News

Mar 20, 2023
The technology industry is about to get a new conference and trade show that will fuse all aspects of the telecom/cloud, IT services and communications hardware channel. Set to hold its inaugural edition at the Charlotte Convention Center June 7-9, Channel Fusion Expo will converge channel sales agents, value-added resellers (VARs) and managed service providers (MSPs), along with service providers, tech solutions brokers (TSBs), tech solutions providers (TSPs), distributors and IT technology suppliers.  To be delivered in hybrid format, the multi-experiential event will be produced in… more
Mar 17, 2023
Denver is readying for a future boost in meetings and conventions business, with vertical construction of the $233 million expansion of the Colorado Convention Center recently culminating in a commemorative “topping out” ceremony, as the project remains on schedule for a late 2023 opening. “This is a welcome milestone in the progress of the expansion, which will assist us with booking multiple groups simultaneously to maximize capacity,” said Richard W. Scharf, president and CEO of VISIT DENVER. “Ultimately, these improvements will pay huge dividends for years to come by generating new… more
Mar 17, 2023
TSNN, the top online news source for the trade show industry, launched Exhibitor News Network (ENN), a new website, e-newsletter and social channels (LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, Facebook and Instagram) for exhibit management and event marketing professionals who participate in U.S. exhibition industry, valued at the $101 billion, according to the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR). Exhibitors represent 70% of the revenues generated from the trade show industry, CEIR research finds.  This new online hub for industry news, insights and original content will focus on information,… more
Mar 16, 2023
London, U.K.-based event organizer Hyve Group has been sold to media-focused equity investment firm Providence Equity Partners, based in Providence, R.I.   In a joint statement, Providence Equity Partners said it had agreed to a buyout deal paying $1.30 (£1.08) in cash for each Hyve share — a bid that gives the international event organizer an equity value of more than $386 million (£320 million) and an enterprise value of $579 million (£481 million). Hyve had previously rejected two offers from Providence worth $1.22 (£1.01) and $1.26 (£1.05) per share.  This is the third largest… more
Mar 14, 2023
Industry-leading meetings, events and hospitality technology provider Cvent Holding Corp. (“Cvent”) has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by an affiliate of private equity funds managed by Blackstone for approximately $4.6 billion. According to company officials, under the terms of the agreement, Cvent stockholders will receive $8.50 per share in cash, which represents a premium of 52 percent to the volume weighted average share price over the 90 days prior to Jan. 30, 2023 – the day before media reports were published of a potential transaction. As part of the transaction… more
Mar 13, 2023
The story of how Laura Purdy found a career in the exhibitions and meetings industry will be a familiar one for many event professionals: she fell into it – and never left. While in the process of building a marketing and retail management career at a prestigious commercial real estate firm in Toronto, Canada, Purdy had the chance to participate in new business development projects, including responding to RFPs for management contracts for global commercial real estate properties.   One of those projects was for The National Trade Centre (now Enercare Centre), which was under construction at… more
Mar 10, 2023
IMEX Group launched a partnership with leading event management company ExpoPlatform to be the new official event tech provider at its shows in Frankfurt and Las Vegas. Ahead of IMEX Frankfurt 2023 in May, IMEX has been working with ExpoPlatform to offer participants a new online platform enhanced with a range of features and tools carefully designed to maximize business connections and ease of use. At its core, the new platform makes it simpler for exhibitors and buyers to find and connect with each other in the run-up to the show and then to enhance those relationships face to face… more
Mar 09, 2023
Two major trade shows recently returned to Las Vegas with robust attendance and expanded footprints pushing the boundaries of pre-pandemic levels. Check them out!  World of Concrete  World of Concrete, the world’s largest trade show for the commercial concrete and masonry construction industries, held its 49th annual event at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) Jan. 17-19. With 48,000 registered professionals, heavy show floor foot traffic and more than 120 countries in attendance, the event further solidified itself as the critical meeting place for industry advancement, according to… more
Mar 09, 2023
In the largest post-pandemic exhibition acquisition deal by far, Informa has bought Tarsus Group from private equity firm Charterhouse Capital Partners for $940 million. The acquisition was funded with cash and $210m of new Informa shares. "We have long admired the Tarsus business which, like Informa, has been built around major brands in attractive, specialist B2B markets in the growing regions of Asia, China, the Middle East and the Americas,” said Informa Group CEO Stephen A. Carter. The Informa Board believes the combination is both commercially and financially compelling, with strong… more
Mar 07, 2023
The steady influx of new hires and promotions continues as trade shows move full steam ahead in 2023. Take a look at who’s landing new career opportunities or moving up the ladder at event-related organizations across the U.S. and abroad!  ASM Global  Global venue management and event strategy leader ASM Global has appointed 20-year San Francisco travel and convention veteran Leonie Patrick as the new general manager for the George R. Moscone Convention Center in San Francisco.   In her new role, Patrick will work closely with ASM Global to continue attracting business to San Francisco’s… 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.