Sep 14, 2017
Clarion Events appointed Greg Topalian CEO of Clarion UX and LeftField Media. The event veteran’s 20-year career has included launching New York Comic Con in 2006 and founding boutique event company LeftField Media in 2014. With his reputation for building dynamic cultures in the markets he serves, Topalian’s people-first approach and ability to attract and retain top talent have propelled the growth of his events both organically and through acquisition, according to Clarion officials. “We see a great future for the Clarion UX business,” said Simon Kimble, chairman of Clarion Events. He… more
Aug 29, 2017
August was a busy month for hiring and promotions in the trade show industry, with venues, show organizers and general service contractors all adding to their ranks. The Expo Group has brought on Toby Purdy as Chief Sales Officer. “Growth at The Expo Group is a constant. We are accelerating at a fast pace as the market moves to overcome the status quo and understands we can solve their challenges with compelling experiences and investment in growing client revenues,” said The Expo Group President and COO Randy Pekowski.  He added, “Toby is the right leader for our growth and customer… more
Aug 28, 2017
Talk to Sheila LeMaster about the environmental movement in the trade show and events industry and it’s clear she has a passion for all things sustainable. As vice president of exhibitor services at Global Experience Specialists in Las Vegas, she is also one of the original members of the company’s Sustainability Council, which works to further the company’s green mission as well as encourage and assist its clients in adopting more earth-friendly practices during their events. With more than 27 years in the trade show, conference and hospitality industry under her belt, LeMaster has helped… more
Aug 18, 2017
What do you get when you take the visionary mindset of a television industry creative, add in the visual acumen of a set designer, then throw in some childlike imagination and sense of play? You get Emagispace, a sustainable building block technology that helps re-imagine what’s possible for the construction of interior spaces, including trade show exhibits. Emagispace is the brainchild of Founder and CEO Noel Maxam, a 20-year television director, writer and producer turned interior construction and design innovator, who saw a need for flexible, reusable interiors on TV and movie sets after… more
Aug 16, 2017
During the August Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority’s board of directors meeting, employee Bill Darwin was recognized for his upcoming 100thbirthday in a surprise presentation. Darwin officially will celebrate the milestone on August 19. An LVCVA employee since September 2008, Darwin works for the organization’s registration services to help staff various meetings, events and trade shows throughout the destination. He has worked for 102 shows in the destination via the LVCVA. “I believe tourism is the backbone of Las Vegas, and I love working at the conventions and meeting the… more
Aug 07, 2017
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) named Jonathan “Skip” Cox a the 2017 KLI Legend of the Industry. Each year, IAEE selects a KLI "Legend of the Industry" whose contributions, innovation and leadership truly have been unique and remarkable. “I am truly honored to be named the IAEE Legend of the Industry for 2017,” Cox said. “I have been involved with IAEE and the exhibitions industry for the span of my career, and it is humbling to have my service to the industry recognized by IAEE and its board of directors.” Cox joined Exhibit Surveys, Inc… more
Jul 11, 2017
In most cases, summer is a slower time of year, but hiring in the trade show industry continued at a brisk space through June and the first part of July. The Expo Group recently brought on Chad Chappell as national sales director. “Professionals like Chad who are true solution providers and see events holistically are vital to The Expo Group’s work as strategic partners, helping clients drive attendee, exhibitor and sponsorship revenue,” said The Expo Group President and COO Randy Pekowski. He added, “His experience in the hospitality industry is particularly aligned with our emphasis on… more
Jun 20, 2017
Hiring and promoting was fast and furious during the past month, with several trade show companies growing their company rosters. Ungerboeck, an event and venue management technology company, added Eric Kaser to the company’s executive leadership team. As vice president of sales, Americas, Kaser will lead sales strategy and execution from company headquarters in St. Louis, Missouri. “Eric is a powerful addition to the Ungerboeck team,” said Ungerboeck CEO, Manish Chandak. “He has a proven track record of success in software sales and sales leadership that is going to be instrumental in… more
May 25, 2017
Sharon Enright has joined NXT Events Media Group as its president and COO.  After serving in top operations management positions at Conference Management Corporation and Reed Exhibitions, Enright moved to Business Journals Inc. in 1997 as its director of operations, where she rose to the ranks of EVP of the company’s Trade Show Division. As the second person in BJI’s 90-year history to earn this prestigious title, Enright helped build the company’s event portfolio from three to 27 annual shows, managing virtually all facets of the portfolio for more than 18 years. Her special areas of… more
May 16, 2017
It’s been a busy spring, with a lot of companies growing their ranks with several new hires, including InfoComm International, The Expo Group, UBM Americas, Urban Expositions and Connect Travel, to name a few. InfoComm International has named Heidi A. Voorhees, MBA, CAE, as the organization's new COO. As COO, Voorhees will lead InfoComm's North American operations and global marketing and communication efforts. "I am thrilled that Heidi has chosen InfoComm International for the next chapter in her exciting career," said David Labuskes, CTS®, CAE, RCDD, Executive Director and CEO of InfoComm… 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.