News

Mar 05, 2018
Last week, Mega Expo, formerly known as Kenfair, a Hong Kong-based exhibition organiser, reported its interim results for the six months ended on 31st December 2017. The company reported revenues of US$9.4 million, down by 20% year-on-year. However, Mega Expo posted a net profit of US$5.8 million in the six-month period, compared with a loss of US$1.5 million in the previous year. Earnings per share for the half year were HK$0.0328 (US$0.0042).   More than 75% of Mega Expo’s revenues were generated from its exhibition organising business, amounting US$7.1 million. This represents a decrease… more
Mar 02, 2018
If the positive 2017 full-year earnings reports for three large for-profit exhibition companies are any indication, then the industry is performing well, despite uncertain geo-political times in different regions around the world. U.K.-based Tarsus Group had record revenues last year, scoring £117 million ($161 million), compared with £86.9 million ($120 million) in the comparable year 2015, a 35-percent increase. In addition, like-for-like revenues saw an increase of 7 percent and adjusted profit before tax of £40.2 million ($55 million) was up 53 percent against 2015. "2017 was a… more
Mar 02, 2018
ViewPoint Interactive Solutions, creators of interactive touchscreen marketing and sales experiences, has formed a strategic relationship with Sacks Exhibits, a global provider of exhibits, events and show environments. Announced from the floor of EXHIBITORLive in Las Vegas on Feb. 26, the collaboration is intended to help marketers deliver more captivating live experiences by combining creative engagement with advanced technology designed to excite and educate prospects. “We had been looking to find a technology partner that could bring not only the most advanced touchscreen capabilities… more
Mar 01, 2018
Hotel room poachers may think again before ruffling the feathers of the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY) and its annual trade show and conference, the International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE). On Jan. 22, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia ordered Tarzango, an unaffiliated travel agency, to pay USPOULTRY $749,797.50 in damages and attorney’s fees for infringing upon the association’s valid and subsisting IPPE U.S. trademark registrations in the agency’s “deceptive advertising practices,” according to USPOULTRY. In 2017, Tarzango sent… more
Feb 28, 2018
After a temporary setback in the third quarter of 2017, the growth of the exhibition industry resumed during the fourth quarter, according to Fourth Quarter Index Results conducted by the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR). The performance of the industry, as measured by the CEIR Total Index, posted a strong year-on-year gain of 3.1 percent (see below). Figure 1: Quarterly CEIR Total Index for the Overall Exhibition Industry, Year-on-Year Growth, 2011Q1-2017Q4     Despite displaying somewhat greater volatility, exhibitions are keeping pace with the macroeconomy (see Figure 2… more
Feb 27, 2018
If you are considering taking your event to The Netherlands – most people likely would focus on Amsterdam, but there are two other affordable and easy-to-access cities to look at as well: Rotterdam and The Hague. “We think that Rotterdam is the new and exciting choice for event organizers, with the same level of service and quality that can be expected from all cities in the Netherlands as a destination country,” said Catherine Kalamidas, account manager for Rotterdam Partners Convention Bureau. She added, “The good thing is that the Netherlands is such a small country that you can actually… more
Feb 27, 2018
The San Diego Convention Center has selected ON Site, a division of ON Services, as its preferred provider of audio-visual services and its exclusive provider of production rigging and in-house sound. The contract will begin May 1. Owned by GES, ON Services is a leading provider of global live event audio visual services that include AV design, lighting, projection mapping and scenic design services. ON Site provides in-house audio-visual and technology services to convention centers, hotels and resorts across the U.S. The SDCC hosts conventions, trade shows and community events year-round… more
Feb 27, 2018
In its 47th year and held recently at the Sands Expo and Convention Center in Las Vegas, OFFPRICE drew in positive attendance who connected with 475 vendors, 49 of which were new to the show. There also was a strong international presence on the showfloor. “I had new business with a department chain based in Mexico, with almost 200 storefronts,” said Harry Nassib, OFFPRICE exhibitor. He added, “This show, in particular, helped build awareness for my company and put my merchandise in front of buyers who I may not have reached elsewhere.” Even with the hurricane hitting Puerto Rico late… more
Feb 26, 2018
When Kimberly Smith began as director of conferences and events at the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), she already thought she was doing her part to be environmentally conscious, both in her career and personal life. Two years into her role at “the best association” she has ever worked for in her 30-year career, Smith has not only learned the true meaning of producing an authentically green event but also how much power event planners truly have when it comes to pushing the events industry in a more sustainable direction. I had the chance to sit… more
Feb 26, 2018
ReedPOP, producer of games and pop culture live events, has expanded its business beyond event production for the first time by acquiring Gamer Network and its portfolio of events, websites and video channels. Home to popular editorial and community websites and YouTube channels, Gamer Network boasts well-known flagship brands including Eurogamer, RockPaperShotgun, GamesIndustry.biz, VG247, Outside Xbox, Digital Foundry and USgamer. Founded in 1999, the company also organizes EGX, the U.K.’s biggest games event, as well as indie games event, EGX Rezzed. By combining the two portfolios,… 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.