Tech News

May 25, 2018
International virtual marketing and communications incubator, Event Tech Lab, is continuing to do its part to mentor and develop the next generation of event technology companies by growing its start-up partnerships.  “There is a global remit to work with start-ups worldwide that specialize in production and logistics technology, marketing and management technology and attendee engagement technology – three areas that cover almost all event technology types,” explained James Morgan, who founded UK-based Event Tech Lab in January of 2015 as a partnership community for event tech providers and… more
May 22, 2018
Audio-visual and event services company, Staging Connections, has launched Cumulus, its latest mobile event app that allows clients to create a tailored solution with a range of features to streamline their management process and maximize event ROI. With Cumulus, event organizers can manage their own event-specific content via a user-friendly interface so that they can make changes instantly, while event attendees have easy access to important event information from their smartphone or tablet. Event information accessible on Cumulus includes venue details, floor plans, maps, event program,… more
May 17, 2018
Meet Betty. She fields attendee questions, answers them with accuracy, oh, and she works all day, every day, even holidays. What kind of superhuman is this? She’s not a person at all – Betty is a chatbot, which uses artificial intelligence to simulate human conversation. Event organizers are adopting the cutting-edge technology known as artificial intelligence (AI) Chat to streamline customer service while improving attendees’ event experiences. Whether it’s Betty, Alexa, TIFFBot or Piobot, chatbots are increasing in numbers in the event industry. “Chatbots are a new way of communicating… more
May 15, 2018
Fiscal year 2018 has been a successful one for Cobo Center’s technology services, which experienced a 58 percent jump in revenue compared to 2017. According to Claude Molinari, general manager of SMG/Cobo Center, this positive uptick comes alongside the fact that the facility’s WiFi remains free to visitors and events as a sales incentive. “Facility-wide free WiFi in Cobo Center differentiates us in the market and has been free of charge since the installation of the original network in 1997,” Molinari explained. “The current 4G WiFi network and can handle 30,000 simultaneous users,… more
May 11, 2018
SmartSource Computer & Audio Visual Rentals, providers of computer, audio-visual (AV) and technology solutions for businesses and events, has added two new products to its event technology line-up for associations, trade shows, exhibit builders, conference planners and marketers. Combining a full-HD image quality, LED-backlit LCD and a stylish, thin profile, the Sharp PN-LE601 Commercial Display LED Monitor has a built-in digital tuner and leading-edge picture technology that helps deliver amazing detail and consistent color (i.e., display colors of 1.07 billion).  The 60” monitor… more
May 08, 2018
A new event registration service specifically designed for small to mid-tier events is now available from Core-apps. The new Core-apps Badger Registration Service was built for events ranging in size from 25-2500 attendees and is tailored to meetings, educational conferences and smaller shows that do not have a large expo presence.  The service offers dozens of potential registration options and rounds out the company’s existing offerings. Existing Core-apps clients can use it to provide a complete attendee engagement experience and the service will also appeal to new clients who do not… more
May 03, 2018
Transform USA has lined up an impressive array of event industry leaders to lead panel discussions and break-out sessions at its upcoming event, set for July 18 at the Newseum in Washington, D.C.   Senior leaders of association, for-profit and corporate exhibitions and venues who are in attendance will have a chance to hear and engage with thought leaders from Clarion/UX, ReedPOP, National Kitchen & Bath Association, Reed Exhibitions and North American Veterinary Conference who will be focusing on how show organizers will be using data, analytics and digital to shape their events,… more
May 03, 2018
Enterprise event management company Cvent has announced that it will acquire mobile event app provider QuickMobile. The acquisition is expected to close before the end of May 2018. The addition of QuickMobile's technology will help Cvent expand its Event Cloud Platform's mobile capabilities, providing mobile apps for events of all sizes. Together, the organizations will: Serve more than 25,500 customers, including 80% of the Fortune 100 Deliver 16.7 million app downloads Offer over 950 product support professionals to ensure customer success Reggie Aggarwal, founder and CEO of Cvent,… more
May 01, 2018
May 25 is the day that the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) goes into effect. The GDPR provides EU citizens specific privacy rights regarding the collection, storage, transfer and use of their personally identifiable information. Non-compliance with the GDPR may result in significant fines and penalties of “up to €20 million, or 4% of the worldwide annual revenue of the prior financial year, whichever is higher,” according to the GDPR’s regulation 2016/679. In March, I attended a roundtable event co-hosted by Key Events and Lenos Software on GDPR compliance and how it will affect… more
Apr 26, 2018
B2B eCommerce company, NuORDER, has launched Online Trade Show, a digital B2B marketplace where wholesale buyers can discover new brands, browse digital brand catalogs and place orders on demand anywhere and anytime from any mobile web browser.  Designed to be a digital continuation of the expo floor that compliments the physical trade show experience, the new platform offers buyers the discovery element experienced at live shows while enabling them to connect and conduct business with brands online both during and after the event.  Officially unveiled in December, Online Trade Show… 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.