News
Sep 09, 2019
IACC and the Society for Hospitality and Foodservice Management have released a combined research project, “Trends in the Meeting Venue Industry,” which provides insights and predictions on the U.S. conference venues market from a venue perspective.
The report is available in two versions, one that focuses on residential conference venues (venues that offer guest rooms as well as meeting facilities) and the other on non-residential.
Both versions utilize full year 2018 operating data collected from 69 IACC and SHFM member venues in the U.S. and explore a variety of elements including… more
Sep 06, 2019
After a few months of weekly street protests in Hong Kong that impacted the airport for a few days and caused street closures, the city’s exhibition industry forged ahead with several major shows opening recently.
The Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre welcomed hundreds of thousands of exhibitors and buyers from all over the world to five trade fairs in the past two weeks, signifying the beginning of the annual trade fair season.
The first was Asia Adult Expo held Aug. 27-29, followed by four co-locating international trade fairs Sept. 3-7, namely HKTDC Hong Kong Watch & Clock… more
Sep 06, 2019
Ricky Kalmon isn’t your everyday motivational speaker. A mindset expert, celebrity hypnotist and motivational speaker by trade, Kalmon works to engage and inspire event groups through his customized entertainment and keynote program that blends hypnosis with high-energy mindset coaching. CEN/TSNN sat down with Kalmon to find out how a positive mental attitude can not only help us become healthier, happier and less stressed, but also more successful in our personal and professional lives.
How did you get into hypnotism?
I grew up in the entertainment business and was a child magician. I… more
Sep 05, 2019
New York, San Francisco and Chicago top the list of the best North American cities for events in 2020, according to a new ranking released by CWT M&E, the global meetings and events division of CWT.
The list was created based on CWT’s volume of business and booking trends, including a combination of requested cities, awarded RFPs and business value.
Each of the three top cities moved up in the ranking from last year, and several cities were brand new to the list, including Atlanta, Toronto and San Diego (which took the No. 4, 5 and 6 spots, respectively). The No. 1 ranked city for 2019… more
Sep 04, 2019
Fonteva Mobile Powered by Guidebook, a new partnership between mobile app building platform Guidebook and Fonteva, a provider of association and events management software, allows associations to create and manage their own custom event apps.
According to Jerry Huskins, CEO of Fonteva, associations increasingly rely on mobile apps in communicating and engaging with members. Creating a valuable mobile experience is not only a highly effective way to connect with members but also improve renewal rates and increase sponsor revenues.
The partnership provides an immediate benefit to Fonteva’s… more
Sep 04, 2019
Detroit’s Cobo Center has been officially renamed TCF Center. The new name follows a 22-year naming rights partnership between TCF National Bank, a subsidiary of TCF Financial Corporation, and the Detroit Regional Convention Facility Authority.
DRCFA awarded naming rights to Chemical Bank — now a division of TCF Bank following its successful merger of equals on Aug.1 that transformed the two companies into TCF Financial Corporation — earlier this year following a competitive process.
The new name and signage were revealed on Aug. 27 by TCF Executive Chairman Gary Torgow, TCF President and… more
Sep 03, 2019
As Hurricane Dorian ambles its way toward the Southeastern United States, it’s wreaking more havoc on conferences and conventions. Show organizers are taking precautions to protect the safety of those traveling to events — as well as the teams helping to execute them locally — by canceling or postponing those scheduled this week.
In Orlando, Surf Expo and Imprinted Sportswear Show, both slated to take place Sept. 5-7 at Orange County Convention Center, have been canceled. Hotel reservations will be automatically cancelled (with no fees incurred) and attendees were notified via email.
“We… more
Aug 29, 2019
Hurricane Dorian whipped through Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands yesterday, bringing heavy rains and high winds. As a Category 1 storm, it spared much of the main island of Puerto Rico from extensive damage, though islands off the eastern coast were hit harder.
Dorian will continue on its path heading toward the coast of Florida over the weekend through Tuesday. Forecasters are predicting it may grow into a Category 4 hurricane as it moves through warm waters.
With Labor Day weekend upon us, it’s a relatively slow time for meetings and conventions, CVBs report. While poor for business,… more
Aug 29, 2019
The summer months have been anything but slow and leisurely when it comes to CSR activities in the trade show industry. Here’s a roundup of event companies, associations and venues that have beat the heat by giving back to those who need it most.
Las Vegas Market Raises Thousands to Fight AIDS
Las Vegas Market at World Market Center held another successful Up On the RoofGift for Life fundraiser that generated $16,000 for Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS.
At the ninth annual event, which took place July 29 during the Summer 2019 Las Vegas Market, a record crowd of approximately… more
Aug 28, 2019
Aria AV, a national full-service audiovisual company, launched a new Las Vegas warehouse earlier this month. Located at 4460 West Reno, the facility is near many of the city’s major event venues. In addition to its full range of AV equipment—including products like Be Matrix LED tiles, Samsung monitors and touchscreens, and Apple technology—Aria has debuted new items like quick-set kiosks, counters and chairs for events.
“For the last eight years, we have been traveling frequently to Las Vegas for events. Our enhanced production facilities in Vegas will allow us to further our goal [of… 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.