News

Apr 16, 2019
Full-service audiovisual provider ON Services has opened a new operation in Phoenix to meet the needs of its growing business. The new office will serve as ON Services’ newest Western hub, providing a full array of AV services to live events and venues in Arizona, Nevada and California.  “Our new Phoenix operation brings increased inventory and support to the Western U.S. and will allow us to better serve our growing client base and to reach new clients in support of their events across the country,” said Randy Fyfe, general manager of ON Services, a GES company.  He added, “We look forward… more
Apr 15, 2019
Back in April 1970, the first-ever Earth Day was started as a way to protest the negative impacts of industrial development on the environment. Now, nearly 50 years later, Earth Day is a globally recognized event, with an estimated 1 billion people in 192 countries taking part in the world’s largest civic-focused day of action. Monday, April 22 this year is the official day of celebration, but anyone in the events and travel industry can take inspiration from these programs and events to keep a more planet-focused mindset year round. With that in mind, here’s a round-up of what hotels,… more
Apr 12, 2019
When websites and web tools are properly designed and coded, people with disabilities are able to use them. However, many sites and tools are developed with accessibility barriers that make them difficult or even impossible for individuals with special needs to use. World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) asserts that the web is fundamentally designed to work for all people, whatever their hardware, software, language, location, or ability. Helping to champion the effort to make its tools more accessible, CadmiumCD has updated Abstract Scorecard, its abstracts, awards and papers submissions and… more
Apr 11, 2019
The National Pork Producers Council’s board of directors canceled World Pork Expo 2019 out of an abundance of caution, as African swine fever (ASF) continues to spread in China and other parts of Asia. World Pork Expo, held each June at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines, hosts approximately 20,000 visitors during three days, including individuals and exhibitors from ASF-positive regions.  African swine fever affects only pigs and presents no human health or food safety risks. There is currently no vaccine to treat the swine disease. “While an evaluation by veterinarians and other… more
Apr 10, 2019
Once viewed as a luxury, high-speed wireless connectivity without restrictions is now an expectation of business professionals, particularly at hotels, conference and convention centers. With telecommunications infrastructure now considered an expected utility, large convention facilities are under increasing pressure to keep up with the latest in technology infrastructure, wireless solutions and security upgrades.  As a result, venues across the country have partnered with telecom companies such as Smart City Networks, known as the largest provider of telecommunications and technology in… more
Apr 10, 2019
Javits Center has expanded and extended its Javits Juniors Scholarship Program, designed to support the higher education of local high school students while encouraging them to seek ways of improving their community through public service and innovative thinking. Now in its second year, the program will award five $5,000 college scholarships to three students at Urban Assembly School of Design and Construction and two students at High School of Fashion Industries, both located on Manhattan’s West Side. “These scholarships have a tremendous impact on the future of these students, and we are… more
Apr 10, 2019
If we’re being honest, trade show managers don’t always conduct daily business with their exhibitors in mind. A recent webinar held by The Expo Group brought to light some ideas for improving lines of communication between these two groups, and one aspiration of note was building a show website that better suits the exhibitors’ needs. “Why don’t we get our software developers to think like an exhibitor?” That was a question posed by industry journalist Michael Hart, who led the webinar along with The Expo Group’s Dana Freker Doody. “There are a few things [exhibitors] need to know, such as… more
Apr 09, 2019
Denver native Lindsay Arell always knew she wanted to pursue a career helping the environment. A longtime ski bum with a passion for nature, it was her work in event production after college that began to shape what would become the main focus of her career: making the trade show, meetings and events industry a less wasteful and more sustainable one. This inspired path led Arell to become Colorado Convention Center’s first-ever sustainability coordinator, and eight years later, president of Honeycomb Strategies. In this role, she’s worked with some of the biggest names in sustainably minded… more
Apr 08, 2019
Each year, the Japan National Tourism Organization hosts “Meet Japan”, a sponsored trip that introduces international convention decision-makers to various destinations within the country. This year, the group consisted of approximately 30 association event planners and four event industry journalists. We were divided into groups of five or six, each of which were sent to two cities to conduct “study tours,” or site visits designed to showcase the unique character of the destination as well as its meeting facilities.   The tour I was part of included visits to Yokohoma and Matsue, as well… more
Apr 05, 2019
This year continues to be a bustling one for event companies forming new business partnerships and continuing existing ones. Global event solutions company MCI Group landed a multi-year contract with ANA Enterprise, which comprises the American Nurses Association, the American Nurses Credentialing Center and the American Nurses Foundation. MCI will provide full strategic event management services including conference management, exhibit sales and sponsorship management, abstract and speaker management, a unified registration and housing platform, marketing solutions and mobile apps,… 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.