News
Feb 20, 2023
Following an incredibly challenging period of unprecedented, pandemic-inflicted hardships, the hotel industry is making promising strides toward recovery. According to the American Hotel & Lodging Association’s 2023 State of the Hotel Industry Report, this resilient industry is projected to surpass pre-pandemic levels of demand, nominal room revenue and state and local tax revenue this year, while moving closer to other key 2019 performance metrics. However, with economic concerns such as inflation and borrowing costs, and operational challenges such as staffing shortages rising to the… more
Feb 17, 2023
Sodexo Live! is stepping up its innovative new tech offerings with the addition of autonomous store technology by AiFi, a leading artificial intelligence (AI) and shopping solutions provider, at two ASM Global-managed venues in Salt Lake County, Utah: Salt Palace Convention Center and Mountain America Expo Center.
Designed to streamline throughput and ensure a more seamless experience for attendees of trade shows, conventions, meetings and other events, the store has opened as Salt Shaker Grab-and-Go at Salt Palace Convention Center, marking AiFi’s debut in a convention center setting, and… more
Feb 17, 2023
Access Intelligence (AI), a privately held B-to-B -to-b media, events and information company headquartered in Rockville, Md., has promoted Heather Farley from COO to CEO. She succeeds Don Pazour, who has served as CEO since 2000. He will transition to executive chairman. Farley will lead the company’s 200-plus employees, who provide solutions for a dozen key global market sectors.
“After 9 years as COO, I’m excited to succeed Don as CEO,” Farley told TSNN. “AI’s highly-talented team will focus on serving our communities through our world-class event and media brands, innovating to meet the… more
Feb 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
Feb 16, 2023
Julie Pazina, national director of sales for Edlen Electrical Exhibition Services, was formally sworn in as Nevada State Senator on Feb. 6, the first day of the 82nd Session of the Nevada State Legislature. Representing District 12 in southeast Las Vegas, she will chair the Natural Resources Committee and serve on the Commerce and Labor and Growth and Infrastructure committees.Pazina, who has worked at Edlen since 2006, served as president of the Las Vegas Hospitality Association, creating mentorships and internships for students. She brought speakers to high schools, UNLV and the College of… more
Feb 15, 2023
Exclusively Sponsored by MGM Resorts
World class entertainment, dining, and business amenities means wherever an organization is heading, getting there starts with being here.
You’ll find meeting and event spaces other places but what you won’t find is all we offer here at MGM Resorts. For decades MGM has been leading the way by providing world-class experiences across all our destinations. Here we host events that create synergy, meetings that move members, conferences that foster collaboration. Here we create memorable experiences that move business forward. Because no matter where… more
Feb 14, 2023
The trade show industry appears to be demonstrating a positive outlook for the year ahead as event-related organizations across the U.S. announce a slew of new hires and an array of promotions at the executive level. Check them out!
Freeman
Global events leader Freeman recently promoted 25-year team member Chris Schimek to COO, event and exhibit operations, responsible for all event and exhibit operations across North America.
In his new role, Schimek will provide leadership and strategic direction for regional warehouse operations and local event logistics at venues, graphics… more
Feb 13, 2023
The Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) in Orlando, Fla., recently kicked off 2023 with two simultaneous, industry-leading trade shows held Jan. 4-6 that boasted sizable upticks in attendance and strong buying activity.
ASI Show Orlando
As the first promotional products industry show of the year, ASI Show Orlando attracted 4,500 supplier and distributor professionals to a lively show floor packed with more than 700 booths showcasing the leading in-stock products of 2023. Of the nearly 400 exhibiting companies, 65 were new to Orlando this year.
The show also attracted 351 woman-owned… more
Feb 10, 2023
Emerald, in collaboration with Abasto Media, is spicing up its portfolio with the recent acquisition of Cocina Sabrosa Food & Beverage Trade Expo, the only B2B event in the U.S. solely dedicated to the Latin food and beverage sector.
Formerly a regional event in Southern California, Cocina Sabrosa will be enhanced and expanded to create the first U.S.-based, national Latin food and beverage industry event serving restaurateurs, grocers, suppliers and entrepreneurs within the growing business segment. “It’s an honor and privilege to work alongside Abasto to launch this premiere nationwide… more
Feb 10, 2023
Temporary exhibitor growth of 15% and strong order writing characterized International Market Center’s (IMC) Atlanta Apparel February 2023, as buyers were out in full force to source fashion for the upcoming seasons and take advantage of educational and networking opportunities.
“Atlanta Apparel buyers and brands brought the energy to educational and networking events, temporary exhibits and permanent showrooms this February,” said Caron Stover, International Market Center’s (IMC) senior vice president, apparel. “Throughout this market, including the successful extra day of temporary… 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.