News

Aug 28, 2018
Full-service event production company, Shepard, has launched a bold set of initiatives to reduce the 600,000 tons of garbage produced by the events industry each year.  Its ambitious efforts were recently recognized by the Sustainable Green Printing Partnership (SGP), which in May awarded Shepard with a certification for its sustainable printing practices – the first time an SGP certification has been awarded to a general services contractor.  A non-profit organization that certifies printing facilities’ sustainability best practices, SGP certifies printing facilities as part of its… more
Aug 27, 2018
Destinations International, Simpleview and IBTM Americas invite all destination organizations participating in IBTM Americas to attend DMOs Day, which will take place Sept. 3-4 in Mexico City, a few days before the main event. Destination organizations of all shapes and sizes are invited to attend this complimentary event to gain knowledge and discuss tools and tactics available for destination organization professionals to transform their businesses.  Throughout the program, attendees will learn database management, customer relationship management, sales tactics best practices and cutting… more
Aug 27, 2018
SmithBucklin, the association management and services company more organizations turn to than any other, is proud to introduce its proprietary association excellence program, SmithBucklin AXP℠. The program is designed to improve and ensure the ongoing success of the client organizations SmithBucklin serves. The result of 18 months of research, development, and testing, SmithBucklin AXP is a methodology and set of tools designed to enable governing boards, executive directors, and staff to have regular, meaningful, and focused conversations about priorities, progress, and opportunities for… more
Aug 27, 2018
EXHIBITOR magazine, the leader in trade show and corporate event marketing education, and the Healthcare Convention & Exhibitors Association (HCEA) have renewed their partnership to once again collocate HCEAInnovate during EXHIBITOR's annual EXHIBITORLIVE conference. HCEA will again provide an innovative educational and networking experience with HCEAInnovate.  HCEAInnovate will be held Feb. 24, 2019, to coincide with the opening day of EXHIBITORLIVE, the 31st Annual Professional Development Conference for Trade Show and Corporate Event Marketers, in Las Vegas. HCEA will also continue… more
Aug 27, 2018
Society of Independent Show Organizers (SISO) and Exposition Development Company (ExpoDevCo) have signed a three-year extension to the management agreement currently in place. The new agreement runs through the end of 2021. Services provided by ExpoDevCo include all Association staff, member services, and event management, with David Audrain serving as executive director. Audrain has served as executive director of SISO since the end of 2015 and also is CEO & partner of ExpoDevCo, a SISO Member and organizer of a dozen trade shows and conferences across multiple industries. “We are… more
Aug 25, 2018
Hiring didn’t slow down in the typically mellow month of August with several cities adding to their convention and visitors bureau ranks, as well as some service providers and show organizing companies. Rachel Thomas has joined the Specialty Graphic Imaging Association (SGIA) as the new Director of Exhibit Services, overseeing the SGIA Expo and upcoming PRINTING United trade show floors and managing exhibitors’ experiences. Thomas will handle communication and coordination related to the 2018 SGIA Expo — both prior to and during events — to make the show more engaging for both exhibitors… more
Aug 23, 2018
A grand total of 6,092 association professionals and industry partners converged Aug. 18-21 in Chicago for the 2018 ASAE Annual Meeting & Exposition, the highest attendance the annual industry event has attracted.  “This is our largest meeting ever!,” ASAE President and CEO John H. Graham IV told a packed room of journalists earlier this week. He added, “Probably the only place we could have a larger meeting was to have it in D.C, but that hasn’t happened in 25 years.” The 2007 event also was in Chicago when it scored its second highest attendance. Graham said the economic impact to… more
Aug 23, 2018
Production equipment and engineering support provider, VER, has emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy as a reorganized company via a merger with and under the leadership of global entertainment technology and services company, Production Resource Group (PRG). Led by PRG Chairman and CEO Jere Harris and controlled by The Jordan Company, GSO Capital Partners and PRG Management, the jointly owned companies create the largest entertainment equipment and services provider globally. As a global company that provides equipment to the film and TV industry as well as audio gear and engineering for the… more
Aug 22, 2018
Buyers and sellers traveled from as far away as Australia, South and Central America and Europe to convene at the 48thedition of OFFPRICE, the biannual trade show that serves the off-price retail industry. Held Aug. 11-14 at the Sands Expo & Convention Center in Las Vegas, the OFFPRICE Show takes place every August and February during Las Vegas Fashion Week and is known as the largest off-price show in the country, boasting more than 500 vendors and nearly 1,300 booths that attracts more than 12,000 buyers. According to OFFPRICE officials, the main topic of conversation buzzing around… more
Aug 21, 2018
Event success cloud solution, Bizzabo, has launched a next-generation agenda feature for conferences and events designed to help event organizers create attendee-facing agenda experiences that boost audience engagement, increase discoverability of sessions and speakers, and provide actionable insights for marketers to maximize event success. “In-person events have continued to scale at an increasing rate over the past year,” said Eran Ben-Shushan, co-founder and CEO of Bizzabo, which provides marketers with a modern suite of tools designed to create more impactful and rewarding events.  He… 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.