In 2011 and 2012, the show had moved to D.C. because of renovations on the Javits Center. “New York is the birthplace of the Fancy Food Show and its home. Our return to the city coincided with unprecedented interest in specialty… 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.