News

May 05, 2013
In its 8th year, InfoComm China 2013 continues to grow, drawing 19,431 attendees, a 20-percent increase compared with the 2012 show, to the China National Convention Center in Beijing. The three-day annual pro audiovisual show, held in early April, has grown so much since its inception that next year it will fill the entire CNCC, according to show organizers. "We are really thrilled by this year's success, as it once again proved companies in China are recognizing the importance of pro AV in providing a competitive edge to their businesses,” said Richard Tan, the show’s… more
May 05, 2013
Imagine going to a trade show and instead of lugging around an often bulky exhibitor’s guide all day, you could walk up to a kiosk with a touchscreen, search for exhibitor’s digital brochures you are interested in and have them instantly emailed to your inbox. That’s exactly what U.K.-based ecoXpress has started offering at events, which also has had a substantial impact on the amount of paper saved onsite. The system – used at exhibitions by leading brands such as GSK, GE and Honeywell  - not only saves money (and trees) through the reduction of printing and… more
May 05, 2013
Imagine going to a trade show and instead of lugging around an often bulky exhibitor’s guide all day, you could walk up to a kiosk with a touchscreen, search for exhibitor’s digital brochures you are interested in and have them instantly emailed to your inbox. That’s exactly what U.K.-based ecoXpress has started offering at events, which also has had a substantial impact on the amount of paper saved onsite. The system – used at exhibitions by leading brands such as GSK, GE and Honeywell  - not only saves money (and trees) through the reduction of printing and… more
May 01, 2013
April continued the trend as a busy hiring month with some companies, such as Hanley Wood Exhibitions, announcing several key promotions and The Expo Group upping a few executives and hiring two others. Two long-time Hanley Wood team members – Tom Cindric, who ran the World of Concrete portfolio and Dana Teague, who formally ran SURFACES | StonExpo/Marmomacc Americas – both were promoted to vice president positions. Both still will have P&L responsibilities over their events. Cindric joined Hanley Wood Exhibitions in April 2001. Working on World of Concrete the entire time,… more
May 01, 2013
Released last month, the Digital Event Benchmark Report, conducted by Virtual Edge Institute (VEI) and commissioned by Freeman, gives insight into how some organizations are using online events to reach their audiences. The study included a cross-section of the event industry with representation from associations, corporate event planners, trade show organizers, conference producers and agencies, with more than 200 survey participants. Just under 80 percent of survey participants produce physical events, with 70 percent of those respondents also producing online events. More than half of… more
May 01, 2013
Released last month, the Digital Event Benchmark Report, conducted by Virtual Edge Institute (VEI) and commissioned by Freeman, gives insight into how some organizations are using online events to reach their audiences. The study included a cross-section of the event industry with representation from associations, corporate event planners, trade show organizers, conference producers and agencies, with more than 200 survey participants. Just under 80 percent of survey participants produce physical events, with 70 percent of those respondents also producing online events. More than half of… more
Apr 30, 2013
In early April, 13,000 attendees from the United States and 70 other countries attended the Wedding and Portrait Photographers International (WPPI) 2013 Conference and Expo in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand hotel and conference center. The conference and expo, which is run by Nielsen Expositions and was held April 7-14, reports it is the largest show in the world for wedding and portrait photographers. "WPPI 2013 had something for everyone! With so many options and opportunities for learning, choosing which Platform, Master and Plus classes to take was challenging and exciting for our… more
Apr 29, 2013
The Association of Equipment Manufacturers is setting it sites on the growing Latin American market with the planned launch of CONEXPO Latin America in 2015 in Santiago, Chile. Plans for CONEXPO Latin America were unveiled during an AEM press conference April 18 at the bauma trade fair in Munich, Germany. AEMhas signed a letter of intent with the Chilean Chamber of Construction to collocate CONEXPO Latin America with the Chamber’s Edifica exposition to be held October 2015. “We value our longstanding relationship with the Chamber, and this collocation complements our mutual… more
Apr 29, 2013
If the activity on the showfloor at LIGHTFAIR International (LFI) is any indication of the health of the trade show industry, expos are back in business. Not only were the aisles and booths crowded, but also what really stood out was the amount of people walking around with a smile on their face and a jaunt in their step. While some of this positivity could be attributed to the foosball and table tennis in one showfloor lounge, it certainly cannot take all the credit. LFI, which ran April 23-25 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, had in excess of 233,000 net square feet… more
Apr 29, 2013
PMMI, the owner and producer of the PACK EXPO trade shows, will launch a new event, PACK EXPO East, which will be held Feb. 2-4, 2015, in Philadelphia’s Pennsylvania Convention Center. “There’s a real need in the market for first-class events that are a bit closer to home,” says Rick Fox Jr., president, Fox IV Technologies, who chairs PMMI’s Board of Directors. He added, “About 18 months ago, PMMI commissioned Westat, a leading research firm, to reach out to customers about the need for a regional event, and if they would support one. The results were… 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.