News

Apr 01, 2016
The Meetings Mean Business Coalition has launched a new business leader video series to showcase authentic stories of how and why meetings matter across all professions. The inaugural three video vignettes reflect the widespread reach of meeting face-to-face, profiling a trade association, a not-for-profit, and a corporation. MMBC will continue to debut new videos throughout the year to highlight how meetings build trust, foster engagement and generate new business MMBC is bringing in outside voices to propel the campaign and help validate how meetings touch every industry. Those… more
Apr 01, 2016
U.K.-based UBM has named Scott Schulman CEO of UBM Americas, and Simon Foster, who held the CEO position after Sally Shankland stepped down, will resume his position as CEO of UBM EMEA.  UBM Americas is one of the largest business-to-business trade show companies in the U.S. with a growing portfolio as well in Brazil and Mexico.  Schulman will focus on continuing the implementation of UBM’s ‘Events First’ strategy and the unification of the UBM Americas business, including the ongoing successful integration of the Advanstar business.  “I am delighted Scott is… more
Apr 01, 2016
Attendance size and quality is the essential element of any successful convention or exhibition. Rapid change due to technology is transforming the attendance marketing process.  To help event management improve their attendance marketing strategies and efforts, TSNN and the Event Marketing Institute are asking TSNN readers to participate in an industry study focused on attendance marketing benchmarks and best practices.  The individual responses will be studied in aggregate and are confidential. To thank you for participating, you will receive a complimentary summary… more
Apr 01, 2016
In the 1940s, department stores were the primary retailers of most every item for daily life, including stationery and writing instruments. Tessie Goldwater, a buyer for May’s Department Stores, regularly attended gift shows in New York and Chicago, but felt there was a need for a more specialized paper goods show. She approached Bill Little at George Little Management (now part of Emerald Expositions), urging that stationery, custom invitations, pens and related goods be given their own event. In 1945, the first New York Stationery Show was held in the New Yorker Hotel. While… more
Mar 31, 2016
The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) launched a Virtual Reality Companion app that helps transport trade show delegates and would-be visitors alike to popular attractions in the No. 1 city for top trade shows in the U.S. Now, taking a tour of the Grand Canyon, riding in a gondola at the Venetian Resort Hotel Casino or taking a zipline through the downtown streets is possible from anywhere in the world. The LVCVA showcased virtual reality through Oculus Rift, a technology company that builds and distributes virtual reality head-mounted display units that allow users to have… more
Mar 31, 2016
The 2016 World of Asphalt Show & Conference and AGG1 Academy & Expo broke a trio of records – attendance, number of exhibitors and attendees taking part in the education – when its recent show wrapped up March 22-24 in Nashville, Tenn. Record registered attendance of more than 9,000 is 18 percent more than the record-setting 2015 shows and 38 percent growth, compared with 2013. Attendees came from all 50 states, nine of the 10 Canadian provinces and more than 60 other countries worldwide; 30 percent were company presidents/owners, vice presidents, general managers or chief financial… more
Mar 30, 2016
By Elizabeth Johnson ‘Branding’ is perhaps the most commonly used, but most commonly misunderstood, word in business. Reactions to brands, such as Coca-Cola or Apple, are immediate. An organization or product with a strong brand may compel people to instantly think of its logo, or tagline or jingle. A brand, by definition is all of those things and more - it’s everything we think about a particular organization or product. A strong event brand offers its audiences a promise on the value it will deliver. And then, it uses communications tools to deliver the message of that promise.  A… more
Mar 28, 2016
While the convention and meetings industry is able to breathe a sigh of relief today in Georgia, headaches abound in North Carolina, after both states recently dealt with legislation that was deemed discriminatory to the gay community by many.   Less than two weeks after the Georgia assembly voted through House Bill 757 – the Free Exercise Protection Act, Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal vetoed the bill.   The bill would have allowed churches to refuse to perform gay marriages and not hire people they felt conflicted with their religious beliefs, which prompted big-name companies, such as… more
Mar 26, 2016
The Jacob K. Javits Convention Center of New York launched a new camera system that allows customers to view their exhibits in real time from a mobile app on their personal devices. Under the program, thousands of customers operating an exhibit at the Javits Center can purchase the installation of high-definition cameras that provide live-stream aerial footage of their exhibit, enabling them to assess sales activity, the level of customer engagement and the impact of product placement. Live-stream footage from each camera – installed and maintained by Javits Center staff – will be… more
Mar 26, 2016
The Jacob K. Javits Convention Center of New York launched a new camera system that allows customers to view their exhibits in real time from a mobile app on their personal devices. Under the program, thousands of customers operating an exhibit at the Javits Center can purchase the installation of high-definition cameras that provide live-stream aerial footage of their exhibit, enabling them to assess sales activity, the level of customer engagement and the impact of product placement. Live-stream footage from each camera – installed and maintained by Javits Center staff – will be… 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.