News

Jun 22, 2017
Trade Show News Network has selected the five finalists for our 2017 TSNN “Best of Show” awards. We asked show organizers to tell us why they believed their show was “best,” and the shows listed below are ones that we believe exemplify true innovation in the trade show industry. Now, we need all of YOU to vote for the show that you think deserves to be named the Best of Show. The overall winner will be announced at the TSNN Awards, which honors the top 50 fastest-growing U.S. trade shows and is set for Aug. 21-23 in New Orleans. The deadline to vote is July 21. Here are the five amazing shows… more
Jun 21, 2017
Trade Show News Network (TSNN) has named 20-year trade show industry leader Sandy Voss, vice president of Informa Exhibitions, as the 2017 TSNN Awards Industry Icon Honoree. Voss will be celebrated at the 2017 TSNN Awards celebration (www.T-awards.com), which is on tap Aug. 21-23 in New Orleans and collocated with Connect Expo. “Sandy is a consummate trade show professional with incredible depth of knowledge and experience, but what truly sets her apart is her passion and drive, combined with an amazing work ethic; all achieved under a banner of humility,” said Fred Linder, president, Health… more
Jun 20, 2017
Maryland-based event management and marketing solution provider, a2z, Inc., has partnered with the Association of Government Accountants to offer its award-winning ChirpE Premium mobile app solution at all AGA chapter events. This initiative will enable AGA members attending chapter education and leadership conferences to leverage a fully-functional, state-of-the-art mobile app solution to maximize their event experience. “We are excited and honored to be AGA’s chosen partner for providing a fully-integrated mobile app technology to its chapter members across the globe,” said Rajiv Jain,… more
Jun 20, 2017
Hiring and promoting was fast and furious during the past month, with several trade show companies growing their company rosters. Ungerboeck, an event and venue management technology company, added Eric Kaser to the company’s executive leadership team. As vice president of sales, Americas, Kaser will lead sales strategy and execution from company headquarters in St. Louis, Missouri. “Eric is a powerful addition to the Ungerboeck team,” said Ungerboeck CEO, Manish Chandak. “He has a proven track record of success in software sales and sales leadership that is going to be instrumental in… more
Jun 19, 2017
A fifth new trade show will collocate with United FreshMKT Expo, United FreshTEC Expo, International Floriculture Expo and Global Cold Chain Expo in June 2018 at McCormick Place in Chicago. Dedicated to the exploding category of healthy foods, SmartFood Expo is designed to provide retail and foodservice buyers with a one-stop shop for learning about the newest products, trends and opportunities to increase their share of the “better-for-you-foods” business. Launched by the United Fresh Produce Association, EnsembleIQ and Progressive Grocer, the new expo will feature a wide variety of consumer… more
Jun 16, 2017
Detroit’s Cobo Center is working to stay ahead of the event technology curve by investing an additional $2 million in a network upgrade to support its 10-gigabyte (Gb) broadband offering.  The work includes the installation of 60 intermediate distribution frames (IDF) throughout the convention center that will reinforce and enhance the 10Gb broadband network now offered to Cobo Center customers.  “We are creating a network that will accommodate the largest technology power-using events in the industry,” said Claude Molinari, general manager of the Cobo Center, the… more
Jun 15, 2017
Two major trade show producers recently have added specialty conventions to their extensive event portfolios. Reed Exhibitions acquired the Tiny House & Simple Living Jamboree, a consumer event focused on the growing tiny house movement. The event will collaborate with the National Tiny House Jamboree to host the world’s largest tiny house and simple living consumer convention, set for Oct. 27-29 at the Arlington Convention Center in Arlington, Texas. Founded in 2015, the Tiny House & Simple Living Jamboree grew to attract more than 50,000 attendees in just its second year, while the… more
Jun 13, 2017
The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority’s Board of Directors gave final approval for the $1.4 billion expansion and renovation of the Las Vegas Convention Center, paving the way for 600,000 new square feet of meeting space. “Today marks a monumental occasion for not only the LVCVA, but also the entire destination,” said Rossi Ralenkotter, LVCVA President and CEO. He added, “We commend the foresight of our community and state leaders for recognizing the importance of the LVCCD and we are eager to get to work! We will ensure that the LVCVA continues to provide the world-class… more
Jun 13, 2017
At the 2017 Licensing Expo, held May 23-25 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, the power of the brand story was evident to the more than 16,000 attendees and 406 exhibiting companies, including 185 new exhibitors. The overall focus of the licensing industry is to help brands expand into new businesses, with licensing providing the necessary brand exposure in these new categories. Visitors at the event were greeted by bright primary colors and an abundance of mascots and costumed characters. According to Jessica Blue, senior vice president of UBM Americas, the first Licensing… more
Jun 13, 2017
The Cincinnati USA Convention & Visitors Bureau recently was honored with an American Marketing Association Cincinnati Pinnacle Award for its Cincinnati Virtual Reality Experience. The AMA’s “Best Use of Technology for SALES Enablement” award recognizes the innovative use of technology for driving sales initiatives, asset creation, relationship development, and conference and trade show participation. Launched in 2016, the Cincinnati USA Virtual Reality Experience provides a motion-focused, guided tour through Cincinnati that showcases some of the city’s top… 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.