News

Jun 21, 2018
PSAV, a global leader in event experiences, entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by private equity and real estate funds affiliated with Blackstone from affiliates of Goldman Sachs and Olympus Partners. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. “We are very excited to partner with Blackstone, one of the world’s preeminent investors in the hotel, tradeshow, travel and leisure, and business services sectors, to support the next phase of PSAV’s growth,” said Mike McIlwain, president and CEO of PSAV. He added, “Blackstone is an ideal partner who is highly supportive of our… more
Jun 21, 2018
The Italian Exhibition Group (IEG) has joined forces with Emerald Expositions (EEX) in a partnership intended to strengthen the presentation of Italian jewelry manufacturers in the U.S. market at EEX events, including COUTURE and the soon-to-be-launched PREMIER. Both events are set to place during Jewelry Market Week, which runs late May through early June in Las Vegas. The agreement is part of IEG’s long-term strategy to broaden its foothold in the U.S., which represents more than 43 percent of the world’s total trade show market.  “For the Italian Exhibition Group, this new partnership… more
Jun 21, 2018
Healthy Food Expo, a series of trade shows that brings together the leading purveyors of healthy, natural and organic products has partnered with the Green Restaurant Association, which has signed on as a participating organization.  The Healthy Food Expo is set to take place Aug. 19-21 alongside the Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo and Coffee Fest at the Los Angeles Convention Center, and Sept. 6-8 with the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Show at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando.  The event will also debut March 3-5 in New York City, where it will collocate with… more
Jun 21, 2018
Video creation, management and streaming solutions provider, Sonic Foundry, has launched Mediasite Connect, a secure online YouTube-type portal designed to provide everything event marketers need for a successful online event experience, including e-commerce tools, live chat, registration and social streaming. Designed to be an out-of-the-box, one-stop-shop solution, Mediasite Connect’s secure online portal allows remote event attendees to register, pay for, watch, engage with and share video content with ease.  “Using streaming video to engage in-person and remote attendees is important,… more
Jun 21, 2018
Oklahoma City is gearing up to welcome a brand new convention center. On June 15, officials from the Oklahoma City Convention & Visitors Bureau (OKC CVB), local civic leaders and other dignitaries gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking for the $288 million Oklahoma City Convention Center, which will open debt-free in 2020. “This is a great day for Oklahoma City,” said Mike Carrier, OKC CVB president. “This totally new convention center marks a significant milestone in OKC’s commitment to the meetings and convention industry.” Designed by the architecture and design firms of Populous… more
Jun 20, 2018
It’s been a busy year so far for Marketplace Events, which been actively acquiring even more home and garden shows to add to its already extensive consumer event portfolio, including its most recent purchase of the Minnesota Home & Patio Show from Cenaiko Productions. The four-day show, which celebrates its 40thanniversary in 2019, runs annually in February at the Saint Paul RiverCentre in St. Paul, Minn.   Marketplace Events already operates four other shows in the Minneapolis/St. Paul market including two holiday shows and two other home shows. “Of the 32 markets in which we operate… more
Jun 19, 2018
With the help of 3D printers and laser cutters, MakeLab takes the ordinary and turns it into the extraordinary. The Toronto-based company sends its staff around the world, providing cutting-edge, interactive event experiences that leverage the power of technology. The studio has executed custom interactives for companies across a number of market segments, including automotive, cosmetics, technology and creative agencies.  “We have not seen any industry that isn't interested in these kinds of things,” said Jonathan Moneta, MakeLab founder and creative director.  MakeLab’s tech activations… more
Jun 19, 2018
The 2019 International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) appears to already be breaking its own showfloor records eight months prior to the event.  The annual feed, meat, egg and poultry trade show, which is scheduled for Feb. 12-14 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, has already surpassed 560,000 square feet of exhibit space while securing more than 1,100 exhibitors booking up 92 percent of the expo floor. The 2018 edition of IPPE attracted 30,678 attendees and 1,218 exhibitors spanning more than 521,000 square feet of expo space.  “We are pleased that our decision to… more
Jun 17, 2018
UBM Sinoexpo, a subsidiary of UBM plc, acquired 70 percent economic interest in the Shanghai International Franchise Exhibition ("SFE") organised by Shanghai Exhibition-Conference Ltd (SEC). Organised twice a year since 2005, SFE is one of the largest franchising events in China hosting 221 exhibitors with more than 450 brands and 50,261 visitors in the spring 2018 edition.   SFE's exhibitors are mainly in the food, beverage and retail sectors, which is reflective of the trends in the Chinese franchise market today.  Every year investors, potential franchisees, distributors, agents,… more
Jun 17, 2018
The inaugural edition of SILMO Bangkok, an optical and eyewear exhibition targeting the ASEAN region, will be held at IMPACT Exhibition & Convention Center running from 20th to 22nd June 2018. SILMO Bangkok will be organised by IMPACT Exhibition Management Company and it is expected that approximately 250 brands to be showcased at the show. Organiser is also expecting more than 4,000 trade visitors during the three-day event. The theme of the exhibition will be “Business Meets Fashion”. The show will feature new collections and the latest optical technologies and solutions for the… 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.