News

Apr 09, 2018
While some medical shows may come and go, there are others that have figured out that staying relevant, keeping ahead of trends and becoming invaluable to the audiences they serve is the secret recipe to sticking around for the long haul – in some cases, for well over a century.  Case in point is the United States and Canadian Academy of Pathology (USCAP) Annual Meeting, which celebrated its 107thedition March 17-23 at the Vancouver Convention Centre in Vancouver, Canada. Known the largest gathering of M.D. pathologists in the world, the annual conference and expo attracted more than 4,700… more
Apr 08, 2018
Predict: CEIR’s Annual Exhibition Industry Conference will be held Sept. 13-14 at the MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Md. This one of a kind executive-level, invitation-only conference looks to the future — three to five years out – bringing meaningful insights from experts outside the industry to align with trends occurring in the industry in an interactive and engaging format. This year’s keynote speaker, Dr. Lindsey Piegza, serves as Chief Economist for Stifel Fixed Income. She specializes in research and analysis of economic trends and activity, world economies, financial markets… more
Apr 08, 2018
Destinations International Chair Tammy Blount, FCDME and president and CEO of the Monterey County Convention and Visitors Bureau and President and CEO Don Welsh recently announced the schedule for the organization’s fall educational summits. “Destinations International is offering refreshed and new educational opportunities to provide critical learning, sharing of best practices, and network-building opportunities for every level of a destination organization,” Blount said. He added, “From board governance to visitor services and everything in between, every member of a destination team… more
Apr 08, 2018
ISA International Sign Expo 2018 closes with attendance topping 20,387 - making it the largest ISA Sign Expo in Orlando and one of the largest in ISA Sign Expo history. The showfloor also was the largest-ever footprint for the event.   “Significant weather issues throughout the country affected air travel, but attendees found a way to get here anyway,” said Lori Anderson, ISA president and CEO. She added, “And they came in a mood to buy. Exhibitors reported that sales were outstanding. This reinforces that ISA International Sign Expo is the only industry event connecting sign and print… more
Apr 06, 2018
Loyalty. It’s coveted in many industries and events are no exception. Loyal attendees are one of a trade show’s most important assets. Show organizers can use their enthusiasm to improve their events in numerous ways, increasing overall attendance among them. David Saef, executive vice president of strategy for GES, explained the importance of loyal attendees.  “They come every year, they know the event in their own way and they may know it better than the organizer,” Saef explained. “They’re willing to do anything for the organizer to help make the show successful.”  Leana Salamah,… more
Apr 05, 2018
The Vancouver Convention Center has been awarded the Canadian Association for Exposition Management’s (CAEM) 2018 Give Back Award, which recognizes a member organization that has made corporate social responsibility and giving back to its community an integral part of doing business.  “Through the Vancouver Convention Centre’s efforts in energy and sustainability as being the world’s first double LEED platinum certified facility to their contributions to their local community through charities such as United We Can, among many other efforts, the Vancouver Convention Centre is undoubtedly the… more
Apr 05, 2018
Glisser, producer of the Glisser presentation software, integrated audience response system and event analytics platform has launched Glisser LIVE, a new online tool that allows event planners to promote and host hybrid and virtual events. Hybrid events extend marketing and community reach beyond face-to-face interactions. Glisser LIVE delivers the ability for event planners to connect a virtual audience to a physical event. The new offering combines the company’s existing slide-sharing and audience response app with a live video feed and brandable web platform to engage remote attendees. … more
Apr 04, 2018
Clarion Events has acquired PennWell, a 108-year-old privately-held events and business-to-business media and marketing services company based in Tulsa, Okla. Clarion is owned by funds managed by Blackstone, a private equity firm with more than $400 billion in assets under management. "This deal delivers significant benefits for both companies," said Clarion's Executive Chairman Simon Kimble.   He added, "PennWell's roster of market-leading events strongly enhances Clarion's portfolio. Our global network and depth of resources will further strengthen PennWell's offerings, enhancing… more
Apr 03, 2018
The Reno-Sparks Convention & Visitors Authority (RSCVA) Board of Directors has appointed global entertainment and convention venue management company, SMG, to oversee operations at Reno-Sparks’ major convention and entertainment facilities.  The four-year operating agreement includes the RSCVA-owned Reno-Sparks Convention Center (RSCC), the state-owned Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center (RSLEC), as well as the Reno Events Center (REC) and the National Bowling Stadium (NBS), which are both owned by the City of Reno. “This is a great opportunity for the entire Reno Tahoe region and an… more
Apr 03, 2018
According to news just released by Forbes, private equity firm Blackstone reportedly is near an estimated $300 million deal to acquire PennWell. The deal will be made through Clarion Events, a large global trade show company with a fast-growing U.S. portfolio, which Blackstone bought last year. Calls and emails for comment to Clarion and Blackstone were not returned. According to Forbes, the prospective transaction was granted early termination of regulatory review March 16by the Federal Trade Commission under the Hart Scott Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act.  If this deal goes through,… 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.