Tech News

Oct 17, 2017
The Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB) has launched the Discover Atlanta: Official Guide mobile application. While mobile applications are not new technology, this is the first destination marketing app powered by the artificial intelligence of a gaming platform. Released on Oct. 12, Discover Atlanta: Official Guide was designed and built in partnership with Winistry, makers of the Intelligent Mobile App Platform. This technology enables ACVB to promote Atlanta in a unique, personalized manner, based on user preference, behavior, location and even time of day. “We strategically… more
Oct 13, 2017
As a global provider of brand experiences that has been advancing in the event technology space, Freeman understands the industry-wide challenges of digital tool integration. In an effort solve this often frustrating issue and create a more seamless experience for event organizers and attendees in the process, the company has introduced Fuzion by Freeman, an open product ecosystem designed to simplify integration by acting as a foundation between digital solutions, establishing a common language that allows multiple tools to talk to each other. With Fuzion, event organizers will have the… more
Oct 10, 2017
Continental Exhibitions, a leading trade show and conference management company with headquarters in New York City, officially has acquired TechDay, a growing series of tech conferences with annual events in New York City, Los Angeles and London. “I’m very excited to bring my 30+ years of experience within the exhibition and tradeshow space to help serve the needs of this dynamic marketplace,” said Walter Charnizon, president of Continental Exhibitions. He added, “The tech industry is quickly evolving and I look forward to building events that keep pace with these changes.” TechDay is a… more
Oct 06, 2017
IMEX is replacing its original event organizing platform with EventReference, a cloud-based event management system developed by U.K.-based RefTech. EventReference will be used to manage all of IMEX’s online interaction with show attendees, including all registrations, hosted buyer travel, buyer and exhibitor appointment schedules and the exhibitor booth directory. Going forward, every person attending IMEX in any capacity will be using EventReference to register, manage and plan their visit. “IMEX has grown and we have evolved our processes and listened and adapted to the growing and… more
Oct 03, 2017
For event planners and marketers, analytical reports can be gold mines for driving registrations, adoption of tools and calculating ROI. However, the true potential of analytics remains underutilized in testing the effectiveness of marketing efforts, testing new audience segments and creating impactful cross-promotional efforts. This is mostly because there are a plethora of options and features available, as well as disconnected channels that add significant complexity to the analytical process and make accurate attribution extremely difficult. If you have been struggling with putting your… more
Sep 29, 2017
Smart City Networks, a provider of technology and telecommunications services for the convention industry, has embarked upon a process to convert phone lines at 39 convention centers and venues to SIP trunking in the next year. The upgrade is expected to improve reliability, performance and cost at these facilities, according to Smart City officials. While not the in-demand technology in the current industry landscape, phone service in public assembly areas can play a key role in emergency response situations, as demonstrated in Houston with Hurricane Harvey, Florida with Hurricane Irma and… more
Sep 27, 2017
Core-apps has updated and enhanced its Access 365 product, an event app feature that allows show organizers to extend the life of their apps beyond their events. The new updates not only provide associations and event planners with a flexible payment structure but also technical enhancements designed to help turn an event app into a year-round engagement tool. The new pricing model features a low monthly fee to help mitigate the upfront costs of implementation, thus lowering the barrier of entry so organizers can engage with their audiences 365 days a year. This goes into effect immediately… more
Sep 22, 2017
Move over photo booths and gamification – virtual reality could soon be taking the event entertainment world by storm. From exploring underwater worlds and creating large 3D drawings to battling alien spaceships or brain-eating zombies, virtual reality games and experiences at events provide attendees with immersive and engaging experiences that not only help make events more fun, but also more memorable. Geared specifically toward corporate meetings, conventions, trade shows and private parties, VR Arcade NOLA is a mobile virtual reality entertainment company that offers interactive VR… more
Sep 21, 2017
A new Start-Up Pavilion has been created at ibtm world 2017 where tech and experiential start-up companies can exhibit, giving them the opportunity to showcase their product to more than 15,000 highly influential MICE industry professionals. The three-day event takes place Nov. 28-30 at Fira Gran Via Barcelona in Spain. Companies eligible to exhibit in the Start-Up Pavilion must be two years or younger, with five or fewer full-time employees and with an annual turnover of less than $600,000. As part of the exhibiting package, they will receive their own personalised diary, with the… more
Sep 15, 2017
To commemorate the completion of its $140 million expansion and renovation project, the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio did what most event facilities would do: host a grand reopening celebration to show off its newly expanded and beautified digs. But instead of just carrying out the usual fanfare at this special event, held Aug. 31, the downtown Columbus facility had another surprise up its sleeve: the reveal of a giant, 3-D interactive art piece. “As We Are” is a 14-foot, 3-D human head-shaped sculpture made from ribbons of ultra-bright LED screens. Created by… 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.