News

Nov 23, 2012
Mermaids, Hawaiian shirts and just about every type of equipment needed for a treasure hunt in a shipwreck took the spotlight at the 2012 DEMA Show, the world's largest trade-only event for the scuba diving, ocean sports and dive travel industries. It took place Nov. 14–17 at the Sands Convention Center in Las Vegas. "Diving is a discretionary industry, which makes it unique that the show is growing in size in this economy," said Robert Harar, chairman and CEO of National Trade Productions that produces the show for the Diving Equipment & Marketing Association.… more
Nov 19, 2012
Information on  a memorial fund set up in Joyce's name for an elderly woman she was helping take care of is posted below.   Joyce McKee, a well-known 25-year trade show veteran and most recently CEO of Joyce McKee & Company, passed away Nov. 19 after suffering a stroke.   Her company was a results-based marketing firm focused on direct marketing programs that created solid customer relationships and helped drive revenue goals.   “Joyce McKee was the most positive person I have ever known,” said Cathy Breden, COO for the International Association for… more
Nov 18, 2012
In March, the Specialty Equipment Marketing Association bought the Performing Racing Industry Trade Show, and now it’s expanded its reach even more, with the acquisition of the International Motorsports Industry Show, held annually in Indianapolis. The two motorsports shows will be combined in the process. “This consolidation is all about helping the racing industry to succeed,” said SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting. He added, “Unifying the racing industry’s trade shows makes it more affordable for all to participate and allows us to focus on providing… more
Nov 15, 2012
Houston-based Hart Energy’s DUG East trade show and conference for the unconventional resources industry has grown in leaps and bounds, each year steadily drawing more attendees and exhibitors to an ever-expanding showfloor. Held Nov. 13-15 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh, the event attracted approximately 3,200 attendees and 315 exhibitors to a 45,800 net square foot showfloor, compared with just 25 exhibitors and 649 attendees to a 37,200 net sq. ft. showfloor when it was launched just four years ago. DUG East, one of five DUG-branded events owned and… more
Nov 15, 2012
Advanstar Global, parent company of the biennial MAGIC Marketplace fashion shows, has acquired ENK International, owner of 14 high-end trade show fashion brands, including ENKUSA, ENKVEGAS, Fashion Coterie, Intermezzo and Sole Commerce. This acquisition adds to Advanstar’s existing events portfolio with shows such as MAGIC, PROJECT, FN Platform, Licensing International, among several other events and conferences. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. “Having ENK, MAGIC and PROJECT within the same family of companies provides the fashion industry a choice of intimate and… more
Nov 14, 2012
Peter W. Nathan, president of PWN Exhibicon International, one of the most well-known and storied icons in the trade show industry, has announced he will retire after 58 years of service. “It’s time … I’ve been in this industry 58 years,” Nathan said. “Not that I’m going to fade away. There are a number of volunteer opportunities I want to work with.” Nathan, who is turning 80, started in the industry when he was a 22-year-old and worked with Saul Poliak of Clapp & Poliak. “I had a fabulous mentor,” Nathan said. “His… more
Nov 13, 2012
New York-based Penton Media made a big buy recently, scooping up the Farm Progress portfolio from Fairfax Media Limited of Sydney, Australia, for $79.9 million. This buy significantly expands Penton Media’s agriculture information business portfolio that includes live events, digital products, data, marketing services and publications. The Farm Progress buy includes four farm trade events, including the nation’s largest outdoor farm show, a robust broadcast division and several media brands. The shows include Farm Progress Show, Hay Expo, Husker Harvest Days and New York Farm… more
Nov 11, 2012
The American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA) and Society for the Advancement of Material and Process Engineering (SAMPE) boards of directors recently signed a letter of intent to launch a new combined event in the Fall of 2014. The collocated event will serve the entire advanced materials and composites industry in North America. “We are very excited about the scope of the show and the value it will bring to our memberships and the composites and advanced materials industry,” said Kate Thorpe, SAMPE president. She added, “SAMPE and ACMA are recognized as the… more
Nov 11, 2012
Upwards of 30,000 attendees flocked to the Fabulous Food Show Nov. 9-11 at Cleveland’s International Exposition (I-X) Center to not only see celebrity chefs such as Michael Symon, Guy Fieri and Jacques Pépin, but also sample delicacies ranging from chocolate-covered bacon to an array of regional cheeses. The annual show is one of seven owned and produced by the I-X Center, along with the collocated By Hand Fine Art & Craft Fair – a juried show with vendors from across the United States. Guy Fieri, restaurateur, author and star of several Food Network shows, has a… more
Nov 11, 2012
The American Society of Association Executives will host its 2012 Technology Conference & Expo Dec. 4-6 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center and focus on how technology and consumers will affect the future of business. CEOs, chief technology officers, chief information officers, other technology staff and marketing and membership professionals also will learn the latest information on technology, social media and web trends, as well as the impact mobile and digital content will have on associations and nonprofit organizations.  Attendees will have the opportunity to take… 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.