News

Dec 05, 2016
a2z, Inc., a provider of award-winning web and mobile solutions for event organizers and participants, will launch ChirpE Meet at Expo! Expo! 2016 in Anaheim, on tap Dec. 6-8. A fully functional, native app that's available completely free of cost to a2z's clients, ChirpE Meet will significantly simplify the search and planning experience for attendee,s as well as extend exhibitors' visibility to their target audience. Available for download on Apple iTunes and Google Play, ChirpE Meet includes the following eventspecific features: · Interactive Event Map · Exhibitor… more
Dec 03, 2016
The original inspiration behind EXPOCAD® was to help engineers with computer-aided design (CAD) software. Paul Ososky, a plastics engineer, his brother Mike, a process engineer (now President and CTO), and Rich Stone, a synthetic fuels researcher (now CEO), started EXPOCAD’s parent company A.C.T., Inc. in 1986. “Like any startup, life was not easy,” said Stone. “Frugal was an understatement. We started in a closet … it was only big enough for two people. If one had to leave the office, the other had to walk out into the hall to let them out.” A third Ososky brother, Peter, joined as a… more
Dec 03, 2016
=Sean Guerre is a media entrepreneur and currently is the co-founder of Stone Fort Group- a Live Event & Digital Media startup serving b2b communities in the Energy, Transportation and Workforce/HR markets. His claim to fame is serving as a former chairman of the Society of Independent Show Organizers, and he has been a keynote presenter and speaker at SISO, IAEE, Folio, Niche EventFest and CEIR Predict. Prior to founding Stone Fort Group, he co-founded TradeFair Group (energy media), which was sold in 2012 to private equity firm Veronis, Suhler & Stevenson. Guerre graduated from… more
Dec 02, 2016
Shepard, a trade show services and event production company, has launched Shepard Audio Visual Services to add to its growing line of offerings. “In order to increase customer satisfaction, it is our responsibility to grow our offering with new and innovative services,” said Carl Mitchell, Shepard’s executive chairman. He added, “We are committed to making investments that will enhance and streamline the planning process for the events we serve.” Industry veteran and AV expert Stuart Danneman has joined the Shepard team as vice president of audio visual services to spearhead the launch and… more
Dec 01, 2016
Informa Beijing and Shanghai Zhanye Exhibition Co., Ltd have formed a joint venture, Shanghai Yingye Exhibition Co., Ltd, to launch the World of Concrete Asia, which will showcase a full range of products from the World of Concrete, China Floor Expo (CFE) and China Mortar Expo (CME) brands. The new partnership will begin from the next edition of CFE/CME fairs on, which will be held Dec. 4-6, 2017, in the Shanghai New International Expo Center. The joint venture will expand the brand’s international reach and expand these leading construction and material industry trade shows in China and… more
Nov 30, 2016
TSNN and Access Intelligence Research have released the second report in its TSNN Research series: The Exhibit & Sponsorship Sales Best Practices Study: How Leading Convention & Exhibition Producers are Selling More Exhibit Space and Sponsorship Opportunities. TSNN and Access Intelligence Research have developed this exclusive industry study to help convention and exhibition producers analyze and benchmark their exhibit space and sponsorship sales and marketing strategies. The focus of the study is on the most effective strategies and tactics, and other related topics and metrics. The… more
Nov 30, 2016
Cvent and Lanyon Solutions, providers of cloud-based enterprise event management technology solutions, merged their two companies creating a global meeting, event and travel technology leader.  The merger is effective immediately, and the companies will combine business operations in the coming year. Vista Equity Partners, owner of Lanyon, has completed its previously announced acquisition of all outstanding Cvent common stock for $36.00 per share in a transaction valued at approximately $1.65 billion. The combined company will be privately held and operate under the Cvent brand.… more
Nov 29, 2016
The trade show industry continues to grow, even if it’s slightly, according to the Center for Exhibition Industry Research’s latest Q3 CEIR Index results.   The third quarter posted a moderate year-on-year gain of 1.9 percent in the third quarter of 2016, compared with 1.6 percent in the second quarter. Faster growth was primarily attributable to a rebound in attendees and it also marked the 25th consecutive quarter of year-on-year growth. In addition, the industry has continued to outperform the macroeconomy for seven quarters straight. "Improvement in exhibition performance amidst… more
Nov 28, 2016
United Fresh, the association for the fresh produce industry, will not only expand its innovation platform, but also it will move its annual conference and expo June 13-15 into the larger West Hall at Chicago’s McCormick Place. The event will debut new expo features in convenience and fresh foods, robotics and supply chain technology, and conference sessions bringing attendees and exhibitors together with subject matter experts to help grow their businesses.  “We’re excited to launch a new format and programs in 2017 to serve specific needs in the fresh produce industry, segmenting the… more
Nov 28, 2016
Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS) Meeting has appointed SPARGO as their housing services partner. SPARGO will assume the management of attendee and exhibitor housing services for the PAS 2017 Meeting, May 6-9 in San Francisco. “SPARGO will be providing a streamlined housing process and new technologies that will improve the attendee experience, promote room block utilization, and provide in-depth analytics and trending data,” said Susan Bracken, president and CEO, SPARGO. The Pediatric Academic Societies Meeting is produced and co-sponsored on behalf of four pediatric organizations: American… 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.