Nov 21, 2017
Detroit’s Cobo Center is demonstrating its ongoing commitment to sustainability by increasing its environmental initiatives for the coming year, including a living green roof observation area and new lactation suites for nursing moms. According to Claude Molinari, general manager of SMG/Cobo Center, the facility is planning to install a visitor observation area near its living green roof at the old heliport location on the roof deck. “Last year, we installed honeybee hives and saw our living roof and organic herb gardens thrive,” Molinari said. He continued, “Next year, we will create an… more
Oct 23, 2017
SMG has been busy helping the Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland amp up its sustainability goals by partnering with show organizers and exhibitors to cut back on event waste while giving back to the local community. To help the HCCC reduce its environmental impact by diverting more recyclable items from landfill, the facility operator recently unveiled its Sustainability Donation Program, a green initiative that provides clients, exhibitors and contractors a simple and environmentally friendly solution to reduce the amount of waste they generate at an HCCC event. By serving as a… more
Oct 18, 2017
The Mohegan Sun Exposition Center expansion project is more than one-third complete and on schedule for a June 2018 opening. Last month, the leaders of Mohegan Sun and the Mohegan Tribe gathered with guests, including Lieutenant Governor Nancy Wyman and AZ Corporation, for a ceremonial topping-off to celebrate the progress of the $80 million project, which began last March. Over 300 signatures from ironworkers to state and local officials and Mohegan Sun and Tribe management adorned the steel beam. The resort and casino’s new Exposition Center will span 240,000 net square feet and… more
Oct 18, 2017
International Market Centers, operator of premier showroom space for the furnishings, home décor and gift industries, is coordinating exhibitor product donations and other humanitarian efforts in its High Point Market Fall show, running Oct. 14-18 in High Point, N.C., and at the Las Vegas Market Winter show, set for Jan. 28-Feb. 1, 2018 at the World Market Center in Las Vegas. “International Market Centers prides itself on being a ‘global good citizen,’ and we are delighted to mobilize our resources to help communities in need,” said Robert Maricich, IMC chief executive officer. IMC has set… more
Oct 17, 2017
A new salad dressing featuring honey harvested from the bee hives housed on the Javits Center’s green roof now is on the menu at the convention center’s Taste NY Bistro. The honey-infused vinaigrette, along with other New York homegrown ingredients, is featured in a new salad offered at the facility’s cafe-style restaurant location. Aptly named Jacob’s Honey, the homegrown honey was extracted last month by a team of Javits Center engineers in partnership with local beekeeping organization, New York City Beekeeping. This first batch of golden goodness was harvested from three wooden hives… more
Oct 05, 2017
The Art Basel art show plans to remain at the Miami Beach Convention Center for the long-term, as evidenced by a five-year agreement the show will sign with The City of Miami Beach on Oct. 5 at Miami Beach City Hall. This year’s event, set for Dec. 7-10, will mark the 16th edition of the modern and contemporary art show that draws visitors from across the U.S. and the globe to Miami Beach. Last year, the fair attracted 77,000 attendees and 269 international galleries spanning 29 countries across North and South America, Europe, Asia and Africa. “This agreement is comparable to locking in… more
Oct 03, 2017
Last week, the Anaheim Convention Center unveiled its biggest and most significant expansion in nearly two decades: ACC North, boasting 200,000 square feet of flexible, two-level meeting and event space. The addition of the new building officially marks the ACC’s induction into the “1 million-square-foot-club,” increasing its ranking to the 11th largest convention facility in the U.S. and preserving its standing as the largest on the West Coast. “This is a transformative event for the Anaheim Convention Center,” said Tom Morton, executive director of Anaheim’s Convention Sports &… more
Sep 28, 2017
If the Los Angeles Convention Center’s recent fiscal report is any indication, the Downtown L.A. facility most certainly is not a loss-leader, but rather an integral economic impact generator for the City of Los Angeles. The LACC recently reported generating a record-breaking $781 million of economic impact for the City in fiscal year 2016/2017, with $478 million attributed to convention attendee direct spending. An additional $26.4 million was generated in tax revenues to the City, with $18.2 million in hotel transient-occupancy tax contributions to the City’s general fund – an increase of… more
ICCF Miami
Sep 25, 2017
Set to open in just more than two weeks, Reed Exhibitions’ JIS (Jewelers International Show) October 2017 show will relocate to Fort Lauderdale, after receiving news from the Miami Beach Convention Center that it would be unavailable to host the event because of  Hurricane Irma disrupting construction activity and the building not being cleared for public occupancy. The show now will take place during the same dates Oct. 8-11 at the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center, just 30 miles north of Miami. “Knowing the important role that JIS October plays in delivering… more
Sep 12, 2017
Since opening its doors March 1, the Albany Capital Center in New York has been a busy building. To date, the six-month-old convention facility has hosted 83 events, with 47 contracted events still to come this year for a total of 130 events scheduled. Total events for 2017 span 184 event days, resulting in 4,225 booked hotel room nights and drawing upwards of 60,000 guests to downtown Albany. Meanwhile, ACC Operator SMG is continuing to focus on bringing new and more group business to the facility and the Capital Region, with additional events in the pipeline through 2019 and beyond. “It’… 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.