News

Jul 28, 2013
After a two-year hiatus in Washington, D.C., the Specialty Food Association’s Summer Fancy Food Show broke attendance records back in New York City at its recent show. The event ran June 30-July 2 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center of New York and drew a record 24,100 buyers, breaking its previous record when the show was held in New York in 2010. In 2011 and 2012, the show had moved to D.C. because of renovations on the Javits Center. “New York is the birthplace of the Fancy Food Show and its home. Our return to the city coincided with unprecedented interest in specialty… more
Jul 27, 2013
Four companies, each representing breakthrough event tech or thought-leading concepts, will present their product to Society of Independent Show Organizers (SISO) Executive Conference 2013 attendees. Following a critique and vote, one winner will be chosen at the event, which is on tap Aug. 6-8 at the Walter E. Washington (D.C.) Convention Center. “The competing companies all present viable, actionable solutions to improve event strategies,” said Lew Shomer, executive director of SISO. “We are very excited to see how each will fare on the Battlefield.” The businesses… more
Jul 27, 2013
Sorted Gmail Interface Google recently launched a new interface for Gmail.  It is slowly being rolled out to all users. The new interface automatically sorts a user’s email into three categories: Primary, Social, and Promotion. If you are an android user, you will see a fourth tab for Google app updates. The primary tab houses your important messages.  The Social tab receives emails from your social network accounts.  The promotional tab collects all of the advertising and deal emails that you receive.  My Gmail account was updated a week ago and I LOVE the new… more
Jul 27, 2013
Sorted Gmail Interface Google recently launched a new interface for Gmail.  It is slowly being rolled out to all users. The new interface automatically sorts a user’s email into three categories: Primary, Social, and Promotion. If you are an android user, you will see a fourth tab for Google app updates. The primary tab houses your important messages.  The Social tab receives emails from your social network accounts.  The promotional tab collects all of the advertising and deal emails that you receive.  My Gmail account was updated a week ago and I LOVE the new… more
Jul 27, 2013
Four companies, each representing breakthrough event tech or thought-leading concepts, will present their product to Society of Independent Show Organizers (SISO) Executive Conference 2013 attendees. Following a critique and vote, one winner will be chosen at the event, which is on tap Aug. 6-8 at the Walter E. Washington (D.C.) Convention Center. “The competing companies all present viable, actionable solutions to improve event strategies,” said Lew Shomer, executive director of SISO. “We are very excited to see how each will fare on the Battlefield.” The businesses… more
Jul 24, 2013
Penton Media made a bold move to beef up its existing aviation portfolio by acquiring the Aviation Week Group from McGraw Hill Financial. The Aviation Week Group buy includes events, data, digital and media products. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed. Some of the newly required events are Aviation Week’s MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul) series, Aerospace & Defense Programs (ADP), Defense Technology & Affordability Requirements (DTAR), Civil Aviation Manufacturing (CAM), and NextGen Ahead: Air Transportation Modernization Conference. “Aviation… more
Jul 23, 2013
Advanstar Communications’ “Shop the Floor” digital showroom for buyers and sellers received a major boost recently when the company partnered with Balluun, a social business-to-business technology provider. “Shop the Floor” was launched early this year at Advanstar’s fashion-related shows, including MAGIC Marketplace. Partnering with Switzerland-based Balluun allows Advanstar’s “Shop the Floor” offering to now be seamlessly integrated for trade shows, digital showrooms, B-to-B communication and commerce. In addition, Balluun’s technology will enable Advanstar to provide its customers with a… more
Jul 22, 2013
Lean back and relax, yells a wiry climbing instructor securing the rope as a first-time climber finds his way up a sandstone cliff in Krabi, Thailand. Adventure sports and team building on the beach add authentic Thai flavor to corporate events and meetings in Bangkok, which continues to emerge as a strong meeting and convention destination in Asia. The Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) is investing more than 90 million baht ($30 million) into attracting and supporting mega-events, offering promotions to event organizers from key international markets and reinforcing its… more
Jul 22, 2013
The Singapore Gifts & Premiums Fair (SGPFair) drew a record-breaking 10,000-plus visitors when it recently was held at the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore. The three-day show, held July 10-12, showcases promotional, corporate, incentive and retail gifts. There also were 158 exhibitors on the showfloor. Both local (61 percent) and overseas exhibitors (39 percent) presented unique products and the latest designs from more than 30 countries, such as Australia, Germany, Korea, Japan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Italy, United States, United Kingdom and more.  International Group Pavilions… more
Jul 22, 2013
In May, PMMI, the Association for Packaging & Processing Technologies, owner and producer of the PACK EXPO trade shows, and the International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE) announced the debut of Pharma EXPO. Just a few, short months later, the new show is drawing strong industry support, with leading pharmaceutical/medical device solution providers lining up to take part. “It’s even better than we expected. The initial response from the industry has been incredible,” said Jim Pittas, PMMI’s vice president, Trade Shows. He added, “Most of the… 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.