News
Jul 17, 2019
Center for Exhibition Industry Research has released the third report in its Head of Marketing Insights Series, entitled Overcoming Non-Exhibitor Objections. The report provides insights and ideas for how B2B exhibition management and exhibit sales teams can not only overcome barriers when making the case for exhibiting at their trade shows, but also formulate strategies for gaining new exhibitors.
“Overcoming prospect objections is an ongoing challenge,” said Cathy Breden, CEO of CEIR. “This report identifies how to minimize objections through offering the right event content and deploying… more
Jul 16, 2019
Premium exhibitor profiles are a valuable tool within your event technology solution. Frankly, if your solution doesn’t offer an option for premium exhibitor profiles, it may be time to look for a new one. This is because your event may be missing out on thousands in unrecognized revenue from the sale of these digital add-ons.
First, what is a premium exhibitor profile? It is an upgraded profile for companies who are exhibiting at your event and it provides deeper insight than a traditional option. Your event may have a printed show program for their attendees. Within that show program,… more
Jul 16, 2019
IMEX America, IMEX’s worldwide exhibition for incentive travel, meetings and events, will be held Sept. 10–12 at the Sands Expo and Convention Center in Las Vegas. Now in its ninth year, IMEX America will bring together 4,000 buyers and 3,500 suppliers from across the events industry and around the world.
The IMEX Group’s aim is to unite and advance the meetings industry through education, innovation, and fostering connections and at its event, provides multiple opportunities for those interactions to happen.
Each year, IMEX America features an annual talking point that explores a single… more
Jul 11, 2019
Seattle is in the midst of a growth spurt. Population-wise, the city has made the top five fastest-growing U.S. cities list for the past several years. In the past two years, eight new hotels have added 2,200 rooms to the city’s downtown area alone, according to Visit Seattle. And the Washington State Convention Center’s expansion will continue to fuel the city’s growth, opening up opportunities for mid-size conventions that are too large for the existing space.
Workers broke ground on WSCC’s new multi-level convention building, The Summit, in August 2018. It’s expected to be completed by… more
Jul 11, 2019
While some industries tend to slow down in the summer, apparently the trade show industry hasn’t gotten the memo. A host of event organizers, vendors and venues have been busily forming new business partnerships and extending existing ones. Here are a few highlights:
U.S. B2B trade show operator Emerald Expositions has signed a deal with event research firm Explori to join the Explori research platform, which allows global event organizers, agencies and marketers to capture event audience feedback from any market in any language.
“Explori works with over 2,700 trade, consumer and corporate… more
Jul 10, 2019
Taking strides to make a positive difference in the world is becoming more and more common in the events industry now, with many venues, organizations and companies joining forces with national charitable efforts or creating their own CSR initiatives to help foster a more compassionate and inclusive society. Here are a few examples to be inspired by!
Javits Center Lights Up with Pride
New York City’s Javits Center recently celebrated its support for the LGBTQ+ community by participating in an inaugural five-borough rainbow lighting celebration to honor the queer community and the first… more
Jul 10, 2019
Event professionals are always on the go, and sometimes it can be challenging to keep up with industry news. While we are obviously in favor of news articles, it’s nice to have options. And for those times you’re on a plane, in a car, taking a walk or just needing a break from the computer screen, listening to a podcast can be a great way to learn.
Paris-based event app and matchmaking platform provider Swapcard is betting that there is a large audience of event professionals out there who would agree.
As the boundaries between business and consumer marketing continue to blur, podcasts… more
Jul 09, 2019
We’ve reported a lot recently on green convention centers, from LEED status to sustainability efforts in 2019. However, let’s not forget hotels, which are also doing their part to make meetings and conferences more eco-friendly. Take a look at some of the latest initiatives from hotels across North America and beyond.
The Setai, Miami Beach in Florida has partnered with Danish water company Iskilde to introduce completely compostable plant-based water bottles for guests. The hotel is the first in the U.S. to pioneer this product.
Demonstrating its commitment to protecting the natural… more
Jul 08, 2019
Nearly every organizer sends a post-event survey to its attendees and exhibitors. We want to capture their feelings about the event, but struggle to collect meaningful data and encourage survey completion. One of the most common mistakes is to request feedback on event details and logistics such as food, room temperatures, room block choices and more.
While this information can be insightful for the committee and your venue partners, the strategic value in planning for next year is minimal. Does the dislike of the crudité at the opening reception indicate overall satisfaction and desire to… more
Jul 08, 2019
Leave it to Las Vegas to introduce a fun new transportation option for groups. For many of us who live in metro areas, taking Uber or Lyft has become a weekly or even daily occurrence—so why not shake things up when you’re traveling for a conference?
The Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) of Southern Nevada has launched a new convenient rideshare option for groups of up to 11 riders arriving in the city for meetings and conventions.
Free from surge pricing (we’re looking at you, Uber) and with a limousine-like interior, the aptly named Trip to Strip is an on-demand rideshare service… 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.