HGGC Acquires Event Management Platform etouches

The global event management platform, etouches, has been acquired by HGGC, a middle market private equity firm.

HGGC’s investment will help the fast-growing event management software and sourcing solutions provider significantly expand its business in order to achieve a greater share of the $6 billion Event Management Software (EMS) and venue sourcing market, according to HGGC officials.

“We are very excited to partner with HGGC as we continue to enhance our offering and capitalize on the large whitespace in the market,” said Oni Chukwu, etouches CEO.

GES Scores Nearly 35 Percent Q1 Revenue Jump

First quarter revenues saw a significant jump for GES of nearly 35 percent to $318 million compared with $236 million during the same period in 2016.

“GES’ growth during the first quarter was driven by positive show-rotation, underlying growth at both our U.S. and International segments and contributions from our acquisition of ON Services,” said GES’ and Viad’s President and CEO Steve Moster.

2017 TSNN Awards Top 50 Fastest-growing Shows Unveiled

For the eighth year in row, Trade Show News Network will hold its prestigious and original TSNN Awards program that honors the top fastest-growing shows in attendance and net square footage on tap Aug. 21-23 collocated with Connect Expo in New Orleans.

The list of 50 shows that will be feted during the three-day, celebration-filled event can be found listed below and also HERE

Eight Ways to Disrupt the Old Conference Model

Keynotes, educational sessions, breakouts, evening networking events, sleep, rinse and repeat.

Conferences haven’t changed very much in decades, and while event organizers may recognize the need for change, taking that leap and just doing it can be daunting, if not downright scary.

As a result, many events continue to cling to the same-old, same-old format and content, rather than take the risk to implement cutting-edge reforms.

San Diego Convention Center Achieves LEED Gold Certification

The San Diego Convention Center has taken its environmental ambitions to the next level by achieving Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification.

As one of the most popular and well-respected green building certification programs used worldwide, LEED is known as the foremost rating program for the design, construction, operation and maintenance of green buildings, homes and communities.

Video is Key Tactic in Event Marketing Strategies

By Elizabeth Johnson

From Netflix to YouTube to Facebook Live, video is everywhere. According to Cisco’s Visual Networking Index, IP video traffic will comprise 82 percent of all consumer internet traffic by 2020, up from 70 percent in 2015.

Bottom line, if you’re not using video to promote your event, you should.

“Video connects on an emotional level, which is persuasive,” said Greig Powers, COO at CNTV.

ISA International Sign Expo 2017 Breaks Participation Records in Las Vegas

The ISA International Sign Expo 2017 enjoyed a record-breaking show in Las Vegas.

Held April 19-22 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, the annual trade show and conference for the sign, graphics and visual communications industry broke its own attendance records, with more than 20,500 industry professionals, including just under 600 exhibitors, spanning a sold-out, 210,000 square foot showfloor.

At the time of the show’s opening, dozens of exhibiting companies remained on a waiting list, hoping to secure their spot on a packed expo floor.

HIMSS Expands Global Educational Offerings, Acquires Health 2.0 Conferences 

In an effort to expand its global educational offerings to new and existing audiences, the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society has acquired the Health 2.0 conference division.

Going forward, HIMSS will establish a new Health 2.0 business unit within its organization that includes HIMSS North America, HIMSS Analytics, HIMSS Media, HIMSS Europe, HIMSS AsiaPacific and the Personal Connected Health Alliance.

UBM’s N.Y. Fashion Shows Add POOLTRADESHOW, BLUE@Intermezzo to Line Up

UBM Fashion has added two shows -  POOLTRADESHOW and BLUE@Intermezzo – to its NY Women's May marketplace, for a total of six shows: Accessorie Circuit, Intermezzo Collections, Accessories the Show, Fame and MODA, opening May 7-9 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center

BLUE@Intermezzo, the first-ever platform dedicated to showcasing premium denim brands, will exhibit between the major women's fashion markets. 

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.