News
Mar 11, 2020
Another major travel industry conference has been canceled due to the global outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19). Previously scheduled for May 12-14 in Germany, IMEX Frankfurt will not go on as planned, according to show officials. IMEX Group Chairman Ray Bloom and CEO Carina Bauer issued the following letter this morning detailing the cancellation:
Sad to announce IMEX in Frankfurt cancels
It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the cancellation of this year’s IMEX in Frankfurt (due to take place 12-14 May).
We know that this will come as an enormous disappointment, not… more
Mar 11, 2020
The news cycle the past few weeks has been nearly non-stop about coronavirus (COVID-19), and it seems like the virus is the only thing people are talking about right now. The global outbreak of this virus, and the uncertainty behind how it’s being spread, is disruptive and frightening, and can lead to feelings that the world is less secure or somehow out of control. On top of that, experts promoting “social distancing” — or maintaining a bubble of personal space to help stop the spread of COVID-19 — feels threatening, at the very least, for the meetings and events world that thrives on face-… more
Mar 10, 2020
UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, released global numbers that reflect due to the spread of COVID-19 the impact that trade show postponements and cancellations are having for both the exhibiting companies, as well as for the trade show industry around the world.
“Globally, the fact that more than 500 trade shows have not taken place in recent weeks is creating an escalating ripple effect for whole industries,” said Kai Hattendorf, UFI managing director/CEO.
In the United States alone, with large trade shows such as The Inspired Home Show (est. 800,000+ net square… more
Mar 10, 2020
The events industry is filled with a lot of uncertainty right now due to the COVID-19 outbreak and subsequent event cancellations.
“I don’t think there’s a single event scheduled for the next 90 days that isn’t currently fielding concerns about coronavirus from attendees and stakeholders,” says Alex Plaxen, vice president, experience strategy for Nifty Method Marketing and Events.
Plaxen, who has been educating the events industry on crisis communications for the past two and a half years, stresses that if you have an event scheduled anytime in the coming months, you need to be… more
Mar 09, 2020
At Convening Leaders in January, PCMA announced a strategic partnership with CEMA. As one of their first joint projects, the two associations have planned a series of interactive webinars to educate the industry on the novel coronavirus, what to expect, how to prepare, and how to react.
“CEMA is proud to partner with PCMA to bring timely and actionable insights on COVID-19 to the event marketing community,” says CEMA President and CEO Kimberley Gishler.
She continues, “The PCMA webinars cover a range of useful topics from scientific fact, to risk management and contractual preparedness,… more
Mar 09, 2020
More than 2,200 event professionals attended the Events Industry Council live webinar, “COVID-19: Discussion of Critical Insurance and Legal Considerations for Event Professionals” webinar on Friday, March 6.
The webinar featured hospitality attorney Barbara Dunn, a partner in the Chicago office of Barnes & Thornburg LLP, and Tyra Warner, department chair of hospitality and tourism management at College of Coastal Georgia. Alisa Peters, senior global account manager for Experient, a Maritz Global Events Company and chair-elect of EIC’s CMP Governance Commission, facilitated.
EIC CEO… more
Mar 06, 2020
The following is an open letter dated March 5, 2020, from the leadership of the American Society of Association Executives; Destinations International; Events Industry Council; International Association of Exhibitions and Events; International Association of Venue Managers; Meeting Professionals International; PCMA; and the U.S. Travel Association.
We share the concern about the coronavirus and the questions this challenge presents. The health and wellbeing of the public is always paramount. The goal, of course, in any moment of public health concern is to be guided by expert information,… more
Mar 06, 2020
In the wake of sudden, severe storms that caused a series of devastating tornados to slam through Nashville and greater middle Tennessee in the early hours of March 3, the City of Nashville is starting to pick up the pieces. According to news reports, the storm claimed more than two dozen lives and caused extensive destruction to homes and businesses, with the East Nashville, Germantown and Donelson neighborhoods hit particularly hard.
But despite the extensive damage, Nashville’s resilient residents, including the Convention Center Authority, are already stepping up to help their community… more
Mar 06, 2020
The ASAE Board of Directors named Susan Robertson president and CEO of the organization on an 18-month engagement, which took effect this month. This decision comes about two months after the death of longtime ASAE president and CEO John H. Graham IV in January.
In her newly appointed position, Robertson will oversee all ASAE operations, including Centennial-related activities and a recent board-approved strategic planning process. She has served as interim president and CEO since June 2019, during Graham’s illness, and is the first woman to lead ASAE as president and CEO in its 100-year… more
Mar 05, 2020
Getting from one’s hotel to the Las Vegas Convention Center and back again has become a lot easier and cheaper for some trade show exhibitors and attendees. For the second time, the Las Vegas Monorail is offering unlimited rides for CONEXPO-CON/AGG & IFPE show participants via 3-day attendee and 7-day exhibitor passes embedded into every trade show badge. The triennial event is set to take place March 10 – 14.
This value-add not only makes riding the rail system more convenient for busy conventioneers, who simply scan their badges and go without having to line up at ticket kiosks or… 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.