News
Feb 22, 2015
An Infographic published a couple of years ago by SITA , a leading world specialist in air transport communications and information technology, anticipated that the air passenger experience would be in for a major transformation in 2015.
With 9 out of 10 passengers wanting to see their flight status info on their personal mobile devices, the service industry has been gearing up to respond with appropriate options. This year, a majority of the airlines are offering mobile check-in and other services to passengers.
Indeed, customer expectations are driving similar paradigm shifts across… more
Feb 21, 2015
The Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority’s Board of Directors voted to approve a contract for the purchase of the historic Riviera Hotel & Casino’s 26-acre site as the cornerstone for its planned Las Vegas Global Business District.
The District will expand the Las Vegas Convention Center’s footprint from 3.2 million square feet to nearly 5.7 million square feet and give it a Strip-front location.
“The Las Vegas Global Business District is the single most important economic development project in the state,” said Rossi Ralenkotter, president and CEO of the LVCVA.
He added, “… more
Feb 20, 2015
In its 87th year, Western Veterinary Conference evolves with the times just like the dynamic industry it’s serving. For its annual event that took place Feb. 16-19 at Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, it made strides into the RFID technology and Amazon-inspired marketing model for its continued education offerings, as well as revealed its new branding, to stay on the cutting edge.
“It’s about having an accessible, customized and personalized experience,” said WVC CEO David Little. “If we can enhance that, it makes our attendee experience more valuable.”
One of the steps on that… more
Feb 17, 2015
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events reported that Expo! Expo! IAEE's Annual Meeting & Exhibition, held Dec. 9-11 in Los Angeles, yielded higher attendance than in 2013, according to an independent attendance verification audit conducted by Exhibit Surveys.
The audit was conducted in compliance with the requirements of attendance audits promulgated by the Exhibition and Event Industry Audit Commission (EEIAC).
Here are some of the key statistics comparing Expo! Expo! 2014 to the 2013 event:
· Overall attendance increased by 15 percent in 2014 from 1,934 to… more
Feb 17, 2015
In a letter to UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry’s members, UFI President Andrés Lopez-Valderrama said Paul Woodward, the organization’s managing director, would be stepping down later this year.
Lopez-Valderrama added that Woodward had made the decision “to spend more time with family and to cut down on travel and business commitments. UFI is in a very strong position, but we now have to embark on the task of finding a replacement for Paul.”
Woodward, who has been in the position for the past five years, will remain in his post until at least after the Milan Congress,… more
Feb 17, 2015
Supplier and show organizers alike promoted from within and brought on new personnel for a variety of positions across the trade show industry in the past month.
Reed Exhibitions appointed Nick Pilbeam to the position of divisional director – Travel.
Pilbeam will oversee the travel division under Reed Travel Exhibitions, which includes the International Luxury Travel Market portfolio, World Travel Market portfolio and the newly branded ibtm events portfolio of global and regional events providing business solutions on five continents.
They include ibtm world, ibtm arabia, ibtm… more
Feb 16, 2015
USITT 2015, which is run by the United States Institute for Theatre Technology, is on tap in Cincinnati and now boasts a record 280 exhibitors – including 60 new ones.
USITT Stage Expo Manager Ron Procopio says he is excited to welcome so many companies new or returning after years away to the 55th Annual Conference & Stage Expo.
The event will fill some 45,000 square feet of Cincinnati’s Duke Energy Convention Center March 19-21.
“As the industry and economy changes, so does USITT’s Stage Expo floor,” Procopio said. “So, besides our huge showing of big industry names, we’re attracting… more
Feb 13, 2015
Cybersecurity is a topic affecting every business that utilizes the Internet, including meetings, conferences, and trade shows where business intelligence and private information is exchanged and communicated regularly over wired and wireless networks.
While it only takes ONE major incident to compromise the integrity of an organization, most trade show planners are oblivious to the risks and remedies available to them.
In this TSNN webinar, event-technology journalist Michelle Bruno speaks with cyber-security expert Michael Robinson about what to look for, how to prepare, and who… more
Feb 12, 2015
This month on Interview with a Trade Show Exec, part of an ongoing TSNN series conducted by Traci Browne, we’ll be getting to know a bit more about another one of our industry’s rock stars. While it may not have the Gothic setting of an Anne Rice novel, I think these main characters are just as complicated and deep as were Lestat de Lioncourt and Louis de Pointe du Lac, but without all that brooding undead thing going on.
Jeffrey L. Portman, Sr.
Vice Chairman, president & COO AMC Inc.
AmericasMart shows and markets and LIGHTFAIR
29 years in the trade show industry
Traci Browne: Where… more
Feb 12, 2015
One of the biggest stories at CES last month was the throng of wrist wearables on display. While some experts are not convinced that wearable technology will take over the technological world, there are many people who are jumping on the wearable bandwagon. So, how can you incorporate this technology when you develop your booth engagement strategy?
First, consider what the pull is for having a wrist wearable. The idea is to have a ton of tech available to stay in touch with what is going on around you, including emails and calls coming in from your smartphone.
It is about… 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.