News

Aug 09, 2018
Detroit's Cobo Center continues to demonstrate its commitment to sustainability in the events industry by hosting the newly released Sustainable Event Professional Certificate (SEPC) training for employees and event professionals, set for Sept. 11-12.  To be led by the Events Industry Council, this will be the first training for this certificate program to be offered in the state of Michigan.  Combining active learning and experiential elements, the SEPC program is designed to enable participants to implement their own green events.  Topics will include understanding the business value of… more
Aug 09, 2018
The Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) has released its second and third fact sheets in its 2018 Attendee ROI Playbook series, a multiple fact sheet series that identifies general attendee practices and insights on differences by specific attendee categories. Released late last month, “Fact Sheet Two: B2B Exhibitions Top-Ranked for Value in Meeting Business Information & Purchasing Decision Needs” explores the range of sources that business professionals who attend B2B exhibitions relied upon to meet their business information and purchasing decision needs in comparison to… more
Aug 07, 2018
SISO, The Society of Independent Show Organizers, the largest association of the leading for-profit trade and consumer show organizers, unveiled the nominees for its sixth annual “Event Innovation Battlefield.” The nominees this year are Conference Pulse, Everthere, Lennd, Preview and qual.ai. The competition will take place Aug. 9 in front of an audience of for-profit show organizers and suppliers in the industry as part of its annual SISO Leadership Conference, on tap this year Aug. 7-9 in Orlando. The event attracts large and small trade and consumer show organizers who are interested… more
Aug 07, 2018
The Kentucky International Convention Center (KICC) opened its doors on Aug. 6 after a two-year renovation and expansion. The new build has increased KICC’s contiguous exhibit space by more than a third.  State and local government officials, along with KICC facility officials and staff, welcomed clients, local stakeholders and media to an open house that showcased the new facility and its capacity for events.  The program included comments from: David S. Beck, president and CEO of Kentucky Venues Don Parkinson, secretary of Kentucky’s Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet William M.… more
Aug 04, 2018
At its second run as the official event app for Project Anime, the annual conference for anime convention organizers, Allcal Events made yet another splash with attendees and show organizers alike. Held July 3-4 at the Westin Bonaventure in downtown Los Angeles, Project Anime precedes the popular Anime Expo, held annually at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Both events are run by the Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation (SPJA). “Project Anime is a B2B conference that bridges Anime Event Organizers with Japanese Pop Culture Industry Professionals to connect, network and support… more
Aug 04, 2018
LIGHTFAIR International, an largest annual architectural and commercial lighting tradeshow and conference, will continue its management contract with International Market Centers (IMC) following the merger between IMC and AmericasMart Atlanta (AMC).LIGHTFAIR International is co-owned by the International Association of Lighting Designers and the Illuminating Engineering Society. The event has been co-owned, produced and managed by AMC (now part of IMC), which has managed LIGHTFAIR International since 1989.“We are thrilled to partner with IALD and IES on the successful show they have built in… more
Aug 02, 2018
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events selected Don Pazour as its 2018 Legend of the Industry. He will be honored during this year’s Krakoff Leadership Institute (KLI) Aug. 5-6 at the Savannah International Trade & Convention Center in Savannah, Ga. The KLI Legend of the Industry is selected from IAEE members whose contributions, innovation and leadership have been truly unique and remarkable. An informal setting then allows each KLI participant face-to-face interaction with this industry leader. Don Pazour thrives on celebrating and supporting others’ success. He… more
Aug 01, 2018
Does the shirt you’re wearing right now keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter? Can it go many wears without washing and not stink? According to the organizers of a new U.S. trade show, very soon technology in everyday clothing will be the norm rather than the exception. On July 23-24, Reed Exhibitions, in partnership with PERFORMANCEDAYS, launched Functional Fabric Fair, held during MRKET Days at the Jacob K. Javits Center in New York City. PERFORMANCEDAYS has been held in Germany for the past 10 years and showcases functional technologies in fabrics. Historically, it has been… more
Jul 31, 2018
Experiential innovations, learnings, industry trends and new exhibitors will be on tap at IMEX America, the annual expo for incentive travel, meetings and events set for Oct. 16-18 at the Sands Expo and Convention Center at The Venetian| The Palazzo in Las Vegas. “With an expanded show floor, new exhibitors and numerous networking events, the opportunities to do business at IMEX America are second-to-none this year,” said Carina Bauer, CEO of the IMEX Group. She continued, “As always, we’re committed to putting on a great show – one that ignites fresh thinking, explores new trends and… more
Jul 30, 2018
The Association for Women in Events (AWE), a not for profit organization supporting gender equality and diversity in the event industry, has announced its 2018 inductees for the Women in Events Hall of Fame Recognition Program, hosted by the AWE Awards Committee. This Committee was formed with a vision to create an engaged group of elite industry professionals that exemplify AWE values and serve as an ongoing resource for inspiration, guidance and leadership. The Women in Events Hall of Fame recognizes the advancement of women in events by honoring women and men with a categorical award… 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.