News

Dec 29, 2021
Following the surge in online events that has swept the industry since the pandemic started, the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) and networking platform AC Forum have unveiled Digital Events Outlook: Insights, Behaviours, Best Practices. Funded by the PCMA Foundation, the report aims to demystify key myths about digital events and provide event organizers with a checklist for planning them in the future. The release of the research findings coincides with a two-year strategic partnership between PCMA and AC Forum that is intended to strengthen both organizations through… more
Dec 28, 2021
The event industry has become a poster child for change. Before COVID-19, in-person events were the rule. Then, virtual events emerged to adjust for the world’s new normal of staying home and lessening contact with the outside world. Now, in-person events are slowly coming back … somewhat.   Now that event organizers have seen virtual, they can’t unsee it. Having reaped the benefits of virtual events, like cost savings, many organizations want the best of both the in-person and virtual worlds. To give you a better understanding of this shift, here are seven compelling reasons why hybrid… more
Dec 27, 2021
The Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) recently released Report One: Marketing Channel Mix During Pandemic and Outlook Moving Forward for Brand Marketers That Exhibit at B2B Exhibitions from its newest research series, Omnichannel Marketing Insights. The series details omnichannel marketing practices while the pandemic shut down the business-to-business (B2B) exhibition industry in mid-March 2020 and anticipated plans moving forward through 2022. Along with benchmarks on the marketing channel mix used during the pandemic, it assesses the extent by which participants will return… more
Dec 22, 2021
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) chose a stellar lineup of recipients for its 2021 IAEE Awards, which recognize outstanding contributions by IAEE members to the organization and to the exhibitions and events industry. Rachel Wimberly of Tarsus Group, parent company of Trade Show News Network (TSNN) was among the 13 winners this year. Recipients were selected after careful consideration and review by the IAEE Awards Committee and approval by the IAEE Board of Directors following an open call for nominations by IAEE members earlier in the year. “It is a great… more
Dec 21, 2021
We at TSNN can probably speak for a lot of event industry professionals when we say “good riddance 2021!” with perhaps more gusto than in past years (other than the dumpster fire that was 2020, of course).   While many of us are likely feeling cautiously optimistic about our industry’s recovery given the global health challenges we still face, in the U.S., in-person trade shows have been steadily making a comeback, attendees and exhibitors are wanting to meet face-to-face again, organizations are hiring in droves, and industry professionals are striking a tone of optimism that we haven’t… more
Dec 20, 2021
Global trade show organizer Montgomery Group has teamed up with Exposition Development Company (ExpoDevCo) to expand the Independent Hotel Show, which has successful editions in London and Amsterdam, into the North American market. Set for Nov. 2-3, 2022 at the Miami Beach Convention Center, the Independent Hotel Show Miami will connect independent, boutique and luxury hoteliers with quality, handpicked suppliers from the U.S. and abroad.   “We are thrilled to be partnering with Montgomery Group to expand their successful Independent Hotel Show brand into North America,” said ExpoDevCo COO… more
Dec 17, 2021
As part of its evolving lineup of innovative technology solutions, Maritz Global Events gave attendees at the recent IAEE Expo! Expo! show in Philadelphia a sneak peek of its new First Person Experiences initiative. The new technology is designed to increase return on investment for event organizers through a digital replica of a trade show, product launch or other event experience. First Person Experiences extends the value of a live event, increases audience reach and creates incremental revenue, according to Aaron Dorsey, vice president of product management for Maritz Global Events. “… more
Dec 16, 2021
ASM Global announced a new name for the 723,000-square-foot convention center that it has managed in downtown Detroit since 2010. Formerly named Cobo Center, then TCF Center after TCF Bank purchased the naming rights for the facility in 2019, the venue is now known as Huntington Place. The new name comes after the recent merger between TCF Financial Corp. and Huntington Bank.  According to Karen Totaro, general manager of Huntington Place/ASM Global, Huntington is a well-respected brand, and the timing of the new moniker could not be any better.  “The renaming comes at a time when Detroit… more
Dec 15, 2021
Tarsus Group  has grown its portfolio of more than 180 trade shows worldwide even more with two new investments in the United States - FounderMade and Health Connect Partners (HCP). These mark the latest in a busy year for the global B2B media company, which has completed six investments throughout 2021, while also reopening in-person events in the majority of its key territories. FounderMade and HCP will join Tarsus Group as part of its newly created Tarsus Health division, covering the healthcare, wellness and nutrition industries. In addition to the new investments, the division also… more
Dec 14, 2021
As the first face-to-face IBTM portfolio event to take place in two years, IBTM World once again succeeded in reuniting the global meeting, incentives, conference and events industry in Barcelona, Spain. Held Nov. 30–Dec. 2 at Fira de Barcelona, the annual industry event attracted more than 7,000 attendees, who participated in more than 30,000 pre-scheduled, one-to-one business meetings, as well as a slew of networking and premium education opportunities. “This has been an incredibly rewarding three days, and it has been amazing to see people reconnect after so long apart,” said David… 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.