Tech News

Oct 16, 2019
The Freeman Company has completed its previously announced sale of Encore Event Technologies, a global provider of event technology, staging and production services, to PSAV. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Known to event planners as the in-house or preferred audio-visual provider at many venues across the United States, PSAV has a presence in nearly 1,600 locations within 10 different countries. In August 2018, the company was acquired by investment firm Blackstone and becomes even larger with the Encore acquisition. Like PSAV, Encore also operates as an in-house partner to… more
Oct 11, 2019
Trade show organizers and exhibitors now have a simple, easy-to-use tool to help them manage their events and collaborate with their teams – for free. Officially unveiled last month, ExhibitDay is a B2B SaaS event planning and task management tool designed to help organizers and exhibitors manage their trade shows, expo booths, travel plans and budgets, all in one place.  Specifically tailored for small to medium-sized show teams attending approximately 10-100 trade shows per year, ExhibitDay comes in the free or “Lite” version as well as Professional and Premium versions that offer more… more
Oct 09, 2019
Event professionals and trade show organizers know it’s crucial to create an event website that is not only visually compelling but also easy to navigate and intuitive. We’ve been sharing tips and tricks to help content creators develop event websites that are an end-user’s dream. If you haven’t read about why content creators should care about their event websites, get caught up here.  In part two, we’re sharing a few best practices to consider when developing a website that is designed for event and conversion optimization: Know when to use visual illustration versus plain text. This… more
voice activation
Oct 03, 2019
Voice-operated technology is at its flash point. Innovations in smartphones, networked home devices, and voice recognition enable futuristic applications such as voice-operated Google search, and personal assistant software including Amazon’s Alexa and Apple’s Siri. Google is one key beneficiary and driver of voice tech: Voice searches account for 20 percent of queries on Google mobile app and Android devices, according to Google CEO Sundar Pichai’s Google I/O keynote in 2016 — and that volume continues to grow. More recent data from Statista Digital Market Outlook shows approximately 260… more
Sep 24, 2019
In an effort to solve the industry-wide challenges of digital event tool integration, in 2017 Freeman launched Fuzion by Freeman. The open product ecosystem is designed to give event managers the ability to choose and integrate the best-of-breed software solutions that work best for their programs.  Establishing a common language that allows multiple software tools to talk to one another results in a more unified, meaningful view of events along with improved analytics, according to Freeman officials. Now, to further improve and simplify the event technology selection process, Freeman has… more
Sep 18, 2019
Modern event sponsorship strategies are a dime a dozen. Each one is based on a learning from a different time and place. The strategy might have stemmed from a previous experience or a past position; or it may be a combination of strategies that pull together most efficient and effective parts. When developing your event sponsorship strategy, you do not want to leave revenue on the table. There are two (obvious) ways to maximize your net revenue: increase your sponsorship revenue and reduce event expenses. While you can achieve this goal in many ways, a few strategies hold true over time.… more
Sep 16, 2019
Entertainment and event technology solutions provider Production Resource Group and 3D Live, creator of 3D holographic LED display technology, have formed an exclusive partnership to provide 3D LED technology to live event clients. Via this partnership, PRG will offer 3D Live’s patented “holographic” 3D LED technology to live concert, corporate events and e-sports clients, and 3D Live will exclusively use PRG’s LED walls on its productions. According to Nick Jackson, senior vice president of PRG, the 3D holographic experience is comparable to augmented reality – without the need for… more
Sep 11, 2019
Aventri and Meetingmax have teamed up to offer event planners a fully integrated registration and housing solution. The new platform integration connects the Meetingmax room block management and Aventri event registration systems to streamline planning, drive registration and increase attendee satisfaction.   The integration provides an enhanced customer experience, allowing attendees to register and book accommodations seamlessly without having to enter their information twice.  For event planners, housing logistics are simplified. Planners can run real-time reports that identify attendees… more
Sep 09, 2019
You just got your approved layout for your next event…now what? Looking at a sea of 10-by-10-foot booths can be daunting for any show manager. How are you supposed to know what worked and what didn’t when this year’s event isn’t for another month? How can you design a floor plan to show your exhibitors there are truly no “bad booths” and drive attendee traffic to every corner of the exhibit hall? Here are a few tips. Secure anchor exhibitors early. Anchor exhibitors are your most recognizable brands — the real traffic-drivers to areas of your show. To help support other exhibitors’ goals,… more
Sep 04, 2019
Fonteva Mobile Powered by Guidebook, a new partnership between mobile app building platform Guidebook and Fonteva, a provider of association and events management software, allows associations to create and manage their own custom event apps. According to Jerry Huskins, CEO of Fonteva, associations increasingly rely on mobile apps in communicating and engaging with members. Creating a valuable mobile experience is not only a highly effective way to connect with members but also improve renewal rates and increase sponsor revenues.  The partnership provides an immediate benefit to Fonteva’s… 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.