May 07, 2014
After more than 42 years in the hospitality industry and 14-plus years at the Greater Houston Convention & Visitors Bureau, its president and CEO Greg Ortale submitted his resignation May 1.
Ortale said it seemed like the right time, especially since Houston First Corp., which oversees the city's convention center and other venues and is the majority funder of the GHCVB, is in discussions to possibly absorb it.
“This was totally my decision,” he added. “The No. 1 reason I decided to step down was it seemed like the right time. The changes that are going to go on here… more
Apr 03, 2014
The Louisville Convention & Visitors Bureau naming a president and CEO , UBM signing on a new COO in Brazil, Nimlok hiring a digital marketing manager and Urban Expositions restructuring and making several employee shifts are just a few of the recent people news items in the trade show industry.
The Commission of the Louisville Convention and Visitors Bureau appointed veteran hospitality industry executive Karen Williams as the head of the city’s tourism agency.
She assumes the title of president and CEO, after serving as interim following the departure of Jim Wood in… more
Mar 16, 2014
Transitioning from his role as interim president and CEO of NYC & Company, Fred Dixon has been named the city convention and visitors bureau’s new president and CEO.
Dixon will replace George Fertitta, who stepped down Jan. 1 after joining the bureau in 2006.
“Fred’s been such a star since he joined New York City & Company,” said New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio. “And I don’t know about you; the Southern charm definitely works … As I’ve spent time with him, I became as convinced as everyone on the board that this was the right man… more
Mar 03, 2014
Last year was a another strong one for U.K.-based Tarsus Group, with the company posting full-year revenues of $132 million (£79 million), a 23-percent jump, compared with same-show year 2011, when biennial events such as the Dubai Air Show and Labelexpo Europe run.
With its core strategy of “Quickening the Pace” that focused on accelerating the pace of financial returns to the company’s shareholders as its cornerstone, Tarsus Group also had like-for-like revenues up 11 percent and profit before tax of $27 million (£15.9 million), compared with $5 million (… more
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
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
Tim Cobbold was named the new CEO of U.K.-based UBM, taking his new position and a seat on the board May 6.
Cobbold will replace David Levin, UBM’s current CEO, who announced he intended to step down in September last year, with his departure effective March 1.
"I am very pleased to welcome Tim to UBM as CEO. He was an outstanding candidate from a very strong field,” said Dame Helen Alexander, chairman of UBM.
She added, “Tim has successfully led highly international, operationally complex businesses; the Board is confident that his track record ideally qualifies him… more
Feb 04, 2014
The past month has been a flurry of activity with companies either beefing up their ranks or promoting from within.
AMC, Inc.’s President and CEO Jeffrey L. Portman has gained another post as the company board’s vice chairperson, effective immediately.
Portman has led AMC, Inc. and AmericasMart Atlanta through a period of growth unprecedented in the companies’ 54-year history, commencing with the rebranding of the former Atlanta Market Center as AmericasMart Atlanta in 1996, and continuing with expansion of its U.S. market share and global business base.
FreemanXP, an… more
Jan 27, 2014
Louisville Convention & Visitors Bureau’s President and CEO Jim Wood resigned from the top post, effective immediately, and Karen Williams will take his place in the interim, beginning Jan. 29.
Woods has been at the bureau for 11 years, and his resignation was accepted by the Commission of the Louisville Convention & Visitors Bureau at a board meeting.
Williams previously held the post as executive vice president at the Louisville CVB, but had retired in 2012 after 23 years at the bureau.
“Jim Wood has brought Louisville unparalleled success when it comes to… more
Jan 06, 2014
It may be the slowest time of year on the trade show calendar, but that didn’t stop companies from continuing to fill their ranks, as well as promote people from within.
Cleveland-based International Exposition Center (I-X Center) added two new members to its sales staff - Travis Poppell, as director of sales, and Lisa Shields, as associate director of sales.
Poppell will be responsible for developing and leading the I-X Center sales team to identify and cultivate new major trade shows, conventions, large consumer events and other new business opportunities for the venue
“… 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.