News

May 15, 2018
Fiscal year 2018 has been a successful one for Cobo Center’s technology services, which experienced a 58 percent jump in revenue compared to 2017. According to Claude Molinari, general manager of SMG/Cobo Center, this positive uptick comes alongside the fact that the facility’s WiFi remains free to visitors and events as a sales incentive. “Facility-wide free WiFi in Cobo Center differentiates us in the market and has been free of charge since the installation of the original network in 1997,” Molinari explained. “The current 4G WiFi network and can handle 30,000 simultaneous users,… more
May 15, 2018
As part of its contribution to the campaign to fight the global crime of human trafficking, MGM Resorts International recently awarded $250,000 to the McCain Institute for International Leadership at Arizona State University. Founded in 2012 and inspired by the public service of Senator John McCain and his family, the nonpartisan think tank will use the gift to fund several initiatives designed to aid the vulnerable population of homeless youth and provide prevention measures.  “We are so grateful for the support of MGM Resorts International,” said Cindy H. McCain, who serves on McCain… more
May 13, 2018
According to the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), there were a record number of 12,558 rotating international association events in 2017. That is 346 more than the figure recorded in 2016. The top three ranked countries in 2017 were the same as last year: the U.S. (941 meetings), Germany (682 meetings) and the U.K. (592 meetings). In Asia, Japan hosted 414 meetings in 2017 and ranked the first in the region. The other country in Asia to rank in the global top 10 is China, which hosted 376 meeting last year and ranked 8th worldwide. The only other Asian markets to… more
May 11, 2018
SmartSource Computer & Audio Visual Rentals, providers of computer, audio-visual (AV) and technology solutions for businesses and events, has added two new products to its event technology line-up for associations, trade shows, exhibit builders, conference planners and marketers. Combining a full-HD image quality, LED-backlit LCD and a stylish, thin profile, the Sharp PN-LE601 Commercial Display LED Monitor has a built-in digital tuner and leading-edge picture technology that helps deliver amazing detail and consistent color (i.e., display colors of 1.07 billion).  The 60” monitor… more
May 10, 2018
GES recently reported its first-quarter 2018 earnings results in which revenues dropped 15.8 percent from $318 million in 2017 to $268 million during the same period this year. Steve Moster, GES’ parent company – Viad - president and CEO, said, “GES delivered solid results, with continued same-show growth that partially offset significant negative show rotation. We remain focused on driving in-sourcing benefits and pursuing additional cross-sell opportunities from our ON Services audio-visual production business and capturing additional share in the corporate event space.” He added, “I… more
May 10, 2018
The Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo, Healthy Food Expo West and Coffee Fest Los Angeles are gearing up to take place alongside each other Aug. 19-21 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.   According to Clarion UX officials, one registration will give industry professionals access to all three trade shows and conferences for the restaurant, foodservice and hospitality industries.  “We are thrilled to be bringing three leading events together for the first time so buyers looking for new products and services for their foodservice establishments can find everything under one roof,”… more
May 09, 2018
The American Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (ASBMT) selected SmithBucklin, the association management and services company more organizations turn to than any other, to provide full-service association management. ASBMT will continue to be headquartered in the Chicago area, but will move to the SmithBucklin office effective April 2. ASBMT is a professional society dedicated to advancing the science and clinical care for patients who require blood and marrow transplants or other cellular therapies for blood cancers and other deadly diseases. Since its establishment in 1993,… more
May 09, 2018
The Healthcare Convention & Exhibitors Association’s keynote speaker for the opening session of HCEAConnect, the association’s annual educational and networking event, Aug. 12-14, 2018 in Baltimore, will be Ben Roth. He will kick off HCEAConnect with “A Hu-Machine Revolution – The Next Era of Modern Marketing”. A Hu-Machine Revolution – The Next Era of Modern Marketing will dive into the discovery of modern marketing, highlighting key factors, common pressures and unique opportunities communities can anticipate facing – inside and beyond the healthcare industry, and relative to… more
May 09, 2018
Messe Düsseldorf will participate in the AACC Clinical Lab Expo 2018 in order to promote its “MEDICAlliance” program of regional and international medical trade fairs organized around the globe.  At AACC booth 1742, visitor and exhibitor information for MEDICA 2018, World Forum for Medicine, and COMPAMED 2018, High tech solutions for medical technology (held currently from Nov. 12 - 15, 2018 in Düsseldorf, Germany), MEDICAL FAIR ASIA 2018 and MEDICAL MANUFACTURING ASIA 2018 (scheduled concurrently from Aug. 29 – 31, 2018 in Singapore), Expo Hospital 2018 (Aug. 29 – 31, 2018 in Santiago,… more
May 09, 2018
The Association of Equipment Manufacturers’ Megan Tanel has been named the 2018 TSNN Awards Industry Icon Honoree and will be celebrated at an awards gala held during the Aug. 10-12 weekend in Louisville, Ky. “I am beyond humbled to be receiving the TSNN Industry Icon Award,” Tanel said. She added, “I look to each day to continue to learn more about myself and how I can continue to improve and be relevant while advocating for my members, our services and events in general. I am thankful for the opportunities I've had and continue to have at work and at home.” Tanel has more than 20 years… 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.