News
Jul 30, 2014
We’re nearing the half-way mark of 2014 so now is a good time to stand up and be counted as we see whether the predictions we made at the start of the year came to pass. We’re patting ourselves on the back somewhat as we were pretty near the mark with most of them – details below.
1. Organizers will be looking for joined up solutions
We foresaw the desire among clients for fewer vendors to provide more in the way of functionality and mentioned audience response as a stand-alone product that should be part of a larger event technology offering. And the response to our new… more
Jul 29, 2014
This summer hasn’t slowed down at all, with plenty of new business contracts taking place between suppliers and shows.CompuSystems continues to grow its client base by adding Randall-Reilly, a marketing solutions company and organizer of the Great American Trucking Show (GATS). CompuSystems will provide registration and lead retrieval services for the 2014 and 2015 Great American Trucking Show. Access Intelligence has selected Convention Data Services (CDS), a registration and lead management company, as their new registration partner. Under the agreement, CDS will provide registration… more
Jul 29, 2014
London-based Informa bought Phoenix-based Virgo, which has six trade shows and conferences and will become part of the company’s Global Exhibitions Group.Financial details of the transaction have not been disclosed.The acquisition gives Informa a foothold into the U.S. market in which Informa primarily only had conferences and learning.The largest trade show on the Virgo portfolio is SupplySide West, serving the health and nutrition markets. The show was ranked No. 140 on the 2013 TSNN Top 250 Trade Show list and was held at the Sands Expo & Convention Center in Las Vegas.Supplyside… more
Jul 28, 2014
The 21st annual canfitpro International Fitness and Club Business Conference and Trade Show is set to take place Aug. 8-9 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.The show will have more than 200,000 square feet of exhibits and 200-plus leading fitness, health and wellness companies represented.Attendees will have the opportunity to learn from well-known fitness celebrities and experts on the trade showfloor, as they bring you the latest in exercise and nutrition information, classes and demos.Fresh off her Gold Medal win at the Sochi Olympics, Hayly Wickenheiser will present “It… more
Jul 28, 2014
The second quarter of this year was supposed to be a challenging one for Global Experience Specialists and its parent company Viad, with $12 million in predicted negative show rotation to contend with.Despite that, though, Viad saw an uptick in revenues to $256.4 million during the second quarter of this year, compared with $246.2 million in 2013.Paul B. Dykstra, chairman, president and CEO of Viad, said of the overall company’s results, “As expected, we delivered meaningful growth in the second quarter. The Marketing & Events Group and the Travel & Recreation Group both posted… more
Jul 28, 2014
The global medical device industry has grown significantly during the last five years and is projected to reach approximately $302 billion by 2017, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.1 percent.To serve this growing industry, Pharma EXPO 2014, on tap Nov, 2-5 at Chicago’s McCormick Place and collocated with PACK EXPO International, will provide solutions medical device manufacturers can use to enhance efficiency, speed and time to market, and to ensure regulatory compliance.“The U.S. medical device market is currently a $110 billion industry – the largest in the world. There are more than… more
Jul 28, 2014
The Healthcare Convention & Exhibitors Association (HCEA) announced its officers and directors at the 2014 HCEA Annual Meeting, June 21-24, in Cleveland, Ohio. Diane Benson, CTSM, GE Healthcare, was inducted as President.Here are the 2014-2015 Board Officers:President-Elect– Christine Farmer, Sanofi; Vice President – Don Schmid, MBA, CME/H Hospira, Inc.; Secretary/Treasurer – Christine DiDomenico, MBA; and Immediate Past President – Sue Huff, Medtronic, Inc.Here are the Association’s 2013-2015 Directors:Ann Marie Bermudez, Daiichi Sankyo, Inc.; Cassandra Costello, Actelion… more
Jul 28, 2014
When the Society of Independent Show Organizers’ Executive Conference kicks off Aug. 11-13 in Atlantic City, N.J., at the Revel Casino Hotel, attendees will have the opportunity to examine the event experience through the eyes of attendees and exhibitors alike.On the first full day of the conference, one of the first sessions on tap – “The Attendee Experience: What Works? What Doesn't?” – led by Tom Mitchell, president of Messe Dusseldorf, and David Adler, founder and CEO of BizBash Media, will take a look at what’s being done to keep events fresh and engaging.Instead of just speaking from… more
Jul 27, 2014
Advancements in CSS3 offer more opportunities for responsive design and audiences are increasingly becoming aware of Web sites that are tailored to their device versus Web sites that are just conforming to a standard that doesn’t suit the device they are using.
When designing a site that responds to all sizes of screens you not only need to think about the technology that makes this happen, but you also especially want to give thought to the content that will appear on each screen.
Squishing content into a tall stack of information may not be the best way to present your content to… more
Jul 27, 2014
When the Georgia World Congress Center welcomed more than 20,000 attendees during the 2014 ISTE conference at the beginning of July, the venue was challenged to make sure everyone stayed connected.
ISTE (The International Society for Technology in Education) is the premier membership association for educators and education leaders engaged in advancing excellence in learning and teaching through the innovative and effective uses of technology in PK–12 and teacher education.
Because of the technological nature of the show, ISTE depends heavily on wireless connectivity to support their… 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.