News
Jul 06, 2022
As the trade show industry continues its evolution toward a post-pandemic future, event-related organizations across the U.S. and abroad are appointing new leaders, promoting staff and hiring new team members in preparation for bluer skies ahead. Here are the latest exciting new people developments you need to know!
BPA Worldwide
Leading global assurance provider of media, technology, events, and sustainability compliance, BPA Worldwide, has named Richard Murphy president and CEO. He replaces Glenn Hansen, who intends to retire in June 2023 and in the interim, has been named executive… more
Jul 05, 2022
If thoughts of Pittsburgh still evoke visions of a gritty, industrial steel town, then it’s time to pay a visit and have your misconceptions changed! Within the last several decades, this revitalized metropolis has undergone a dramatic transformation that has made it one of the cleanest, most environmentally friendly places in the nation.
Named one of the most livable cities in the U.S. as well as a top 10 U.S. cities for green-certified building spaces, Pittsburgh is not only a friendly destination boasting a beautiful skyline, sparkling rivers, stunning architecture and a bustling arts,… more
Jul 01, 2022
ASM Global, a leading producer of entertainment experiences, teamed with Infor, a top cloud software provider, for a multi-year strategic blueprint that will offer the live-entertainment industry’s first fully integrated booking, sales, food and beverage, and event management platform, and it will also be used for conventions, trade shows and other corporate events.
The newly developed software is earmarked for ASM’s domestic and international venues, and the company plans to officially begin deploying it this month at select ASM Global U.S. arenas, stadiums, theaters and convention… more
Jun 30, 2022
As trade shows and conferences continue their steady return to face-to-face, convention centers are happily welcoming back event participants. However, for the events industry and the myriad venues that support it, the post-pandemic era hasn’t turned out to be synonymous with a return to business as usual. Attendee priorities have changed, and it’s not just show organizers who are having to work harder than ever to lure audiences back to their events, venues are also having to adapt, working harder and faster to meet ever-changing needs in order to fill their exhibit halls and meeting rooms… more
Jun 29, 2022
The Metropolitan Pier & Exposition Authority’s bid process for possible new venue management for Chicago’s McCormick Place, which it oversees, has triggered red flags in the trade show industry after it was rumored a management company that also manages and runs its own shows, as well as offers general service contracting, possibly was being considered.
The venue management contract currently is held by ASM Global and was initially due to expire June 30, 2022, but has been extended through January 31, 2023, as MPEA continues to go through the bid process.
David Audrain, CEO of The… more
Jun 28, 2022
Marketplace Events Grows Its Holiday Consumer Show Footprint With Multiple Acquisitions and Launches
North America’s largest consumer show producer, Marketplace Events (MPE), is continuing to make a strong post-pandemic comeback by significantly expanding its holiday show portfolio with the acquisition of three large holiday shows and two launches.
On June 15, the company purchased The Pennsylvania Christmas & Gift Show, which runs at the PA Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg, from Pennsylvania Christmas Show. As one of the East Coast’s largest holiday shows, the five-day event attracts 500 exhibitors and 30,000 attendees each year.
Prior to that, on May 4, MPE acquired the state of… more
Jun 27, 2022
More than 51,000 foodservice professionals flocked to Chicago's McCormick Place May 21-24 for the first time since 2019 to happily reconnect in person and indulge in this year's National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show (National Restaurant Association Show), the premier event to learn about foodservice technology innovations, unique ingredients and emerging trends in the restaurant industry.
“The 2022 show was one of the most anticipated events of the year, and after three long years, we couldn’t wait to bring the foodservice community back together to celebrate the… more
Jun 24, 2022
Mark Johnson, chairman and CEO of Minneapolis-based The STAR Groupe, has acquired leading trade show and corporate event marketing education company Exhibitor Media Group, publisher of the award-winning EXHIBITOR magazine and producer of EXHIBITORLIVE, the national conference and exhibition for trade show and corporate event marketers.
As the founder of Star Exhibits and Environments in 1993, Johnson made a strategic decision following the COVID-19 pandemic to establish a holding company dedicated to serving the face-to-face marketing industry.
“The trade show industry was significantly… more
Jun 24, 2022
Leading digital engagement platform JUNO has secured $10 million in Series A funding, led by global software investor Insight Partners, that is aimed at advancing the company’s mission to serve networked communities, ultimately allowing users to engage in integrated physical and digital worlds.
Human connection is critical to building communities around events, whether virtually or in-person, according to Josh Hotsenpiller, founder and CEO of JUNO, adding that JUNO is one platform for all digital engagement—networking, community, events and learning.
“Digital is what’s next for communities… more
Jun 23, 2022
Three is not a crowd when it comes to the leadership team at Huntington Place. While female executives and general managers are becoming more and more common at convention centers across North America, few U.S. facilities can claim an all-female leadership team made up of three dynamic industry veterans: Lisa Canada, chairwoman of the Detroit Regional Convention Facility Authority (DRCFA) and the DRCFA Arts Committee; Karen Totaro, general manager; and Becky Bixby, assistant general manager. Bringing decades of experience to their roles, the powerful trio has made Detroit’s downtown… 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.