Marketing Events Then and Now

By Elizabeth Johnson

In a 1996 article published in the Harvard Business Review, “The Future of Interactive Marketing”, the authors noted, “Clearly, marketing’s tool kit is experiencing unsettling amounts of innovation today. The boom in direct and database marketing, the dawning of electronic commerce, new ways to automate sales force management, and the sudden blossoming of the World Wide Web all suggest that the discipline is under pressure to reshape.”

Exhibitors Rave About SHOT Show Exhibitor Academy

“I can’t thank you enough for this opportunity,” and similar sentiments from SHOT Show exhibitors were repeatedly exchanged with National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) staff at the conclusion of the 3rd annual SHOT Show Exhibitor Academy.

This year’s Academy was held June 20-22 at the Sands Expo  Convention Center and was attended by more than 100 SHOT Show exhibitors. The Exhibitor Academy is the brainchild of ConvExx, the show management firm who won the bid to manage SHOT Show beginning in 2014.

Licensing International Expo Unveils Matchmaking, Sports-themed Attendee Engagement in Las Vegas

Wonder Woman, with its feature film coming out next year, led the parade of characters and other licensable properties at the 36th annual Licensing International Expo that took place June 21-23 at Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas.

Produced by UBM and sponsored by the International Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association (LIMA), the show boasted an extra 10,000 net square feet, with a total of about 240,000. More than 460 exhibitors represented some 5,000 brands. Attendance was expected to be on par with last year at about 16,000.

Family is Key at the AAP Experience

In July of 1929, a group of pediatricians gathered over dinner in Portland, Ore., and decided to fill a need to improve child health and welfare. At the time, infant mortality rates were extremely high, and there was a lack of programs to avoid malnutrition and preventable childhood diseases.

Dr. Clifford G. Grulee, MD, from the Chicago area was chosen to lead the initiative. In December of that year, a committee drafted an outline for the new society.

Britain Votes to Leave European Union: UFI Issues Statement on Global Exhibition Industry Impact

Despite polls indicating that the opposite result would be achieved, Britain has voted to leave the European Union, which it has been a member of since the mid-1970s.

The vote’s impact on the British pound and stock markets worldwide was swift, with the U.K. currency dropping to a 30-year low and the FTSE 100 also seeing steep declines.

As a strong backer of the ‘Remain’ campaign, British Prime Minister David Cameron also announced that he would be stepping down from his post in the next few months as a result of the ‘Leave’ campaign winning the vote.

Urban Expositions Will Launch Classic Car Show in Los Angeles

Adding to its burgeoning portfolio of 36 events, Urban Expositions will launch the Classic Car Show Jan. 27-29 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

The Classic Auto Show, for collectors, aficionados, manufacturers and experts in the classic car markets, will feature an expansive showcase of wall-to-wall classic cars and automotive merchandise, including vintage parts, tools and accessories, memorabilia and other nostalgia.

Attendees will be able to get up close and personal with their favorite celebrities, browse the expansive auto swap and access cars rarely showcased.

Urban Expositions Will Launch Classic Car Show in Los Angeles

Adding to its burgeoning portfolio of 36 events, Urban Expositions will launch the Classic Car Show Jan. 27-29 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

The Classic Auto Show, for collectors, aficionados, manufacturers and experts in the classic car markets, will feature an expansive showcase of wall-to-wall classic cars and automotive merchandise, including vintage parts, tools and accessories, memorabilia and other nostalgia.

Attendees will be able to get up close and personal with their favorite celebrities, browse the expansive auto swap and access cars rarely showcased.

New Business Contracts: Registration, Management, Exhibit Sales Companies Sign, Renew Contract

The summer months have not slowed down business in the event industry, with several companies signing new contracts and renewing existing ones to kick off the sunny season.

SEMI, producer of SEMICON West, has renewed their contract for another three years with Convention Data Services (CDS), its registration partner for the past nine years.

IMEX America Launches New CSR Initiative, Coincides with World Environment Day

Just before the United Nations’ World Environment Day 2016, which was June 5, the IMEX Group revealed a new volunteer CSR initiative that’s set to take place in Las Vegas the day before IMEX America 2016 opens in October.

“We’re thrilled to be launching this new project, which gives a fresh dimension to our legacy work in Las Vegas,” said Carina Bauer, CEO of the IMEX Group.

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.