News

Nov 26, 2019
Event organizers wanting to learn and leverage exhibition sponsorship practices can advantage of the B2B Exhibition Sponsorship Playbook series produced by Center for Exhibition Industry Research. Providing a comprehensive overview of B2B expo sponsorship practices in North America, the new five-part series compiles and compares organizer and exhibitor practices. It also includes industry benchmarks and insights on how stakeholders can refine their programs to enhance success. Unveiled on Oct. 28, Part One: What Organizers Offer Compared to What Exhibitors Buy takes a deep dive into the… more
Nov 25, 2019
Earlier this month, MGM Resorts International launched a standards-driven social impact program called “Focused on What Matters: People, Community and Planet” that outlines the company’s vision for a sustainable future through environmental and corporate social responsibility initiatives. Through its impact on various aspects of the company’s operations, the program will also make it easier for planners to create meetings and events that reflect the sustainability goals and corporate values of their organizations. The new program is in line with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals and… more
Nov 21, 2019
Every journey at Expo! Expo! is uniquely different, but what brings it all together is the continued drive to learn from one another and our passion to keep our shows flourishing. Expo! Expo! IAEE’s Annual Meeting & Exhibition provides attendees with a diverse marketplace to view and assess the tools needed to plan and manage successful trade shows and events for years to come. Here, IAEE spoke with Amy Durkin, CEM, CMP who shared the importance of connections made at Expo! Expo!. Tell us a little about yourself. What are your current responsibilities? My name is Amy Durkin and I am the… more
Nov 21, 2019
The International Association of Exhibitions and Eventshas added a new course to its CEM Learning Program titled Neuroscience of Exhibitions and Events. It will be offered May 13 during CEM Week in Baltimore, Md., next year and again Aug. 25 during CEM Week in Austin, Texas. The course will be taught by Janet Sperstad, CMP, program director for the Event Management Degree at Madison College. As an industry veteran and leader with more than 25 years of experience as an event professional, Sperstad has dedicated her career to defining the competencies and career pathways that articulate… more
Nov 21, 2019
Rich in history, tradition and culture, Scotland is an easy-to-reach, yet often new destination for meeting attendees. The number of direct flights from the U.S. east coast has grown significantly over the past several years, and many major European cities offer connections to Scotland’s five international airports.  There’s a lot more to the country than golf, Scotch whisky, bagpipes, sheep and haggis (a boiled Scottish dish made from sheep offal, onion, oatmeal and other ingredients), although all of those are plentiful. “Scotland offers historic cities, castles, distillery tasting… more
Nov 20, 2019
The forthcoming expansion of the Wynn Las Vegas convention center, set to be complete in February 2020, is getting more high tech. Cox Business announced this week that it will support the property with increased connectivity. When the expansion is complete, Wynn Las Vegas will have 300,000 new square feet of rentable space, offering a total of 560,000 square feet across four pillar-free ballrooms, 57 meeting rooms, a 20,000-sq.-ft. outdoor pavilion and a 20,000-sq.-ft. adjacent lawn. Cox Business has provided managed Wi-Fi services for the Wynn and Encore meeting and convention space since… more
Nov 19, 2019
As evidenced by its jam-packed schedule, this year’s Expo! Expo! IAEE’s Annual Meeting and Exhibition will have plenty in store for attendees to see, do and experience. Set for Dec. 3-5 at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, the annual “show for shows” for trade show professionals will once again feature a bustling expo alongside cutting-edge education, networking opportunities and special events over three action-packed days. This year, the event is expected to draw in more than 2,400 exhibition professionals and 275 exhibiting companies to a sold-out, 42,000-square-foot trade… more
Nov 18, 2019
Each year, Trade Show News Network compiles a list of the Top 250 Trade Shows ranked by net square footage in the United States. Submissions to be included on the 2019 list now are open, and the shows must have occurred in 2019 in the United States. The form to fill out is HERE, and the deadline is Feb. 21. TSNN is proud to present valuable data to the industry, which is based on in-depth information provided by show organizers about their events. The list on TSNN.com includes show name, link to show’s Web site, show dates and description, number of attendees, exhibitors, net square… more
Nov 18, 2019
MJBizCon already had snagged the fastest-growing net square footage for-profit show honor Saturday night at the 10th anniversary of the 2019 TSNN Awards, when Cassandra Farrington, CEO and co-founder of the cannabis-focused business event, was onstage once again accepting the TSNN Award for fastest-growing overall trade show for net square footage. “I totally get that we caught lightening in a bottle … this is a once in a lifetime show and industry,” Farrington said of the show that was a winner in the same category last year. The awards weekend was held Nov. 15-17 in Dallas, with the… more
Nov 18, 2019
Who hasn’t taken home some of those mini bottles of shampoo, conditioner, body wash and lotion often found in hotel room bathrooms? In the past, hotels have partnered with brands like Gilchrist and Soames, Bath and Body Works, and L’Occitane, providing coveted scents in a tiny-format sizes only available in guest rooms. But those days will soon be drawing to a close — and for a good cause. In an effort to incorporate more sustainable practices, major hotel chains including Intercontinental, Marriott and Hyatt are doing away with the pocket-sized amenities you’re used to seeing in hotel room… 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.