News
Aug 13, 2020
PCMA Foundation has launched the Accelerating Reskilling initiative, a massive fundraising campaign designed to help event industry professionals recover, adapt and thrive through the pandemic and beyond.
Launched on Aug. 5, the campaign’s goal is to raise $250,000 by the end of 2020 to provide scholarships for the immediate reskilling of 1,000 event professionals, supplier professionals, young professionals, faculty and current students with the new and updated skill sets they will need for career recovery and success.
“Together as a community, we can bring these educational opportunities… more
Aug 12, 2020
As meeting and event professionals continue to grapple with the impact the pandemic has had on the industry, the Event Leadership Institute has developed a new online certificate course in partnership with MPI to provide planners with strategies, tactics and resources to move forward with modified in-person events and meetings.
The first six-week Pandemic Meeting & Event Design Certificate course begins Sept. 1 and is eligible for 20 CMP hours. Curriculum is jointly designed by ELI’s and MPI’s education experts, experienced event and meeting practitioners and industry-leading instructors… more
Aug 11, 2020
In light of damage the pandemic has inflicted upon the foodservice industry, the National Restaurant Association Show is working to help the industry recover through online resources and a 2021 in-person event that has already re-sold exhibit space to 75 percent of its 2020 exhibitors. Set for May 22-25 at Chicago’s McCormick Place, the annual trade show and conference provides foodservice operators and suppliers access to new and innovative technologies, emerging food and beverage trends, unique ingredients, and partnership and networking opportunities.
“For the past 101 years, the National… more
Aug 10, 2020
During its virtual Power of A–Summit Awards event this fall, ASAE will honor six associations with the 2020 Summit Award, the highest recognition under The Power of A Awards. Set for Sept. 30 from 6-7:30 p.m. ET, the online event will also serve as the culmination of the organization’s overall centennial celebrations.
The annual awards evening, which brings together association executives, industry partners and business and community leaders to celebrate the value of associations and their impact on society, is part of ASAE’s The Power of A campaign, which spotlights the societal… more
Aug 07, 2020
Due to governmental prohibitions and restrictions on gatherings, businesses and travel, along with the mounting uncertainty that safe and productive events during a pandemic are even possible, four large trade shows – PACK EXPO, SEMA, AAPEX and FABTECH – will not take place as planned this fall. Two of the events have announced plans to launch digital replacements. Here are the details.
PACK EXPO
On Aug. 5, PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies announced it will cancel the in-person PACK EXPO and Healthcare Packaging EXPO, annual trade shows and conferences for… more
Aug 06, 2020
Feeling disheartened about the delayed return of face-to-face events? Findings of a new extensive global study focused on the recovery of the trade show industry should help spread some positive vibes about the value of shows when they do return. Conducted in July by live events research specialists Explori in partnership with UFI and SISO, the Global Recovery Insights study demonstrates the incredible value of face-to-face events by how strongly their absence has impacted the global business community.
Released on Aug. 3, the study comprises more than 9,000 survey responses from exhibiting… more
Aug 05, 2020
Taking the lessons learned in helping client organizations transition in-person events to virtual or hybrid experiences, association management and services company SmithBucklin has created a fee-based service designed to aid other groups — including those in the corporate world — going through the same process.
“It’s not about taking an in-person event and placing it on a digital platform,” said Carol McGury, executive vice president of event and education services for SmithBucklin. “It’s about building a new experience that achieves the business outcomes.”
As part of the new SmithBucklin… more
Aug 05, 2020
A new weekly peer-to-peer roundtable series for event professionals launches this week. Hosted by mdg, a Freeman Company, the “Leading Through Disruption” program focuses on helping event professionals manage change and gain the insights and connections needed to navigate the pandemic.
Each hour-long session, scheduled to run for six weeks starting Aug. 5, will have a theme introduced by thought leaders who then facilitate the discussion.
“We have leaders in strategy, design and data/research from Freeman and mdg who will be challenging participants to seize the opportunities associated… more
Aug 04, 2020
For the second year in a row, the UFI Board of Directors has elected a woman president. In an announcement made July 29, UFI declared Monica Lee-Müller as president of UFI for the 2021-22 period. This decision will become effective at the conclusion of the 87th UFI Global Congress, set for Nov. 15-20.
Lee-Müller has served as managing director of Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (Management) Limited (HML) since 2012. HML is the professional private company responsible for the management and operation of the 306,000 square-metre Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC).… more
Aug 03, 2020
Whether supplying protective face masks to local residents, helping young students with their career plans or working to combat food insecurity, these event destinations, venues and vendors haven’t allowed the pandemic to slow their CSR efforts.
VISIT Milwaukee Helps Supply Milwaukeeans With Free Face Masks
To help Milwaukee residents stay safe and healthy while complying with the new City of Milwaukee MKE Cares mask ordinance that went into effect on July 16, VISIT Milwaukee and the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce have teamed up to provide Milwaukeeans with free protective… 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.