News

Nov 24, 2020
It isn’t easy being green, but convention centers that remain steadfast in their commitment to sustainability can certainly reap the rewards from time to time. Case in point: Detroit’s TCF Center, which received a 2020 U.S. Green Building Council Leadership Award during the closing event of the annual Greenbuild International Conference and Expo, held Nov. 10-12 in a virtual format this year. Awarded annually, the USGBC Leadership Award recognizes exceptional work advancing sustainable, healthy, resilient and equitable buildings, cities and communities. According to USGBC officials, the 2020… more
Nov 23, 2020
Nearly three-quarters of the meeting professionals surveyed in the most recent Meetings & Events Pulse Survey conducted by Global DMC Partners (GDP) expect their events to be held in a virtual or hybrid format in 2021. The surveyed planners also see having a coronavirus vaccine in place as the most important factor in bringing back face-to-face events.  Conducted Sept. 14-30, the Q3 survey polled 447 people in the meetings and events industry including third-party/independent planners and those from the pharmaceutical industry, associations, technology, finance, insurance and law. More… more
Nov 19, 2020
Event technologies everywhere are stepping up to the plate in 2020, attempting to ease meeting planners’ woes that virtual experiences can never quite measure up to face-to-face events. Yet one element that hasn’t been addressed is the virtual awards show — until now. MeetingPlay, a Maryland-based technology company for events and conferences founded in 2011, has launched a new feature designed to nearly replicate the experience of an in-person awards night, both for recipients and attendees. The impetus for designing this feature came from MeetingPlay listening closely to its clients. “A… more
Nov 18, 2020
From presidents and board of directors to fine-cuisine-minded appointments in the Midwest, here’s the latest news about professionals in the trade show industry that you need to know. Fernando Fischer was named president of Reed Exhibitions Americas on Nov. 11. Previously CEO of Reed Exhibitions Brazil for three years, he had joined Reed Exhibitions as U.S. president in January this year. In his new role, Fernando continues to directly lead the company's operation in the United States and adds Latin America under his regional management, where he has Claudio Della Nina, managing director of… more
Nov 17, 2020
In an industry-wide #GivingBack effort, TSNN, CEN and Tarsus CARES are participating in a fundraiser leading up to Global Giving Day (also known as GivingTuesday – a worldwide generosity movement set for Dec. 1), and we are inviting you to be a part of it! This year, TSNN’s charity of choice is Management Leadership for Tomorrow (MLT). Why? Because they’re on a mission to help empower the next generation of leaders and we want to help! A striking number of Black, Latinx and Native Americans remain vulnerable during and after college, and they walk a tenuous path to economic mobility. In… more
Nov 17, 2020
Messe Frankfurt Inc. and the Food Processing Suppliers Association have entered into a joint venture to align their resources and co-produce PROCESS EXPO, the U.S’s largest horizontal trade show for the food and beverage processing and packaging industry. Through FPSA’s strong industry relationships and MFI’s international reputation as a leading event producer servicing the food technology and processing markets, the biennial PROCESS EXPO will benefit from an expanded global reach as well as a customized attendee and exhibitor experience, according to show officials.  Last spring, MFI was… more
Nov 17, 2020
The city of Grapevine, Texas, played host to Meeting Professionals International’s World Education Congress, held in hybrid format Nov. 3-6. “Reunite for Recovery” was the theme of the event, which took place at Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center and drew nearly 700 in-person attendees and 1,000 virtual participants. Grapevine CVB partnered with MPI in developing Duty of Care procedures that allowed for safe general sessions, breakout sessions and one-on-one appointments. The goal was to demonstrate the new standards for a safe return to live, in-person meetings and conferences. In… more
Nov 16, 2020
The Puerto Rico Convention Center hosted its first event since achieving GBAC STAR accreditation — the only Caribbean facility to do so — last month. The meeting of the Puerto Rico Chapter of the Association of General Contractors of America (AGC) on Oct. 17 featured a debate among local governorship candidates as well as the organization’s annual convention. More importantly for tourism officials and event organizers, it served as a testimony to Puerto Rico’s ability to produce a safe and successful gathering.  “We hope that our event will serve as an example for other associations and… more
Nov 13, 2020
Hervé Sedky is leaving Reed Exhibitions, where he is president of the Americas and ReedPop divisions, and stepping into a new leadership position as president and CEO of Emerald. Sedky will assume his new role on Jan. 5, 2021. Brian Field, Emerald’s Interim president and CEO, will continue to serve as the Emerald’s COO. “We are thrilled to have Hervé join the Emerald team,” said Kosty Gilis, chairman of Emerald’s board of directors. He added, “His long and successful career in leadership roles serving the business travel and events markets, along with his strategic acumen, transformative… more
Nov 12, 2020
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) opened its Hong Kong Optical Fair on 7th November at Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) featuring a record of 810 exhibitors from 23 countries and regions. Now in its 26th edition, the Optical Fair will run until 9th November and it will feature 10 thematic zones. Exhibitors will be showcasing the latest design trends and eyewear products. The 16th Hong Kong Optometric Conference was held on 8th November and its theme was “The Contemporary Role of Optometrists in Primary Care.” Benjamin Chau, HKTDC Deputy Executive Director,… 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.