News

Nov 12, 2017
Three teams of Clark County (Nev.) student entrepreneurs earned the opportunity to pitch their business ideas at CES 2018 - owned and produced by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) - Jan. 9-12 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The teenagers are part of the CTA Future Innovators program - established by CTA and EVERFI in 2015 - which teaches students how to apply math and creative skills to think entrepreneurially about business. During a recent semi-final round, 17 teams of students pitched their business plans to four judges: Cindy Hoag, senior director, CTA; Helena Lagos,… more
Nov 12, 2017
The PCMA Education Foundation Leadership Committee reviewed an extraordinary group of candidates for the 2018 Board of Trustees. Following committee deliberations and approval by the current Board of Trustees, the slate was deemed elected. Officers and Trustees will immediately take office Jan. 11 following the PCMA annual meeting, Convening Leaders in Nashville, Tenn. 2017 SLATE OF TRUSTEES Chair: David G. Peckinpaugh, CMP President Maritz Travel Company Term: 2018 Chair-Elect: Carol McGury, MPS Executive Vice President, Events and Education Services SmithBucklin Corporation Term:… more
Nov 12, 2017
As the total amount of exhibition space available around the world continues to grow, exhibition organizers have a more and more diverse choice of venues available in their target markets. Data released by UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, shows that the number of venues offering more than 100,000 square meters (1.1 million square feet) of gross indoor exhibition space is the fastest growing segment, while the number of venues offering at least 5,000 square meters (53,000 square feet) of gross exhibition space also continues to grow. “We are pleased to see that in… more
Nov 10, 2017
Leaders representing the meetings, travel and hospitality sectors gathered Oct. 10 during IMEX America at the Sands Expo & Convention Center to support #VegasStrong, the hashtag that represents the resiliency of Las Vegas after a mass shooting occurred at the Route 91 Harvest Festival 10 days earlier. The Sands Showroom was packed for the press conference with individuals from the Las Vegas hospitality community, as well as media and executives from industry associations, including IAEE, SISO and ASAE. A video played first with an Andre Agassi voiceover asking “What Is Strength” and… more
Nov 09, 2017
With an NFC-enabled mobile app, attendees can check into an event or individual sessions, swap contact details or collect content, all by using their own smartphones. While Android phones have offered access to NFC capability for some time, it’s taken longer for the iPhone to catch up, with Apple announcing earlier this year that the existing NFC capability on the iPhone (currently used primarily for Apple Pay) was being opened-up to third-party app developers in the iOS 11 update. Since then, Noodle Live has been working to integrate this new functionality into their Android and iPhone… more
Nov 09, 2017
This article is the first in a series that we will be running throughout the holiday season shining a bright, well-deserved spotlight on companies that are #GivingBack. Is your company #GivingBack? Tweet us using the #GivingBack hashtag to @TSNN_com_us and we’ll feature what your company is doing to help make the world a better place! Several event, exhibit and airline companies are doing their part to give of their time and energy in an effort to help build a kinder and more equitable world. Last month, representatives from three SMG-managed convention centers teamed up with a dozen… more
Nov 09, 2017
The Cincinnati USA Convention & Visitors Bureau has created a new multicultural sales team to help build on its success in attracting multicultural meetings and conventions to the region. The move, which is a strategic allocation of CVB resources to attract and win more diverse business, comes in response to industry trends and changing national demographics indicating strong and continuing growth in the multicultural sector of the tourism and hospitality industry in the coming years. “We are committed to making Cincinnati the most welcoming city in America,” said Mike Laatsch, COO of… more
Nov 08, 2017
Four event technology companies have teamed up to create EventTechHub, a collaborative initiative featuring fully integrated digital solutions designed to make event planning more efficient, increase attendee engagement and grow event revenue opportunities. EventTechHub brings together Eventinterface, an event management platform; Piitchr, which directly connects speakers with planners; Tap To Speak, a web-based tool that enables live audiences to communicate with speakers in real-time, and Zenus, a facial recognition solution for fast and secure event check-in. “Event and meeting planners… more
Nov 08, 2017
The Vancouver Convention Centre has set a new bar in the event sustainability realm. Last month, the already greener-than-green convention center’s West building was awarded LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum certification (version 4) for Existing Buildings: Operations and Maintenance by the Canada Green Building Council. Coupled with its 2010 LEED Platinum certification for New Construction, the VCC now owns the bragging rights for being the only double LEED Platinum convention center in the world. “While the Vancouver Convention Centre was built to the highest… more
Nov 07, 2017
The fall kicked off with a flurry of new hires across a variety of trade show sectors, including show organizing companies, display and contractor companies and convention and visitor bureaus. Clarion UX (formerly Urban Expositions) named Desiree Hanson vice president of Fashion Events overseeing the Womenswear in Nevada (WWIN) portfolio. She reports to UX CEO, Greg Topalian.In her new role, Hanson will oversee all sales, marketing and management functions for the semi-annual WWIN womenswear apparel trade show held at the Rio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. She also will work closely… 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.