News

Nov 02, 2016
As the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, UFI serves around 50,000 employees of exhibition organizers, venues, service providers and industry associations in close to 90 countries around the world. To deliver and improve the growing roster of events, committee activities, and other industry initiatives, the association is bringing on board two new hires: Nicolette Elia-Beissel, and Jana Hofmann. Nicolette Elia-Beissel is joining UFI as program manager. She became part of the exhibition industry when she joined RAI Exhibitions and Events (now known as Thebe Reed Events &… more
Nov 02, 2016
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events has selected this year’s honorees of its 20 Under 30 recognition program, which affords young professional exhibition organizer members who may not be supported by their companies the opportunity to attend Expo! Expo! IAEE’s Annual Meeting & Exhibition to be held Dec. 6-8 in Anaheim, Calif. This program provides industry and leadership education for professional growth in the exhibitions and events industry, and helps program honorees become better, more productive professionals. It is sponsored by the Austin… more
Nov 01, 2016
U.K.-based UBM scooped up a new show in the U.S., The Battery Show North America, from another UK-based company - Smarter Shows.   The Battery Show and collocated events will be part of UBM’s Advanced Manufacturing Group. “The Battery Show has tremendous synergies with UBM’s existing advanced manufacturing business and we see great opportunity for growth on both sides as the brands serve many of the same industry sectors - including medical, aerospace, consumer goods, electronics and automotive, to name just a few.” said Scott Schulman, CEO, UBM Americas. The Battery Show… more
Oct 31, 2016
More than 100 show organizers, their guests, as well as even more trade show suppliers and association executives all took part in the 2016 TSNN Awards, Oct. 28-30 un Atlantic City, with ICSC New York National Deal Making Conference and TRA Marketplace winning overall fastest-growing awards for net square footage and attendance, respectively. “I have an amazing, fabulous, wonderful team,” said Andrea Bahr, vice president Exposition and Events - Texas Restaurant Association/TRA Marketplace, when she accepted the award for overall fastest-growing show in attendance at the gala celebration… more
Oct 31, 2016
If you have not been to the TSNN Awards to participate in the industry's original weekend for Celebrating Success, let us help you gain some of the same Education and Inspiration by taking part in #Expochat – an industry Twitter chat session – Nov. 2 at 1pm ET. Here are some questions that will be discussed:  1. Theme Parties: What makes them work or not work? Is this the kind of tribal event that can be a boon for attendee retention and word-of-mouth marketing? 2. Keeping Your Exhibitors: An all-star panel of CTSMs shared insights for how they like to work with trade… more
Oct 30, 2016
It’s not often that a round of golf inspires the launch of an international business, but that’s what happened to Jamshed “Jim” Khodayar in 1989. Khodayar had been wanting to start his own business when he learned about the shipping industry from a golfing buddy. He opened Transit Air Cargo on Nov. 1, 1989, in Garden Grove, Calif. While his experience was engineering, not logistics, he was an enthusiastic salesperson.  In those early days, there were only about five employees in a small office with a few pieces of furniture. Everyone had to chip in and wear multiple hats to get… more
Oct 30, 2016
During this year’s IMEX America, Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board (L.A. Tourism) launched Virtual Discovery L.A., a new virtual reality travel platform that provides meeting professionals with immersive 360-degree viewing experiences of more than 50 only-in-L.A. venues and locations across Los Angeles – the most comprehensive virtual tour of any destination in the world.  In partnership with XplorIt, one of the nation’s leading pioneers in virtual technology, L.A. Tourism’s exciting new platform takes meeting professionals throughout the city’s… more
Oct 29, 2016
Trade show industry veteran Ken McAvoy was named to a new position, executive vice president, Corporate Development of Global Exhibitions Division of Informa. In that role, McAvoy will have responsibility for corporate development, operations and procurement, including venue/hotel selection and negotiations and other vendor management, with a particular focus on North America. “Ken is a proven leader in our industry and his capabilities will further strengthen and broaden our senior management team as we accelerate growth in North America and globally,” said Charlie McCurdy, president… more
Oct 27, 2016
More than 100 show organizers and their guests, as well as a bevy of industry suppliers and association executives all are heading Oct. 28-30 to Atlantic City, N.J., to celebrate the fastest-growing shows in the U.S. at the 2016 TSNN Awards. “We are thrilled to be able to celebrate the success of these amazing shows, as well as The Show Manager of the Year Awards and TSNN Industry Icon Honoree David Loechner who heads Emerald Expositions,” said TSNN President and Editor-in-Chief Rachel Wimberly. She added, “Meet AC and their local partners, including the Sheraton Atlantic City Convention… more
Oct 26, 2016
Las Vegas is geared up to welcome thousands of trade show attendees for Fall 2016, with meetings and conventions expected to bring in more than $300 million in direct visitor spending. “Las Vegas has been the No. 1 trade show destination in North America for 22 consecutive years. We host nearly 22,000 meetings and conventions annually, proving that Las Vegas is a versatile destination for serious business,” said Rossi Ralenkotter, president/CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. He added, “The fall conventions maintain Las Vegas’ place on the forefront of business and product… 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.