News
Jan 17, 2018
PCMA always has made a priority of providing top-notch education and thought-provoking keynote speakers for its annual Convening Leaders conference.
But this year, the annual event for convention management professionals outdid itself in choosing Bill Strickland, who closed out the event with his heartfelt speech, “Leadership, Self-Worth, and the Ability to Transform Lives.”
“All of our lives have purpose, and it’s up to each and every one of us to decide how we’re going to use it – to benefit ourselves or to reach out and help others,” said Craig Davis, president and CEO of Visit… more
Jan 17, 2018
The Professional Convention Management Association named Janet Tan-Collis, president of the Singapore Association of Convention and Exhibition Organizers and Suppliers (SACEOS) and CEO of East West Planners Singapore, Janet Tan-Collis, as the 2017 Chairman’s Award honoree.
Presented by Mary Pat Heftman, 2017 Chair of PCMA Board of Directors, the award was given at PCMA’s recent Convening Leaders event in Nashville and recognizes individuals or organizations for their unique achievements and contributions to the business events industry over the previous year.
Singaporean Tan-Collis has… more
Jan 16, 2018
After UBM’s stock price jumped considerably, news was released that the mega exhibition organizer is in talks to possibly merge with Informa, another mega exhibition organizer.
UBM released the following statement:
“Further to the recent UBM share price movement, the Boards of UBM and Informa confirm that they are in discussions regarding a potential combination of the two companies, to be effected by way of an acquisition of the entire issued and to be issued share capital of UBM by Informa for shares and cash consideration (the "Potential Combination"). UBM and Informa are in preliminary… more
Jan 16, 2018
Despite the slight hiccup of a power blackout at the show, CES, the world’s largest consumer technology event, set a new size record this year with a 2.75 million net square foot expo floor featuring 3,900 exhibitors.
Held Jan. 9-12 at the Las Vegas Convention Center and venues throughout the city, the 51st annual event for the global tech industry attracted more than 175,000 attendees from 150 countries.
In 2017, CES spanned 2.6 million net square feet, with its attendance and exhibitor numbers on par with this year.
Touted as a gathering of the world’s greatest innovators, the show… more
Jan 16, 2018
Event Transportation Systems, a shuttle transportation management company for corporate and association meetings, conferences and conventions, has released its latest web-based versions of the ETS-Next-Shuttle app and ETS-Shuttle-Tracker transportation management software.
These next-generation transportation management and monitoring tools, which use proprietary GPS-enabled technology, were unveiled Jan. 8 at the PCMA’s annual Convening Leaders conference in Nashville.
“We created these technology tools because the modern meeting planner needs instant access to information and the modern… more
Jan 12, 2018
It looks to be a banner year for Informa Exhibitions in 2017, with the division of U.K.-based Informa having reported 9 percent growth for the first 10 months of last year. The company’s 2017 full-year results will be released Feb. 28.
Charlie McCurdy, CEO of Informa Exhibitions, said the growth was coming from several of the company’s largest trade shows, such as Natural Products Expos East and West and the China Beauty Show, which grew 5 percent, to name a few.
“Big shows are doing very well,” he added.
The company boasts more than 30 large shows in its global portfolio and, according… more
Jan 12, 2018
The Javits Center has officially launched Jake, a new online portal designed to improve the customer experience by simplifying the ordering process of products and services for upcoming events at the convention center.
Featured on the Center’s redesigned and revamped website, and only available to exhibitors at this time, the new system allows customers to order more than 200 products and services, from electrical and cleaning services to audio equipment and lighting fixtures.
In addition, Jake enables users to:
Obtain price quotes for anticipated services
Review costs before placing… more
Jan 12, 2018
Global event and exhibit company MC2 has expanded its operations with the debut of a new office in Lewisville, Texas. Located in the DFW Metroplex, the new location is the company’s first in the Lone Star State.
Opened to support the company’s growth and clients in the technology and automotive industries as well as to be the home for the company’s Consumer Events division, the new 35,000 square foot facility was custom built for exhibit, event and permanent installation projects, and includes sales and account management services as well as warehouse and shipping facilities.
According to… more
Jan 11, 2018
Houston First Corporation and CBS-affiliated television station, KHOU 11, have formed a partnership to deliver the first network satellite studio in downtown Houston.
The new studio will be located along the city’s expanding entertainment district, Avenida Houston, with construction expected to begin in the next few months and slated for completion in late summer, according to Houston First officials.
“Since the development of Avenida Houston, we have witnessed downtown transform into a local destination,” said Dawn Ullrich, president and CEO of Houston First Corporation, which manages the… more
Jan 10, 2018
The Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland and the Global Center for Health Innovation recently has completed two significant facility upgrades geared toward improving energy efficiency and enhancing its exhibitor services.
Late last year, the facility replaced 140 metal-halide light bulbs in its truck loading dock with LED technology bulbs as well as installed a permanent pneumatic air distribution system (compressed air) in the utilidor beneath the exhibit hall floor.
“These facility upgrades were aimed at increasing energy efficiency and lowering operating costs, providing a valuable… 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.