News

Jul 04, 2012
Germany’s Messe Frankfurt shrugged off the economic doldrums plaguing several countries in Europe and posted its best sales year on record last year driven by growth in group and foreign sales. The final figure for last year’s group sales was €467.5 million. “Even though 2011 was by no means an easy year from an economic perspective, we succeeded in further expanding our business activities,” said Wolfgang Marzin, president and CEO of Messe Frankfurt. Accounting for sales revenue attributable to Messe Frankfurt service subsidiaries Accente Gastronomie Service… more
Jul 01, 2012
Dallas-based Freeman will sell Cincinnati-based Fern Exposition & Event Services, which it bought just more than a year ago as part of the acquisition of Wheelhouse Solutions, to Fern’s COO Aaron Bludworth and an investment group.  Both companies chose not to disclose financial information related to this transaction. The Wheelhouse Solutions deal in June 2011 also included Champion Exposition Services and Immersa Marketing, but while Champion was folded into Freeman, Immersa and Fern were operated for the past year as standalone brands. “I am excited to represent Fern… more
Jul 01, 2012
Temperatures are soaring across the U.S., and what’s typically a slower time in the trade show industry is filled instead with a bevy of industry meetings. Destination Marketing Association International’s Annual Convention is on tap July 16-18 in Seattle and will kick off with an opening keynote by Jason Ryan Dorsey, known as “The Gen Y Guy”, who will discuss “Crossing the Generational Divide: Leveraging the Power of Generations for Your Strategic Advantage.” Other events on the schedule for the three-day event include a volunteer activity with locally… more
Jul 01, 2012
A new report commissioned by the Professional Convention Management Association’s Education Foundation takes a look into meetings, events and conventions from the perspective of the Millennial generation to identify key motivations and challenges in engaging this emerging audience. “What the Millennial Generation Prefers in Their Meetings, Conventions and Events” reportis based on the findings of the largest survey conducted of its kind, according to PCMA officials. More than 2,000 respondents ages 18-30 participated in the study, which was led by a team of hospitality and… more
Jun 30, 2012
Last week, Kazuhiro Tsuga was named incoming president of Panasonic Corporation during their general meeting of shareholders in Osaka, Japan, and the same day, the Consumer Electronic Association announced Tsuga will be the opening keynote speaker at the 2013 International CES.   The show is on tap Jan. 8-11 at the Las Vegas Convention Center and several venues around the city.   Tsuga’s keynote will be Jan. 8 in the Las Vegas Sands’ Venetian’s Palazzo Ballroom, immediately following a State of the CE Industry keynote address by Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of… more
Jun 27, 2012
For the second time in the past few years, ownership of the California Gift Show changed hands – this time from Merchandise Mart Properties Inc. to Urban Expositions. In 2009, as part of the slimming down of dmg world media’s gift show portfolio, the event was sold to MMPI. Urban Expositions will take over management of California Gift Show after the event’s July edition on tap at the Los Angeles Convention Center.  “We seized the opportunity to buy this show as we felt it could accelerate our efforts to rebuild the southern California gift market’s brand… more
Jun 25, 2012
The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau, in cooperation with international exhibition and event bodies, recently held the Thailand MICE International Forum (TMIF) 2012 in Bangkok. The Forum brought together expertise from TCEB, the Asian Federation for Exhibition and Convention Associations (AFECA) and the U.S.-based International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE). With the theme, “Connecting Asia, Connecting Success,” the Forum had two goals. The first goal was to domestically enhance the appreciation among Thailand’s MICE operators of the importance and… more
Jun 25, 2012
Clarion Events North America will launch its first new show in the United States – the Atlanta Foodservice Expo – which will serve the restaurant, foodservice and hospitality industries in Georgia and the Southeast.   The annual show will debut Oct. 20-22, 2013, at the Georgia World Congress Center.   “We are excited about the opportunity to bring a focused show to a major market that will not only bring buyers and sellers together, but will also deliver a unique package of services and value,” said David Audrain, Clarion N.A.’s president.   He… more
Jun 25, 2012
 EasyFairs’ StocExpo, Europe’s top event for the tank terminal industry, has joined forces with Singapore-based Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions specialist, Singex, to enhance the development of its bulk liquid storage event in Asia – Tank Storage Asia.   The collaboration between StocExpo and Singex will establish a business platform to support industry professionals from within this and associated sectors.   The first edition of Tank Storage Asia to benefit from this new partnership takes place Dec. 11-12.   Comprised of a two-day… more
Jun 25, 2012
Other regions of the world may be experiencing economic troubles, but according to a recent survey released by the HongKong Exhibition and Convention Industry Association, the exhibition industry in Hong Kong is thriving. The survey tracked exhibitions in Hong Kong last year and the numbers of companies coming to Hong Kong to exhibit, the amount of exhibition space they occupied and the numbers of visitors coming from overseas to exhibitions all grew year over year, in some cases posting double-digit growth. “This is another effective testimony to the importance of the exhibition… 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.