News
Oct 18, 2022
Despite rumblings of a slowing job market, the trade show industry is continuing its strong hiring and promoting momentum, with organizations far and wide filling executive roles with seasoned industry veterans and elevating strong-performing team members with new titles. Check them out!
Caesars Entertainment
Caesars Entertainment, Inc. has promoted 20-year sales and hospitality industry veteran Kelly Gleeson Smith to vice president of sales, meetings and events, responsible for leading the global sales strategy for meetings and events for the enterprise and overseeing a team of more than… more
Oct 17, 2022
The Events Industry Council (EIC) released the findings of its 2022 Q2 Global Business Events Barometer, which revealed a strong increase in its two major indexes: business event request for proposal (RFP) and group hotel room nights.
According to the barometer, which monitors the changes within the market relative to pre-pandemic levels, the Q2 RFP activity index rose to 81% of 2019 levels and the Q2 group hotel room nights index jumped to 83% of 2019 levels.
The barometer points to the fact that RFP activity for events with short lead times has recovered further than requests for events… more
Oct 14, 2022
London-based Arc, a global B2B events, data and media platform, is expanding its U.S. footprint with plans to purchase two major portfolios from LRP Media Group, serving business and education professionals worldwide.
Arc signed an agreement to acquire LRP Media Group’s event and related media assets serving the HR technology (HR tech) and education technology (ed tech) sectors. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.
The acquisition, which will be the sixth and largest for Arc in the 14 months since the company’s inception, is intended to add substantial scale to the overall Arc… more
Oct 13, 2022
Redrock Entertainment and POP Experiential
Event production company Redrock Entertainment and creative experience agency POP Experiential (POP | X) announced a new alliance to bring award-winning teams of creators and producers to the experiential marketplace, creating a broader offering to existing and prospective clients.
Together, the two teams will deliver tech-forward solutions for B2B and B2C experiences and events—in-person, virtual and hybrid.
Redrock delivers acclaimed large-scale productions, producing high-profile events including Stranger Things Drive-Into Experience, Riot… more
Oct 13, 2022
As Hurricane Ian recovery efforts kick off in Florida, community organizations, including event and hospitality industry entities, are stepping up to the plate to provide assistance to those impacted by the devastating storm. Throughout the state’s response to the hurricane, VISIT FLORIDA has been working closely with authorities and travel brands including Expedia, Airbnb and hoteliers throughout Florida to connect displaced citizens with resources for finding suitable short- and long-term accommodations.
On Oct. 3, the state’s official tourism marketing organization learned of 23 families… more
Oct 11, 2022
Vibrant, progressive, walkable, innovative and diverse. Those are words that often come to mind when thinking of Toronto, North America’s fourth-largest city and the cultural heart of Canada. Easy to get to from the U.S., this modern, multicultural gateway also happens to be one of the most sustainable destinations for meetings and events, with an array of industry-leading convention venues that make environmental consciousness a top priority.
Nowhere is this more evident than at Canada’s leading meeting and trade show facility, the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC), which offers more… more
Oct 10, 2022
This month’s People News demonstrates that CVBs and venue management companies are among the busiest event industry entities continuing their hiring streaks as the demand for in-person trade shows and events continues to surge toward pre-pandemic levels. Take a look!
ASM Global
Leading venue and event strategy and management company ASM Global is continuing its growth trajectory with an executive appointment and a major new hire at one of its convention center partners in Detroit.
Seasoned industry veteran Daniel Hoffend was recently named executive vice president convention centers,… more
Oct 07, 2022
Around 100 leaders of the world’s largest business events organizers gathered at the Asia CEO Summit Oct. 5-7 at The Fullerton Hotel in Singapore to reaffirm their commitment in the sustainable growth of the business events and meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) sector in Asia.
Besides exchanging insights on their respective markets’ experience in the resumption of physical business events, it was an opportunity for global industry leaders to do business and build momentum for more business events in the region.
The inaugural Asia CEO Summit brought together the… more
Oct 06, 2022
The age of the metaverse is upon us, but how can event organizers, event marketers and businesses innovatively leverage this brave new world? The first annual Metaverse Spectrum Business Conference & Expo, set for Oct. 25, is designed to showcase the many ways for attendees to do so—all within the metaverse itself.
The first-of-its-kind event specifically aims to educate attendees about the metaverse and its various use cases for events and businesses by connecting them with top influencers and leading companies blazing new trails in the metaverse, according to Sabrina George, senior… more
Oct 06, 2022
The Dayton Convention Center (DCC) in Dayton, Ohio has begun a $40 million renovation project designed to serve as an integral part of the city’s downtown economic revitalization. According to officials from ASM Global, which manages the convention center, the 51-year-old facility will soon undergo a major update that will equip it to meet the ever-evolving needs of meeting and event clients.
Construction is expected to conclude in late summer or early fall of 2024, and the venue will remain open to host events throughout the project.
Announced on Sept. 22, the project follows the DCC’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.