News
Jan 26, 2021
London-based Tarsus Group has acquired a majority interest in the Mexico-based event, EXPO TENDERO. Launched in 2019 by Pedro Fernández, CEO of Multipav, EXPO TENDERO is the only event in Mexico specifically focused on the “Tenderos” sector; the ubiquitous corner shops located throughout the country.
The inaugural event attracted more than 10,000 store-owners to the one-day show, for future editions Tarsus Mexico will partner with Multipav to produce the event.
The “Tenderos” play a major role within Mexico’s economy with more than 1 million of these stores in the country, representing… more
Jan 26, 2021
With many trade show professionals still unemployed due to COVID-19, one full-service marketing and logistics partner for the global exhibition and convention industry is taking matters into its own hands with a new program designed to get them back on the job. Launched Jan. 25, GES’s industry-wide Flex Talent Pool program has been designed to provide flexible, temporary work opportunities for experienced and talented trade show personnel in 2021 and beyond.
In anticipation of exhibitions starting up again this year, the new program will be first introduced in the United States and will… more
Jan 25, 2021
As the pandemic continues to keep many event facilities closed or under-utilized, convention centers across the U.S. are finding new life and purpose by transforming their empty exhibit halls into mass state-run COVID-19 vaccinations sites. Here are several major facilities that are providing this valuable community service, helping to save lives and return the country — including the meetings and convention industry — to pre-pandemic times as quickly as possible.
Last spring, the Jacob K. Javits Center was converted into a temporary field hospital as coronavirus cases overwhelmed New York… more
Jan 21, 2021
Twenty-eight-year industry veteran David Audrain is a who’s who of the trade show industry. Besides serving as president of Clarion Events North America and Messe Frankfurt NA, Audrain has held executive and senior positions at ConvExx, Advanstar, Hanley-Wood and Miller Freeman during the course of his storied career. Under his skilled leadership, top shows including MAGIC, SEMA Show and SURFACES achieved strong growth and success.
When he’s not leading up Exposition Development Company (ExpoDevCo), a trade show production and management company he launched in 2012 with his business partner… more
Jan 20, 2021
Joe Biden becomes the country’s 46th president at a time when the United States is mired in a pandemic and its related economic challenges. His proposed solutions, and their effectiveness, is surely how the first part of his presidency will be measured.
The events, travel and hospitality industries are perhaps the most desperate for the dual recoveries to take place. The faster COVID-19 vaccines are distributed, the sooner airlines can fill middle seats, hotels can welcome more guests and convention centers can host large groups. The bigger business opens up for employment opportunities,… more
Jan 20, 2021
Roger Shashoua, the founder of U.K.-based ITE Group - now called Hyve Group and run my Roger’s son Mark – has passed away.
Hyve Group released the following statement about Roger’s passing:
“Roger was a titan of our industry. The pioneering work he did throughout his lifetime not only helped to shape this business and the wider exhibition industry, but also marked some of the first steps towards a more connected world as the 70s presented a turning point for globalisation.” “As markets began to open, he spotted an opportunity to create a series of businesses in emerging economies, starting… more
Jan 20, 2021
Hewlett Packard planned to send 2,000 attendees to Nashville for an event in May. There were 270 presentations ready to go, featuring a combined 700 speakers. Rather than let a little thing like a pandemic let all that work go to waste, HP’s planners reached out eventPower, the company behind its event platform, about transforming all those sessions into a digital event.
Laurie Powell, vice president of business development of eventPower, had a simple response: “Why not?”
In the technology-dependent world of today’s trade shows, conferences and other events, vendors like eventPower must… more
Jan 19, 2021
The first fully virtual CES put the spotlight on nearly 2,000 technology companies to see how the future is unfolding. In that regard, and in many other aspects, the event—proclaimed the largest digital industry event ever—was an unqualified success despite moving to an all-digital venue this year.
“CES showed how the pandemic accelerated the arc of innovation and illustrated the resilience and innovative spirit of our industry,” said Gary Shapiro president and CEO of the Consumer Technology Association, the group behind the annual mega-event, in a statement.
As trade shows have been forced… more
Jan 18, 2021
In an effort to speed the process of distributing COVID-19 vaccines, the hotel industry is offering its services to the incoming Biden-Harris administration.
Chip Rogers, president and CEO of the American Hotel & Lodging Association, sent a letter to the transition team detailing why hotels are well-positioned to assist the effort. Among the compelling arguments:
With 50,000 properties across the country, the hotel industry has the geographic reach to touch all Americans.
Hotels have available private rooms, meeting spaces, ballrooms, outdoor venues and more to administer shots without… more
Jan 14, 2021
Swapcard, the Paris-based leading AI-powered engagement and matchmaking platform for premium virtual and hybrid events, has acquired Avolio, Inc., a registration platform headquartered in Atlanta and its event management software, IPReg.
This move is the first step in Swapcard’s answer to the biggest challenge organizers are currently facing: finding one technology partner that can run all their virtual, hybrid and face-to-face events throughout the year.
Swapcard, which ran more than 1,570 successful virtual events in 2020, experienced unprecedented growth in 2020, with a 400% growth in… 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.