News
Jul 25, 2019
Event groups searching for the right venue that can accommodate and welcome special-needs attendees need look no further than MGM Resorts International. The resort company, which maintains a culture and mission of inclusion, recently hosted the National Federation of the Blind’s annual convention July 7 at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. The property team underwent extensive preparation and training to ensure the event’s 3,284 attendees had an unforgettable experience.
As the oldest and largest nationwide organization of blind people, NFB had never taken its convention to Las… more
Jul 24, 2019
Imagine a potential attendee has landed on your homepage for the first time. They’re considering your show and possibly two others. They are immediately distracted by various pop-up ads, complicated hero sliders transitioning way too fast and an endless sea of content. Frustrated, the user gives your event one last chance by surveying the top navigation to check out registration pricing and speaker details — but sadly, these items are hidden beneath three layers of navigation and odd naming conventions.
This is a snapshot of what users may experience when it comes to event websites. We’ve… more
Jul 23, 2019
Revenue growth has slowed in the first half of 2019, compared with the same time period in 2018, according to UFI, the Global Association for the Exhibition Industry in its latest edition of its flagship Global Barometer research.
Even so, there still is an overall positive trend for the year in relation to revenue.
“Exhibitions mirror markets – therefore a slowdown in global economic growth also affects the exhibition industry, as this latest edition of our UFI Global Barometer shows,” said Kai Hattendorf, UFI managing director/CEO.
He added, “But the data also proves that exhibitions are… more
Jul 23, 2019
London-based Giant iTab — an event technology company that provides giant touchscreens, tablets and smartphones designed to enhance digital engagement at trade shows and events — is expanding its reach internationally with new partners in Cyprus, Greece, Japan, Scandinavia and South Africa.
These new partnerships encompass a range of AV rental companies, creative agencies and technology providers (including LedApp in Greece and Cyprus, Bright Giants in South Africa, Garnet in Japan and Multinet across Scandinavia) that are now offering Giant iTab Smartphones for their clients in their… more
Jul 23, 2019
With the goal of reshaping the food and beverage industry for meetings and conferences, New York Convention Center Operation Corporation (which operates Javits Center) has launched a new hospitality brand called Cultivated. Created in partnership with Levy Convention Centers and CxRA catering, Cultivated will design creative dining presentations and high-end catering for events, incorporating local ingredients from New York producers.
“We are thrilled to announce the launch of this new hospitality brand, Cultivated, which illustrates our strong connection to New York and our mission to host… more
Jul 22, 2019
AMR International, a global strategy consultancy specializing in events, has released a new white paper entitled, “The U.S. Exhibitions Industry: Developments and Opportunities for Organizers.”
The five-page report explores the industry’s performance, as well as the evolving needs of attendees and exhibitors.
Among the notable topics discussed in the white paper:
The U.S. exhibitions market remains attractive, with forecast growth continuing at 3.5 percent CAGR through 2022*
A 3-percent decline in attendee numbers across the sector in 2017* signals a timely warning to the market that… more
Jul 19, 2019
Greater Columbus Convention Center, managed by SMG, is now Certified Sensory Inclusive — the first convention in the convention center to earn this certification.
KultureCity, which issues the certification, is a non-profit organization based in Birmingham, Alabama, that works toward creating sensory-inclusive venues. It’s meant to assist individuals with sensory challenges, such as those with autism, dementia, PTSD and similar health concerns, navigate such venues often affected by excess noise.
Sensory-sensitive guests of the GCCC can now enjoy events in the venue, thanks to this effort… more
Jul 18, 2019
Connect Travel is gearing up to launch Connect THRIVE Summit, a global conference focused on community development through LGBTQ travel, sports and entertainment. Taking place Oct. 3-5 at Parc 55 hotel in San Francisco, the event is expected to attract more than 300 attendees, including representatives from destination marketing organizations; sports councils; sports planners; resorts and hotels; attractions; domestic and international tour operators and travel agents; sports rights holders; meeting planners; and media, marketers and brands.
According to Will Seccombe, president of Connect… more
Jul 18, 2019
Cloud-based association management software company MemberSuite, based in Atlanta, has acquired Event Farm, an event engagement software company with offices in Santa Monica, California, and Washington, D.C.
Event Farm’s event management and CMS platform will be integrated into MemberSuite’s AMS, giving event planners in the nonprofit world a new tool with double functionality. The company's extensive list of high-profile clients (it has provided services to 38 Fortune 100 businesses) was attractive to MemberSuite, as was its software that helps companies understand attendee engagement… more
Jul 17, 2019
To help draw attention to the serious issue of human trafficking, ECPAT-USA, part of ECPAT International — a global network working to eradicate sexual exploitation of children — is launching a new campaign called 20BY20.
The year-long initiative aims to train 20,000 business events professionals on what they can do to prevent and respond to human trafficking by July 2020. It officially kicks off on July 30, coinciding with World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, an awareness day designated by the United Nations.
Participation by the business events community is especially important, as… 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.