News
Oct 11, 2021
While the Delta variant has certainly thrown a wrench in the industry’s recovery machine, major trade shows are continuing to happen in person—pandemic or no pandemic. Check out two recent events that not only took place safely and successfully but also exceeded expectations.
Utility Expo
As the largest premier event for utility professionals and construction contractors, The Utility Expo (formerly ICUEE) is known for showcasing the latest and greatest in cutting-edge industry technologies, innovations and trends. This year, the biennial event not only did just that but also in an… more
Oct 08, 2021
Spaceshop Commerce and ReedPop have partnered to launch “The Haul,” a virtual pop culture and fandom marketplace, built with Adobe Commerce.
The Haul integrates ReedPop’s digital and live events with a product marketplace featuring some of the biggest brands in pop culture, along with exclusive items from artists and retailers, replicating the fan-to-exhibitor discoverability found on the showfloor at their live conventions.
"The Haul represents a transformational digital first initiative, and what the future of commerce looks like for live events and beyond,” said Brandy Alexander-… more
Oct 08, 2021
CEDIA Expo, the leading trade event in smart home technology, joined the list of other shows that returned to an in-person format this year, pulling off a safe and impactful event that was amplified by a successful influencer program.
Held at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, Sept. 1-3, CEDIA Expo 2021, produced by Emerald, brought residential technology integrators, designers and trade professionals together face-to-face for the first time in two years to connect and discuss topics within the industry.
“For the return of this year’s in-person show, we selected a powerful… more
Oct 08, 2021
Joyce Leveston truly understands the transformative power of the convention industry. As a recent college graduate working as a telephone operator at the newly built San Diego Convention Center in 1989, she witnessed how the nascent venue was poised to transform what was then a sleepy military beach city into a highly desirable tourism and convention business destination. From then on she knew she was hooked.
“I will never forget how intrigued I was as I watched the venue being built from the ground up,” Leveston recollected. “I just wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself and I… more
Oct 07, 2021
If the human species is good at one thing, it’s adapting. So too is the trade show and events industry, which was forced to “pivot” during the worst of the pandemic by moving into a more innovative, forward-thinking mindset via the leveraging of virtual event technology. What has resulted is a digital events revolution and a growing hybrid evolution that is likely to be a mainstay in the events world for the foreseeable future.
To meet the needs of events serving both in-person and virtual audiences, hybrid event production studios are popping up in cities and at convention centers across… more
Oct 06, 2021
Famous for the fortifications, cobblestone streets and colorful Spanish Colonial buildings of Old San Juan, founded in 1519, Puerto Rico is also becoming a favorite for something brand-new, and it’s as vibrant and infused with local heritage as the historic district. Distrito T-Mobile, a five-acre entertainment complex that was being unveiled in phases right across from the Puerto Rico Convention Center, is now fully open, taking the experience for residents, visitors and event attendees to new heights.
"In celebrating the opening of Distrito T-Mobile, we share with the world our goal of… more
Oct 06, 2021
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) recently wrapped up another successful edition of its signature Women’s Leadership Forum, during which Tarsus Group’s Rachel Wimberly was honored with the 2021 IAEE Woman of Achievement Award.
The award recognizes an IAEE member who has led the way in advancing women through her outstanding leadership in the industry and her community.
Wimberly, who is executive vice president of business development, Tarsus U.S. for Tarsus Group, parent company of Trade Show News Network (TSNN), has been a member of IAEE for 14 years and… more
Oct 04, 2021
More new hires and promotions seem to be occurring at record pace as the trade show and destination marketing industries continue to forge ahead. Check out who’s moving in and up at event-related organizations throughout the U.S. and across the globe.
ConvExx
Las Vegas-based independent trade show and event management company ConvExx recently awarded several team members with new titles.
Jennifer Carr has been promoted to vice president, trade show and event operations, in which she will be responsible for service contractor relationships, graphics and show décor, and assisting with… more
Oct 01, 2021
Amid a growing trend to put strict health and safety protocols in place at events, the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) has implemented a COVID-19 vaccine requirement, among other safety measures, for all in-person attendees and exhibitors of the hybrid Expo! Expo! IAEE Annual Meeting and Exhibition 2021. The event is scheduled for Dec. 7-9 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center (PCC) in Philadelphia.
IAEE officials said the organization is committed to providing the safest event experience possible at Expo! Expo! and is working closely with its show partners on… more
Oct 01, 2021
It’s no secret that waste is a leading sustainability issue plaguing the entire global hospitality industry. In the U.S. alone, nearly 40% of food waste is generated from consumer-facing businesses including restaurants and hotels, according to leading conservation organization World Wildlife Fund (WWF). But while hotels have made important strides in waste prevention and diversion over the last several years, industry-wide waste reduction has presented a significant challenge due to the absence of a common approach in collecting data and measuring and reporting waste. In other words, hotels… 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.