Tech News

Jan 09, 2019
According to the Freeman Show Organizer Data Pulse Survey, 74 percent of show organizers use event data to inform their event strategy, event objectives and planning. Yet nearly half of non-profit show organizers find it challenging to get meaningful insights from their event data. “Research has shown that attendees go to an event to learn, network and have fun,” said Richard Maranville, chief digital officer at Freeman. “However, until now, the industry didn’t have an all-encompassing solution to compile metrics and data that ultimately could help increase audience acquisition, retention… more
Jan 07, 2019
Not all that long ago, all meetings were conducted face-to-face. More recently, technology enabled virtual meetings. Today, a hybrid model allows for more participants spread across a wider geographical area but the challenge has continued to be around engagement. How do you keep remote participants engaged and how do you keep and share the data generated within the meeting? Park MGM andCiscohave an answer: the new 7,000 square foot Ideation Studio. With the opening of the Studio, Las Vegas’ Park MGM is the world’s first hotel to offer groups Cisco Webex Boards and Cisco Webex Teams … more
Jan 03, 2019
Despite the cold front and accompanying rain that visitors endured at Expo! Expo! IAEE’s Annual Meeting & Exhibition 2018, held Dec. 10-13 in New Orleans, technology was shining bright inside at the conference.  With an overall focus on enhancing the attendee experience, the new technologies showcased at the event did not disappoint and will likely be a strong focus for trade show marketers in the new year. While exhibitors offered many technologies that attendees could interact with and learn about, these three stood out as trends to watch in 2019: Getting into a ZenSpace: Exhibitors… more
Dec 20, 2018
Meeting scheduling can be the bane of an event planner’s existence. Anyone who has ever tried to coordinate multiple schedules in order to book meetings or demos at trade shows or conferences knows how difficult it can be – the phrase “herding cats” springs to mind.  It’s equally difficult to show the value of these meetings and how they influence sales pipeline and revenue generation. Jifflenow aims to solve both of these problems with its meeting automation platform (MAP). “Enterprises are looking beyond lead generation at events and have been asking for solutions to influence revenue… more
Dec 13, 2018
Merriam-Webster defines the snowball effect as a situation in which one action or event causes many other similar actions or events. And that is exactly what event tech startup snöball (with a lowercase “s”) is designed to do for word-of-mouth, or influencer, marketing. Snöballhelps event organizers harness the power of influencer marketing and put it to use for their events. With snöball, planners can empower all their constituents, or micro-influencers, to raise awareness of an event in a personal — and therefore more meaningful — manner.  The brainchild of industry veteran Rachel Stephan… more
Dec 11, 2018
Houston First Corporation (HFC) is continuing to reinvigorate Houston’s convention center campus and the city’s Downtown area with its latest public art installation, LOOP.  A cross between a music box, a zoetrope and a railway handcar, LOOP is a retro-futuristic machine that spans more than six feet in diameter and creates animated fairy-tale loops.  Through the combined efforts of visitors working the hand lever, the image cylinder spins and lights up, creating the illusion of motion in the drawings. “The artistry and creativity of LOOP elevate the Downtown Houston visitor experience,”… more
Dec 06, 2018
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) will feature a series of emerging technology solution use cases at Expo! Expo! IAEE’s Annual Meeting & Exhibition, taking place Dec. 11-13 in New Orleans.  Already proven in the exhibitions and events marketplace, these Tech Use Cases are designed to give exhibition and event producers an opportunity to explore a wide range of solutions to answer the challenges they face in the fast-paced and ever-changing landscape that is the exhibitions and events industry. IAEE’s Technologies Committee comprises technology domain experts… more
Dec 04, 2018
The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), in partnership with Balluun, has launched CONEXPO Connect, an online B2B marketplace serving the global construction industry.  The new platform was unveiled at the AEM Annual Conference, held Nov. 28-30 at the Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes, Ca. Powered by Balluun’s digital market network solution, CONEXPO Connect is an online destination that allows equipment manufacturers and contractors to connect and engage 24/7, 365 days a year.  By bringing the most valuable parts of AEM’s CONEXPO-CON/AGG trade show online, CONEXPO Connect… more
Nov 30, 2018
The winners of the IBTM World 2018 Tech Watch Awards were announced at the IBTM World event in Barcelona this week. Zenus and Fielddrive were the joint recipients of the Tech Watch Award, while Kubify took home the inaugural “People’s Choice” award for its Learning Toolbox.  A panel of well-known industry experts selected Zenus and Fielddrive for their pioneering and impactful work in bringing facial recognition software to the events industry.  “Zenus is the creator of the software and Fielddrive has been a significant implementor of the product by exploring and measuring the onsite best… more
Nov 27, 2018
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) has partnered with AVIXA and PSAV to present the Tech AV Experience at Expo! Expo! IAEE’s Annual Meeting & Exhibition, set for Dec. 11-13 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans.  Focused on how audio/visual can be applied to increase attendee ROI, this series of showfloor education experiences will zero in on AV-related content for trade show professionals. “This is the first time we have featured AV-focused learning experiences at Expo! Expo!,” said David DuBois, president and CEO of IAEE, known as the… 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.