Q3 CEIR Index Drops .07 Percent; Consumer, Travel and Retail Shows Challenged

Led by a third-quarter drop in Real Revenues of 3 percent, compared with the same quarter in 2016, the Center for Exhibition Industry Research reports that performance of the exhibition industry is down 0.7 percent.

The decrease was a result of factors related to several large exhibitions in the Consumer Goods and Retail Trade (CG) and Sporting Goods, Travel, and Amusement (ST) sectors.

IBTM World 2017 Technology Watch Awards Recognize Outstanding Event Industry Tech Achievements

The ibtm Technology Watch Award winners for 2017 were announced at the most recent ibtm world, held Nov. 28-30 at Fira Gran Via in Barcelona, Spain.

As the longest-running awards program of its kind, the ibtm Technology Watch awards recognize the achievements of new and innovative event industry technologies, ensuring that the achievements of talented entrepreneurs looking to revolutionize the meetings and events sector are duly acknowledged.

IAEE, Smart City Networks and Caesars Entertainment Make a Positive Impact in Local and International Communities

This article is the second in a series that we will be running throughout the holiday season shining a bright, well-deserved spotlight on companies that are #GivingBack.

The International Association of Exhibitions and Events, Smart City Networks and Caesars Entertainment have been working overtime to give back and make a difference in the lives of the less fortunate.

Each Booth Staffer Should Have a Role

Submitted by lpsavas@tsnn.com on Wed, 12/06/2017 - 10:10

There is a perception by some Event Managers that the best booth staffer is always the outgoing sales person who is outspoken and fun. While sales reps can be great staffers, there are other personality types and expertise characteristics that can be just as important to round out your perfect team. Below I outline some key roles for booth staffers candidates you can use to fill those roles at your next trade show.

Engager/Crowd Gatherer

It Was All About Connections at 2017 IAEE’s Expo! Expo! in San Antonio

Getting together face-to-face was the primary goal of the 2017 IAEE Expo! Expo! Annual Meeting and Exhibition, which took place Nov. 28–30 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas.

The show focused on making connections, both with fellow attendees and with education sessions that ran on three tracks: researched-informed, data-guided and experience-designed.

Shepard Acquires California-based McCUNE Audio-Video-Lighting

Full-service event production company, Shepard, has acquired McCUNE Audio-Video-Lighting, a California-based provider of audio-visual and entertainment services for the events industry.

The acquisition will help expand Shepard AV, the Atlanta-based company’s audio-visual division.

“It’s an exciting time for Shepard AV,” said Stuart Danneman, executive vice president of Shepard AV.

Engaging with Technology at Expo! Expo!

The IAEE Expo! Expo! Annual Meeting and Exhibition 2017 drew some great technology features to the show. This year’s event, held Nov. 28–30 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas, offered some very interesting technology engagement options for those in attendance.

Technology as education: At the education session titled Leveraging Digital Insights to Create Brand Experiences, Wilson Tang, vice president at Freeman XP, talked about using technology to create customized brand experiences.

Deborah Sexton Stepping Down from Professional Convention Management Association

After more than 12 years, President and CEO Deborah Sexton has decided to move on from the Professional Convention Management Association and will step down after the upcoming Convening Leaders event in January in Nashville.

Sexton shared her decision with the Board of Directors at the September meeting. The Board voted unanimously to approve COO Sherrif Karamat as the new CEO.

This follows careful succession planning at PCMA, where Sexton and Karamat have worked closely together since 2005.

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.