News

Feb 15, 2017
With winter almost over and springtime right around the corner, several suppliers to the trade show industry recently snagged new clients or re-signed existing ones. The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) has selected Convention Data Services (CDS) as its new registration partner. Under the agreement, CDS will provide full registration, lead retrieval services, integrations and a full-service contact center for PLASTICS’ events — NPE: The Plastics Show, and the Re|focus Sustainability & Recycling Summit.  “PLASTICS has a strong focus on innovation and technology to create… more
Feb 15, 2017
Imagine turning those sometimes awkward event networking experiences into more meaningful encounters that lead to valuable connections. Attendees at PCMA’s recent Convening Leaders had a chance to do just that with Braindates, an online matchmaking platform that puts like-minded people together to share knowledge face-to-face, one-on-one. Sort of like Tinder, but for peer-to-peer networking, Braindates was created five years ago by Montreal-based E-180 with the philosophy that everyone has a story to tell and lessons to teach.  Braindates is the brainchild of E-180 CEO Christine Renaud,… more
Feb 14, 2017
UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has launched its 2017 Next Generation Leadership (NGL) grant and is inviting talented events professionals from around the world to apply. UFI will award grants to up to five future leaders who have shown exceptional initiative in driving change and innovation in their area of the exhibition industry. Together, the winners will investigate the future of exhibitions, working closely with the team at UFI headquarters in Paris. They will present their findings in a special session at the 84th UFI Global Congress in Johannesburg (South… more
Feb 14, 2017
In an effort to bring affordable training to more automotive professionals in need, the UBM Community Engagement Program has joined with Automotive Management Institute (AMi), National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) and Technicians Service Training (TST) to provide scholarships for NACE Automechanika Chicago covering travel expenses, training costs and access to the show. NACE Automechanika, a U.S.-based trade show dedicated to high-end technical and management-related training for automotive service and collision repair shops, will be held July 26-29 at… more
Feb 13, 2017
As the leading global destination and online streaming platform for Japanese anime and East Asian media, Crunchyroll is about to take its first foray into the event world with the launch of Crunchyroll Expo. Scheduled Aug. 25-27 at the Santa Clara Convention Center in Santa Clara, Calif., the new event will offer everything ardent fans have come to expect from the popular brand wrapped into three jam-packed days of anime, manga, games and cosplay, as well as unique exhibits, immersive activations and guest appearances by some of the biggest personalities in Japan and the U.S. Crunchyroll Expo… more
Feb 12, 2017
GES had a good 2016, with the division of the parent company Viad closing out the year with $1,054.7 billion in revenues, compared with $976.9 million in 2015 – an 8-percent uptick. Fourth-quarter revenues also saw a slight increase, up to $246.2 million from $244.5 million during the same time period in 2015, a 0.7-percent increase. “GES delivered solid fourth quarter results to finish the year in line with our prior guidance,” said Steve Moster, Viad president and CEO, president of GES.  He added, “For the full year, positive show rotation, continued underlying business strength and… more
Feb 12, 2017
As mobile devices overtake desktops in popularity, digital devices become increasingly inter-connected, and AI, AR, and VR become household buzzwords, it’d be natural to assume that digital technology is undermining the centricity of human-driven interaction in marketing. But take a closer look at the top digital marketing forecasts for this year, as well a review of the opinions of the leading experts in the field, and you will find that people-driven digital marketing is still of paramount importance in driving prospect nurturing. Here are the three top digital marketing trends that… more
Feb 11, 2017
As a full-service technology solutions provider for the events industry, Core-apps works to stay at the forefront of new and innovative ways to help trade show clients better meet the needs of their attendees. One of those clients is SHOT Show, the largest trade show and conference for the firearms industry, held annually in Las Vegas. With its wide array of firearms-themed tchotchkes and giveaways, SHOT Show is one of several Las Vegas trade shows known to cause TSA security delays at McCarran International Airport when attendees attempt to bring items home with them that might need a second… more
Feb 11, 2017
Transdev, the public transit management company that manages operations for the Regional Transit Authority (RTA) in New Orleans, demonstrated its self-driving shuttle, the EZ10, at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Mayor Mitch Landrieu gave remarks, along with representatives from the RTA, Easy Mile and Transdev. The EZ10 is a driverless and electric shuttle that can transport up to 12 people. The shuttle has no steering wheel and neither a dedicated front nor back. The EZ10 operates autonomously following a virtual line mapped and loaded in the software of the vehicle. The… more
Feb 10, 2017
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events, the association for the exhibitions and events industry, has chosen Louisville as its host destination in December of 2020. This will be the first time this large industry event is held in Louisville and will utilize the expanded convention center and downtown hotel properties. IAEE’s annual meeting and exhibition, Expo! Expo!, is considered “a trade show for trade show professionals.” This annual event brings upwards of 2,500 exhibition professionals together - 60 percent exhibition organizers and 40 percent suppliers - to exchange… 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.