News

Aug 17, 2014
Latisys, a leading international provider of hybrid cloud hosting and data center solutions, has made an IT infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) agreement with Emerald Expositions. Previously owned by the Nielsen Company, Emerald had served as Nielsen's trade show division until it was acquired by Onex Partners in 2013 to form Emerald Expositions. The acquisition included certain requirements and deadlines for establishing Emerald as an independent business -- including the complete separation of its IT infrastructure from Nielsen. Focused on rapid business growth, both organically and… more
Aug 16, 2014
Ovation Hall in Atlantic City’s Revel Hotel and Casino was filled with the who’s who of independent show organizers earlier this week.   They were gathered there to witness the second annual SISO Executive Conference Event Innovation Battlefield in which three event technology companies would try to convince the audience their product was most deserving of being named the overall winner. Spectators were taking their seats and the tension was mounting in the back of the hal,l as competitors were putting the final touches on their presentations and getting mic’d up. With just six minutes… more
Aug 15, 2014
The Oregon Convention Center has been certified to the highest level of a new international sustainability standard. OCC achieved Level Four certification for the ASTM Standard pertaining to the evaluation and selection of venues for environmentally sustainable meetings, events, trade shows and conferences. The venue standard is one of nine standards introduced by the meetings, conventions, exhibitions and events in industry in 2012 to provide event planners and suppliers with specifications for producing events in a more sustainable manner. “We are proud and excited to be the first… more
Aug 14, 2014
Atlantic City rolled out the red carpet, and then some, for 175 attendees to the Society of Independent Show Organizers’ Executive Leadership Conference, held Aug. 11-13 at the Revel Casino and Resort. Even with news about some casinos closing and the fate of the Revel in the balance right now, the city forged ahead and put on a high-level event, with three days filled with networking and education opportunities. “We loved it here,” said SISO’s Executive Director Lew Shomer. “They have been great to us. They really pulled out all the stops. The Revel was fabulous for its food and venue and… more
Aug 13, 2014
Cygnus Business Media shed another piece of its portfolio with the sale of its Heavy Construction and Logistics Group to AC Business Media, a new publishing company. The sale consists of one trade show – National Pavement Expo – as well as nine publications and related Web sites. “We are very pleased to have found a buyer of these highly profitable multi-platform properties serving the heavy construction and logistics print and digital publications business that will utilize the current team’s creativity and experience,” said John French, CEO of Cygnus Business Media. AC Business Media is… more
Aug 13, 2014
Houston is on its way to a new hotel adjacent to the George R. Brown Convention Center, with an RFP being issued to find a team to develop and design the new property. The RFP, issued by Houston First Corporation, said the team would privately finance, own and operatethe hotel, which would attach via sky bridge to the north end of the convention center. HFC expects to enter into a site/pad lease with the hotel owner. The location has been designed to accommodate about 400 rooms on 15 floors above the 1,900-spaceparking garage and would include a ground-floor lobby and guest drop-off area. Up… more
Aug 12, 2014
A giant logo of Sony PlayStation is projected onto the terracotta wall of The Westin Resort and Spa Los Cabos, Mexico. The Sea of Cortez rushes against the shore in the background. Tomorrow, some 200 game developers will descend onto this luxury resort to show off their ideas, compete in “Olympics” on the private beach and talk geek over flaming margaritas. “We’re back at pre-recession levels,” said Edward Burgos, tour and sales travel manager at the property. “Meetings are up and so is our incentive business.” Along with the improving economic situation and ease of access from the U.S.,… more
Aug 10, 2014
Trade show and expo organizers and even exhibitors looking to add a fun, no-hassle charitable component to their event, need look no further than the Foundation for Hospital Art. The Foundation for Hospital Art installs brightly colored murals in hospitals, nursing homes and other healthcare facilities around the world. The murals are often painted by attendees at events. This is an activity that all ages can participate in. There are no physical limitations, and no artistic ability is required. If you can color in the lines, you can paint a mural. Whether someone has just three minutes to… more
Aug 10, 2014
Our research has shown that 76 percent of attendees decide which exhibitors they want/need to visit at an event before they arrive at the event. Are your exhibitors capitalizing on this pre-event selling opportunity? To influence attendees at the pre-event planning stage exhibitors need to stand out from the many companies on the exhibitor list. The most direct way to do this is through an online eBooth that showcases a company’s products, services, news, and show specials in an appealing visual display. Revenue Opportunities from Selling Enhanced Listings and Digital… more
Aug 10, 2014
Our research has shown that 76 percent of attendees decide which exhibitors they want/need to visit at an event before they arrive at the event. Are your exhibitors capitalizing on this pre-event selling opportunity? To influence attendees at the pre-event planning stage exhibitors need to stand out from the many companies on the exhibitor list. The most direct way to do this is through an online eBooth that showcases a company’s products, services, news, and show specials in an appealing visual display. Revenue Opportunities from Selling Enhanced Listings and Digital… 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.