Nov 20, 2013
Trade show industry veteran, Tracy Garcia, was named the new show director for two of Hanley Wood Exhibitions’ mainstay shows - International Roofing Expo and International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo.
Garcia is taking over for Lindsay Roberts, who now is show director of the Greenbuild International Conference & Expo, which Hanley Wood purchased earlier this year.
"Tracy Garcia has a great deal of expertise and an outstanding track record," said Donna Bellantone, the company’s vice president of operations.
She added, "Her considerable knowledge and skills will… more
Oct 27, 2013
A few months shy of the two-year anniversary of John Gallagher stepping into the dual roles of president and CEO for Germany-based Messe Frankfurt's Atlanta-based U.S. subsidiary, he is leaving and will be replaced by Kathryn Fitts and Dennis Smith.
Fitts has been serving as vice president of finance and administration, and Smith has been serving as vice president of sales in the Atlanta office.
The changes will be made effective immediately, though their new titles have not been revealed yet.
"Kathryn Fitts and Dennis Smith are the new leadership team at Messe… more
Oct 15, 2013
Convention and visitors bureaus all over the United States made several hires in positions ranging from sales and marketing to business development.
In addition, other companies also kept us the brisk hiring pace that has been the trend for the past year.
The Fort Worth (Texas) Convention & Visitors Bureau (FWCVB) named Mitch Whitten as the new vice president of marketing and communications. A long-time resident of Fort Worth, Whitten is set to begin his new position Oct. 2.
On Nov. 18, Amy Patterson will join Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB) as vice president, business… more
Sep 18, 2013
After 40 years with J. Spargo & Associates, John W. Spargo will step down from the CEO post and Susan Bracken, president and COO, will step in, effective Sept. 23.
Spargo founded the company in 1973 that now employs 160 full-time professionals.He will retain his chair position of the company’s board of directors.
The change in leadership was part of what the company called a “carefully crafted strategic plan” that was adopted by the board.
“Working at the company and with its talented employees and management team for nearly 40 years has been an honor,”… more
Sep 04, 2013
U.K.-based Daily Mail and General Trust, owner of dmg :: events, recently made several executive changes, including promoting Geoff Dickinson to CEO, as well as Simon Mellor to senior vice president for the Middle East and Asia and Galen Poss to vice chairman.
Suresh Kavan, who held both CEO and chairman titles of dmge, now will shift into a chairman role, but maintain his CEO position for dmg information.
The new appointments were announced at DMGT’s Investor Day presentation in London and will be effective beginning Oct. 1.
Dickinson is currently president of dmge Middle East and… more
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
Jul 18, 2013
Freeman’s chief sales officer, Bob Priest-Heck, will step into the president and COO role when John O’Connell, the company’s current president, retires June 30, 2014.
The leadership transfer will be in phases, with Priest-Heck assuming the COO role Aug. 1 of this year and reporting to O’Connell and Freeman CEO Joe Popolo.
When O’Connell retires, Priest-Heck will step in his new president role, overseeing the Freeman Companies, overseeing Freeman’s Exposition business, as well as Freeman AV and FreemanXP.
"As a family and employee-owned business, we… more
Jul 06, 2013
The start of summer has kicked off with a steady stream of hires and promotions at both show management companies, convention and visitors bureaus and supplier companies, signaling a continued healthy environment for the trade show industry.
The Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau promoted of Rachel Peavy to director of public relations. In her new role, Peavy will create and implement campaigns to support ACVB marketing, sales and tourism programs.
The National Shooting Sports Foundation, the trade association for the firearms and ammunition industry, hired former Reed Exhibitions… more
Jun 24, 2013
Douglas L. Ducate, president and CEO of the Center for Exhibition Industry Research, announced today at the Exhibition Services & Contractors Association’s Annual Summer Educational Conference that he will step down at the end of this year.
Ducate, a 45-year industry veteran who has held the CEIR post for 15 years, explained he believed CEIR deserves "younger and stronger legs to carry some of the new initiatives to success."
CEIR Chairman and Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau President and CEO Greg Ortale said, "The respect and presence that our… more
Jun 11, 2013
Cathy Griffith has been promoted to operations director for Nielsen Expositions, replacing Cindy Sample, who now runs the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Show.
Griffith also will oversee the production of the ASD events, a general merchandise show with more than 2,800 exhibitors held biannually in Las Vegas, as well as spearheading several centralized services for Nielsen Expositions, according to company officials.
"Nielsen Expositions strives to exceed our customer's expectations and with Cathy's strong industry connections and leadership skills she will… 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.