March Trade Shows Tout Promising Growth, Robust Participation
April 16, 2024
Three major U.S. trade shows reported successful – and in two cases, growing – editions in Las Vegas, Orlando and Philadelphia last month. Take a look at our roundup of major U.S. trade shows held in March.
The NGA Show
Who, When & Where: The NGA Show, March 10-12, Caesars Forum Convention Center
Key metrics: 3,600 grocery retail industry professionals (a new attendance record), 350+ exhibitors and sponsors, spanning 55,725 square feet.
Looking Back: The exhibit hall grew substantially from the prior year, which saw 290 exhibiting companies and more than 45,000 sq. ft.
Best new features and products: The sold-out exhibit hall showcased products and services from store design to innovative food products – with support from several large food wholesalers and distributors. The VIP Experience meeting program enabled retailers, wholesalers and service providers to schedule meetings both in-booth and in provided networking zones. Nearly 50 education sessions took place throughout the event on topics including BIPOC independent grocers, labor issues, food as medicine, connecting with Gen Z, role of AI in marketing and more.
Beyond the show floor: The event kicked off with the popular Technology Summit and Financial Symposium led by industry experts as well as a session honoring NGA’s Creative Choice Awards for excellence in marketing and merchandising. Delivering an enthusiastic kickoff to the show, celebrity chef Carla Hall, entrepreneur, author and Food Network star presented the opening keynote address.
What they are saying: “The NGA Show is truly the place where grocers gather – and gather they did, in record numbers,” said Jaime Reesby, vice president for generation and grocery at Clarion Events. “Working closely with NGA and its members, we continue to enhance our offerings, from education to networking, to help grocers navigate today’s competitive environment. Initial responses have been glowing and we look forward to continuing to meet and exceed those expectations.”
Looking ahead: NGA Show 2025 will return Feb. 23-25 to CAESARS Forum.
HIMSS
Who, When & Where: 2024 HIMSS Global Health Conference & Exhibition, March 11-15, Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Fla.
Key metrics: The event attracted 26,800 healthcare technology professionals and 971 exhibitors across 440,066 sq. ft.
Looking Back: In 2023, HIMSS drew in 33,329 attendees and 1,103 exhibitors spanning 449,050 sq. ft.
Best new features and products: Alongside cybersecurity, robotics, interoperability, policy and many more global health topics shaping healthcare, generative AI solutions took center stage at HIMSS23, with multiple technology companies debuting AI-backed software aimed at creating better workflows and experiences in a clinical environment. A Global Policy Leaders’ Summit and panels featured government agencies, global Ministers of Health and other leading policymakers discussing AI in healthcare and the challenges of balancing cybersecurity and patient privacy issues while also improving digital health information exchange.
Beyond the show floor: This year’s conference marked a watershed moment for HIMSS, with the passing of the HIMSS Global Conference & Exhibition stewardship to Informa Markets, and for the first time this year, the conference featured a hosted buyer program for providers.
What they are saying: “We are delighted by the continued growth and influence of the HIMSS Global Health Conference and our successful partnership with Informa to improve and expand the event,” said Hal Wolf, HIMSS president and CEO. “HIMSS24 brought together all aspects of the healthcare world, including C-Suite executives, healthcare IT developers, nurses, researchers, government officials and many more to harness a new era of information and technology and to shape the future of health together.”
Looking ahead: HIMSS24 European Health Conference & Exhibition is slated for May 29-31 in Rome, Italy, and HIMSS25 will take place March 3-6 at The Venetian Resort & Expo, CAESARS Forum and Wynn Las Vegas.
PACK EXPO East
Who, When & Where: PACK EXPO East, March 18-20, Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philadelphia.
Key metrics: As its largest show to date, PACK EXPO attracted 7,977 attendees and 503 exhibitors across 119,085 sq. ft.
Looking Back: In 2022, the event drew in 6,615 attendees and 403 exhibitors spanning 94,510 sq. ft.
Best new features and products: As the premiere regional show for consumer packaging and processing companies, PACK EXPO East’s show floor showcased the latest innovations and solutions, including machinery and equipment, used by markets including food and beverage, pharmaceutical, industrial and agricultural chemical, personal care and cosmetics.
Beyond the show floor: In addition to the technology on the show floor, PACK EXPO East offered educational opportunities with the Innovation Stage and Industry Speaks. Attendees also had the chance to connect with their peers at the Taste of Philly opening reception and the Packaging & Processing Women’s Leadership Network and Young Professionals Network receptions.
What they are saying: “PACK EXPO East’s continued growth has solidified its place as a vital event for packaging and processing professionals in the region,” said Jim Pittas, president and CEO of PMMI, the Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, which owns and produces the show. “While we celebrate this growth, our focus remains on delivering the high-quality experience our shows are known for. This includes offering solutions for more than 40 markets and tailoring experiences to meet the needs of the industry.”
Looking ahead: PACK EXPO International 2024 will take place Nov. 3-6 at McCormick Place in Chicago, while PACK EXPO East will return to the Pennsylvania Convention Center Feb. 17-19, 2026.
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Partner Voices
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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.
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