Tech News

Nov 25, 2017
Expo! Expo! 2017 is days away, and we are all geared up to share with you how “The Journey is Sweeter with a2z”. While we can’t divulge all the juicy details just yet, here is a quick preview of the delicious experience that’s in store for all Expo! Expo! attendees in a2z’s booth #707. Get a Sneak Peek at a2z’s Exciting New ReleasesEvery year, we add many new and innovative features to our core solution. These are always designed to help show organizers reduce tedious manual work, accelerate and augment revenue, as well as provide enhanced value to their audience. Despite being known in the… more
Nov 16, 2017
Event Technology collective Event Tech Tribe have unveiled the newest addition to their family of technology solutions for event planners, EventOPS, a platform that allows event organizers to plan and manage their operations and logistics from an intuitive, user-friendly dashboard, on any device. EventOPS unveiled its partnership with the Tribe last month at IMEX America, held Oct. 10-12 in Las Vegas. “We’re thrilled to welcome EventOPS to the Tribe,” said Event Tech Tribe COO Marie-Claire Andrews. She continued, “They embody the best-in-craft philosophy and have a fantastic product that,… more
Nov 14, 2017
A brand experience company and an event technology service provider recently have made key acquisitions. In an effort to enhance its interactive experience capabilities, Freeman has acquired Helios Interactive, the latest in a series of commitments Freeman has made since forming Freeman Digital Ventures, a fund set up to accelerate innovation and provide investments and partnerships supporting the increasing impact technology and digital advances are having on the brand experience category. The acquisition of Helios will allow Freeman to improve its ability to integrate technologies… more
Nov 09, 2017
With an NFC-enabled mobile app, attendees can check into an event or individual sessions, swap contact details or collect content, all by using their own smartphones. While Android phones have offered access to NFC capability for some time, it’s taken longer for the iPhone to catch up, with Apple announcing earlier this year that the existing NFC capability on the iPhone (currently used primarily for Apple Pay) was being opened-up to third-party app developers in the iOS 11 update. Since then, Noodle Live has been working to integrate this new functionality into their Android and iPhone… more
Nov 08, 2017
Four event technology companies have teamed up to create EventTechHub, a collaborative initiative featuring fully integrated digital solutions designed to make event planning more efficient, increase attendee engagement and grow event revenue opportunities. EventTechHub brings together Eventinterface, an event management platform; Piitchr, which directly connects speakers with planners; Tap To Speak, a web-based tool that enables live audiences to communicate with speakers in real-time, and Zenus, a facial recognition solution for fast and secure event check-in. “Event and meeting planners… more
Nov 02, 2017
Full-service event production company, Shepard, has launched tecCONNECT, a suite of technology solutions designed to help event organizers navigate and select the right tech offerings for their specific needs. Comprising three primary service offerings: Select, Consult and Insights, tecCONNECT solutions range from tech vendor matchmaking to integration and implementation to artificial intelligence-powered data services. “Our goal is to help our customers use technology to design and deliver events with enhanced experiences that benefit their participants, as well as their organizations,”… more
Oct 31, 2017
The Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) has launched a new tool to enable show organizers to calculate the exhibitor retention rate for a given event and then measure it against key benchmarks, including the overall exhibition industry and the specific industry sector. Leveraging business intelligence services powered by a2z, the CEIR Exhibitor Retention Benchmarking Tool uses standardized data derived from 900+ tradeshow, analyzed over a period of three years. Each event in the dataset is categorized based on its CEIR industry sector assignment. "The CEIR Exhibitor Retention… more
Oct 27, 2017
Event industry service providers TRC and Swoogo have come together to launch ShowSimple – a do-it-yourself badge printing solution in a box. Perfect for small events, the ShowSimple rental kit comes complete with everything an event organizer would need to print DIY badges, including two bar code scanning stations; a full-color printer; choice of badges and lanyards, and a self-contained router with internet access. Organizers simply set up their badge printing stations, import attendees from any registration source, choose a full-color badge design and start printing. To help planners… more
Oct 24, 2017
According to the Global Business Travel Association, 80 percent of all meeting savings is realized during the venue sourcing process. To address this issue, cloud event management software provider etouches has developed etouches Venue Sourcing, which integrates sourcing and booking with meeting registration and approval, and an enterprise calendar. etouches Venue Sourcing combines the features and functionality of the venue sourcing and booking platform Zentila, acquired by the company in 2016, with etouches’ event management software (EMS) solution. “Meeting professionals must validate… more
Oct 19, 2017
PCMA’s Digital Experience Institute annual online Summit now is open for registration. Supported and sponsored by Meetings + Conventions Calgary, the all-day event is set to take place Nov. 15, between 8 a.m.–5 p.m. CT. Participating event professionals will have a chance to join veteran strategists and newcomers to the digital space where they can learn all about digital event solutions and how to implement success into each event. Amanda Marijanovic will once again be the broadcast host, facilitating dialogue with industry experts on a variety of topics ranging from digital event law and… 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.