News

Aug 23, 2016
An economic impact study, commissioned by the Hong Kong Exhibition & Convention Industry Association (HKECIA), concludes that the exhibition industry contributed HK$52.9 billion (US$6.8 billion) to Hong Kong’s economy in terms of expenditure in 2014, which was equivalent to 2.3% of the city’s total GDP. That represents a 29% increase from the previous study covering 2012. According to the study, the industry’s compound annual growth rate was 13.9%. International exhibition visitors and exhibitors reportedly spent on average 61% more than general overnight tourists. Visitor expenditure… more
Aug 22, 2016
Close to 4,800 association professionals and industry partners took part in the 2016 ASAE Annual Meeting & Exposition, held last week in Salt Lake City, Utah. Attendees took part in more than 120 education sessions, two keynotes and five Game Changers, as well as 20-plus OpenSpace pop-ups and events. ASAE Foundation’s The Classic event also sold out for the second year in a row.  The final attendance breakdown includes: 2,669 executives, 1,739 exhibitors, 381 others, including guests, spouses, press, vendors, and staff, for a grand total of 4,789. A total of 424 companies… more
Aug 21, 2016
As part of a consistent effort to provide added-value services that benefit all its trade show attendees, IMEX America has turned its sights on helping buyers to ‘match and meet’ other buyers.   A new service, which will be provided by networking specialists Zenvoy, will use intelligent data profiling to facilitate face-to-face introductions between pre-registered IMEX America hosted buyers and buyer attendees. The move follows feedback from IMEX America 2015 which revealed how hungry buyers are to connect directly with each other and expand their networks of… more
Aug 18, 2016
Bonnier Corporation, which publishes dozens of magazines including “Field and Stream”, “Outdoor Life” and “Motorcyclist”, to name a few, has acquired the Sand Sports Super Show, a sand sports trade show and consumer expo. The acquisition solidifies Bonnier’s leadership in the off-road, sand sports and motorsports segments, complementing the company’s repertoire of r publications and events geared toward enthusiast audiences. The Sand Sports Super Show is an annual trade show and consumer expo where thousands of sand sports fans gather in Costa Mesa, Calif., to experience the latest products… more
Aug 18, 2016
When the TSNN Awards kicks off Oct. 28-30 in Atlantic City, N.J., attendees will have the opportunity to hear from not only a bevy of high-profile trade show industry speakers, but also a retired NFL star quarterback and ESPN analyst, a top-ranked talk show host and the reigning Miss America. Ron Jaworksi, nicknamed “Jaws”, will be the keynote speaker during the TSNN Awards Education Conference Oct. 29 at the Atlantic City Convention Center. “Meet AC is very proud to have Ron Jaworski, an accomplished NFL quarterback now businessman and television analyst, speaking to TSNN,” said Jim… more
Aug 16, 2016
Urban Expositions snagged another property for its burgeoning portfolio – LeftField Media – which has several consumer events around the United States. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. The acquisition will provide LeftField increased capital and infrastructure, while offering Urban Expositions, a Clarion Events Company, new expertise and market reach in B2C events. LeftField Media was started in 2014 by New York Comic Con founder Greg Topalian and the senior leadership at Business Journals Inc. - Britton Jones, Mac Brighton, and Sharon Enright. Clarion's deal involves it buying out the… more
Aug 16, 2016
Before the 2016 ASAE Annual Meeting & Exposition, held Aug.13-16 in Salt Lake City, the ASAE Board adopted a Diversity + Inclusion advocacy and policy model and approved new contract language for future events. The board also received updates on the major strategic initiatives, new AssociaMetrics platform and passed the budget, which includes Fiscal Year 2017 (FY 17) Program of Work and specific projects in all areas of ASAE and the ASAE Foundation. ASAE developed a business model that offers accountability and flexibility for D+I advocacy and policy influencing social justice issues,… more
Aug 15, 2016
SuperZoo, a pet retail trade exposition and conference produced by World Pet Association, recently wrapped its largest show to date at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, with a more than four percent increase in attendees and eight percent increase in companies attending over 2015, as well as nearly 1,200 exhibitors participating. The redesigned exhibit hall, with an additional 85,000 square feet of exhibit space, saw more than 820 new products make their debut as part of the popular New Product Showcase. More than 90 education sessions covered a wide variety of topics including: staff training,… more
Aug 15, 2016
The trials and tribulations of launching a new show, successfully leveraging digital, mapping the attendee and exhibitor journey, new tech innovation and utilizing content marketing were just some of the hot-button topics discussed at the Society of Independent Show Organizers’ Leadership Conference, held Aug. 9-11 in Cleveland, Ohio. David Audrain, SISO’s executive director, said there were about 174 people at the event, which was on par with last year. "We are receiving very positive comments from our members on both the content and location of this year's SISO Leadership Conference,”… more
Aug 14, 2016
As president and CEO of International Association of Exhibitions and Events, David  DuBois not only travels a lot, but also he is responsible for the management of 23 full-time professional staff, producing the annual business operating plan and budget, overseeing the support of all meetings of governance units, leading business development, directing fund raising efforts, advocating for the industry and the organization’s members, providing organizational leadership and strategic counsel to the board. Also, he serves as the association’s representative with industry coalitions, partner… 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.