News

Mar 16, 2012
The Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Expo (HPBExpo) 2012, which was held March 1-3 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, was up in not only total attendance and buyers but also number of exhibiting companies and new special events, compared with last year’s show.   Total registration was 14 percent higher, the number of exhibiting companies increased 10 percent and the number of net square feet of exhibits was up five percent, compared with the 2011 show held in Salt Lake City.    “Atlanta is a great location for the HPBExpo,” said Jack Goldman,… more
Mar 14, 2012
The American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance’s 127th annual meeting was meant to kick off March 13-17 at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston, but most of the event now has been canceled after a nearby electrical transformer fire knocked out power to the building on the event’s opening day. The power outage not only impacted the meeting in the city’s Back Bay neighborhood, but also more than 20,000 residences and several surrounding businesses, including the Hilton, Westin and Sheraton hotels. When the power was still out the morning of March… more
Mar 12, 2012
For nearly 20 years, Dorothy Belshaw has worked for George Little Management, most recently as vice president and show director of the New York International Gift Fair, but now she’s taken a new position as president of the International Market Centers’ Gift Division. "I am very pleased to have a true industry leader and professional join our executive team. Dorothy brings the leadership and experience to accelerate the growth of our Gift+Home show in Las Vegas,” said Robert Maricich, CEO of International Market Centers. He added, “As a recognized and proven… more
Mar 12, 2012
Nearly 11 years after a group of private equity investors led by Chicago-based Frontenac Company bought event marketing company Nth Degree from its original owners, another private equity firm, Gen Cap America, has stepped in to buy the company. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Gen Cap America is based in Nashville, Tenn., and specializes in acquisitions and recapitalizations of middle market businesses. “The face-to-face marketing industry continues to play an important role in the business-to-business marketing mix, enabling companies to interact with prospects and customers in… more
Mar 10, 2012
From all the smiling faces seen at EXHIBITOR Show, one might be fooled into thinking happy days are here again for the face-to-face marketing industry. Although that might be jumping the gun slightly, things are indeed looking up, according to participants at the 25th annual conference and exhibition for exhibit and corporate event marketing professionals. Held March 4-8 at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, the lively event boasted its second year of growth since the downturn, with approximately 6,011 attendees and 272 exhibitors covering 59,500 square feet of exhibition space, according… more
Mar 07, 2012
The BlogWorld & New Media Expo, billed as the ‘world’s largest new media conference and trade show’, expanded its reach with the purchase of Travel Blog Exchange (TBEX), a travel blogging conference. This year’s TBEX is set to take place June 15-17 at the Keystone Resort & Convention Center in Keystone in Colorado. TBEX is a gathering of travel bloggers that allows them to meet each other and learn more about the art of travel writing, as well as blogging as a business, cross connecting on other platforms and locating new audiences and vendors for their blogs… more
Mar 06, 2012
Last year saw significant increases in full-year revenues and profits at UK-based Tarsus Group, with the company scoring a 42 percent revenue increase to £61.7 million ($97 million), compared with £43.6 million ($69 million) in 2010, and adjusted profit before tax was up 77 percent to £16.8m ($26 million), compared with £9.5 million ($15 million) the year before. “2011 was a record year, with the Group achieving a strong financial performance, both on a year-on-year and biennial basis, and we have halved our debt level,” said Neville Buch, chairman of… more
Mar 05, 2012
The Hong Kong Trade and Development Council’s Hong Kong International Jewellery Show continued to draw strong attendance numbers, with the recent show attracting 38,000 buyers, a 3-percent increase, compared with last year’s event. A significant portion of the attendance increase at the event, held Feb. 16-20 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, came from the BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India, China) countries, with an 8-percent increase, compared with last year’s event. Konstantin Zakirov, a buyer from Russia, said he attended the show “to source silver,… more
Mar 05, 2012
The Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) reported at total of 49 international and regional conventions were signed for Malaysia in 2011. MyCEB partnered with the Ministry of Tourism, Sarawak Convention Bureau, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre and other strategic partners to secure various business events. Large scale events with over 4,000 delegates include the International Dragon Award (IDA), the IAS HIV Conference in Pathogenesis, treatment and Prevention and Women Deliver Conference, all taking place in 2013.   Additionally, the bureau also provided support for 198… more
Mar 05, 2012
Global Sources bought a 80-percent stake of the China (Shenzhen) International Brand Clothing & Accessories Fair (SZIC), one of Asia’s largest fashion fairs, for US$17.3 million. Shenzhen is a base for garment designing and manufacturing in China and SZIC, which was launched in 2001, has grown since its inception. The 2011 event hosted about 300 exhibitors, 4,000 booths and 31,000 professional visitors. "The apparel industry in China is moving from pure manufacturing to design and innovation, driving Chinese brands to become more well-known and prestigious, ultimately… 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.