News

May 08, 2016
In April 1951, a couple dozen exhibitors and about 200 attendees gathered in Columbus, Ohio, for the first table-top show of the Produce PrePackaging Association (now known as the Produce Marketing Association). Because many women were joining the workforce in those post-war years, the demand for packaged fruits and vegetables was rising. Self-service supermarkets were spreading across the country and frozen foods were gaining popularity. “The suppliers of fresh produce realized they had to up their game to improve the quality of packaged produce – especially delicate items like… more
May 08, 2016
In the last two decades, technology has radically transformed how tradeshows are organized and managed. Though the changes are more exponential than linear in nature, a quick review can reveal how the many technology solutions you use through the year are closely integrated links in an unbroken chain that runs parallel to your show cycle. Operations – Smart event management and efficiency tools are helping to significantly reduce paperwork and errors, increasing your team’s productivity multifold in the process. Business Intelligence – Because operations have been… more
May 08, 2016
In the last two decades, technology has radically transformed how tradeshows are organized and managed. Though the changes are more exponential than linear in nature, a quick review can reveal how the many technology solutions you use through the year are closely integrated links in an unbroken chain that runs parallel to your show cycle. Operations – Smart event management and efficiency tools are helping to significantly reduce paperwork and errors, increasing your team’s productivity multifold in the process. Business Intelligence – Because operations have been… more
May 07, 2016
Convention Data Services added a Lead Retrieval Dashboard to the CDS X·Press Reports event management tool. The new dashboard provides show management with a deeper understanding of exhibit hall activity and charts important data on exhibitor and attendee behavior.  The product, which analyzes data collected from scans on all CDS lead retrieval devices, provides a unique display of the aggregated data. This data can be accessed during the show or post-show by all onsite and remotely located show management staff to monitor the activity and progress of the event. The dashboard… more
May 07, 2016
Convention Data Services added a Lead Retrieval Dashboard to the CDS X·Press Reports event management tool. The new dashboard provides show management with a deeper understanding of exhibit hall activity and charts important data on exhibitor and attendee behavior.  The product, which analyzes data collected from scans on all CDS lead retrieval devices, provides a unique display of the aggregated data. This data can be accessed during the show or post-show by all onsite and remotely located show management staff to monitor the activity and progress of the event. The dashboard… more
May 06, 2016
With a couple of decades in the trade show industry, Philip McKay definitely has learned a lot of things along the way. McKay currently is the founder and CEO of nGage Events, which owns or partners with the industry’s leading publications in 10 annual hosted buyer events in cutting-edge markets such as; Enterprise Mobility, IoT, Enterprise HPC, Big Data, InkJet Printing, Digital Packaging, Design in Healthcare and Education. These invitation-only events host the true decision-makers in each market, where the content is provided by the leading analysts in the globe.   Before founding… more
May 06, 2016
Revenues for the Marketing & Events Division of Viad, which is Global Experience Specialists, dipped 8.1 percent in the first quarter of 2016 to $236.1 million, compared with $256.9 million during the same period in 2015. “We saw lower year-over-year revenues during Q1 from corporate clients and short-term event bookings,” said Steve Moster, Viad’s president and CEO. “This was really due to a shift in timing, as we’re seeing stronger activity in the back half of 2016. “ Some of the decrease in revenues was a result of a few large shows that were in an off year, such as Promat in the… more
May 05, 2016
In a move to expand its reach even more, Dallas-based Freeman has acquired Red Bank, N.J.-based events industry research firm Exhibit Surveys. The acquisition supports Freeman’s goal to continue to grow its resources to support strategy, design and digital by adding an experienced group of researchers with a deep understanding of data and measurement, according to Freeman officials.  “By expanding our research, data and analytics expertise, we will continue to support our clients as they optimize their event investments and prove out the immense value that brand experiences deliver in… more
May 04, 2016
Exposition Development Company (ExpoDevCo) and Progressive Business Media (PBM) have teamed up for the launch of the Home Furnishings Manufacturing Solutions Expo (HFMSE), a trade show showcasing solutions for home furnishings manufacturers. HFMSE, on tap June 7-8, 2017, at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, will be the only trade show of its kind in the U.S. serving the $150 billion home furnishings industry, according to show organizers. The Expo will provide attendees with innovative and timely solutions for their home furnishings business including manufacturing equipment and… more
May 03, 2016
This year, in the sunny city of Orlando, E2MA’s annual meeting, the Red Diamond Congress, came together with several other conferences (Engagement University, the Loyalty Academy and Rewards & Recognition Expo) under the umbrella of Engagement World. The conference took place April 25-28, 2016, with over 350 attendees gathered under this new platform. “ We wanted to bring together areas that affect enterprise-wide engagement, and see how we can share education and networking,” said Jim Wurm, executive director, Exhibit and Event Marketers Association.  “This was our inaugural… 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.