News
Aug 07, 2016
Global Experience Specialists’ parent company Viad continued to perform better than expectations, with its second-quarter earnings results showing a $7.7 million revenue increase to $324.7 million, compared with the same quarter last year.
Management previously had guided for a revenue decline of $4 million to $17 million, primarily due to show rotation and exchange rate variances.
GES’ 2Q revenues were down slightly to $285.4 million, compared with $286.6 million during the same quarter the year before.
“GES exceeded guidance for the second quarter with stronger than expected growth from… more
Aug 07, 2016
Last month, on July 5 to be precise, NASA made history by putting a solar powered space probe into a polar orbit around Jupiter. After covering a distance of 1.74 billion miles and accelerating to a mind-boggling 74 km/s, Juno (as this very aptly named probe is called) changed its trajectory to settle into an orbit that was off the planned course by only one second. This stupendous navigational feat will enable NASA’s team to proceed with future orbits and science experiments as planned, without having to make any major adjustments. What a great achievement!
This may be an… more
Aug 05, 2016
Light Reading, a content-driven media business focusing on the telecom industry, has been sold to Informa, a global business intelligence, academic publishing, knowledge and events business. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Light Reading will join Informa’s Knowledge & Networking Division, which currently consists of a portfolio of specialist content, data products and high quality confexes in several key verticals, including TMT. This acquisition is part of an expansion of Informa’s TMT capabilities.
One of Light Reading’s larger events is the Cable-Tec Expo, on tap Sept. 26-29… more
Aug 02, 2016
Emerald Expositions has acquired The International Gift Exposition in the Smokies (IGES) from M&M Gift Shows.
Started in 2000 by Susan Mills and Jerry Mayer, IGES now is one of the largest gatherings of wholesale souvenir, resort and gift buyers in the United States.
The show encompasses two events – IGES and The Souvenir Super Show (SSS), the latter focusing on custom souvenirs.
Both take place concurrently in November each year at two locations in eastern Tennessee - Pigeon Forge and Sevierville - which are only seven miles apart.
“For the longest time we’ve had great respect for the… more
Aug 02, 2016
TSNN’s annual report on the Top 250 Trade Shows is an industry standard that is used by trade show producers to benchmark show performance and as a resource to industry suppliers.
Bear Analytics and TSNN have now taken the rich Trade Show performance dataset and created a series of Top 250 performance dashboards that allow users to interact with the data, draw comparisons, and explore the trends driving the industry’s top Trade Shows.
“The TSNN Top 250 Trade Show list ranks the top shows by net square footage,” said TSNN President Rachel Wimberly. “Bear Analytics was able to take this… more
Aug 01, 2016
NY NOW, the Market for Home, Lifestyle + Gift, will see a significant uptick of international presence on its showfloor when it opens in a few weeks at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center of New York.
The show, owned by Emerald Expositions, will see a whopping a 73 percent increase in the number of international companies represented on the exhibit floor, as well as a 10 percent increase in the total number of countries represented.
Of those international companies, almost 50 percent will be presenting at NY NOW for the first time.
“NY NOW has always had an extensive international presence… more
Aug 01, 2016
This year, the International Association of Venue Managers leadership made three distinct decisions that have changed the associations’ course and has its members excited.
The first decision was the hiring of a new president and CEO - the long-standing, forward-thinking industry leader Brad Mayne, CFE.
The other two, critical decisions are the interwoven “Re-Brand” and “Conference Strategy” initiatives, both of which have been a year in the making.
“It was essential that the new IAVM brand have many fingerprints on it—and it does.” said Lauren Wanski, design manager with Gensler’s brand… more
Aug 01, 2016
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events™ (IAEE) is accepting nominations for its 20 Under 30 program, which affords young professional exhibitions and events organizers, who may not be supported by their companies, the opportunity to attend Expo! Expo! IAEE’s Annual Meeting & Exhibition held 6-8 December in Anaheim, Calif.
The 20 Under 30 program provides education for professional growth in the exhibitions and events industry and helps program participants become better, more productive employees.
It is sponsored by the Austin Convention and… more
Jul 31, 2016
Vinnie Polito has spent more than 25 years in senior leadership positions in the trade show industry, including nine with Reed Exhibitions.
During his career, he’s had two international postings, launched events on five continents and developed highly specialized conferences in technology, life sciences and healthcare. Polito also is the past chairman of the International Association of Exhibitions and Events and a recipient of the organization’s highest honor, the Pinnacle Award, in 2014.
He currently co-Owns mdg with Kimberly Hardcastle. mdg is the tradeshow industry’s… more
Jul 30, 2016
Smart City Networks has received final approval for a public-safety distributed antenna system it installed last year at the Phoenix Convention Center.
Smart City Networks partnered with system integration firm Connectivity Wireless Solutions (CWS) to design, install, manage and commission the customized, turnkey system that ensures first responders can maintain communication with each other in case of an emergency.
“Bringing together large numbers of sports fans or conventioneers creates critical public safety concerns,” Smart City Networks President Mark Haley said. “First… 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.