InfoComm International Breaks Exhibitor, Showfloor Records at Las Vegas Convention Center

InfoComm International, for the commercial audiovisual and information communications industries, saw record growth in not only exhibitors, with 1,000 on the floor and 211 of them being first-timers, but also the showfloor expanded to 527,105 net square feet of exhibit and special events space — also a show record.

“The AV industry’s commitment to advancing technology and showcasing it at InfoComm has never been stronger,” said Jason McGraw, senior vice president of Expositions, InfoComm International.

First-ever Global Exhibitions Day, U.S.-based Exhibitions Day Both Raise Awareness of Industry

The first-ever Global Exhibitions Day, which included the third annual U.S.-based Exhibitions Day, was a smashing success and not only included more than 60 countries taking part worldwide, but also 100-plus event professionals, who took meetings on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., to discuss the value of exhibitions.

JCK Revamps, Moves into New Mandalay Bay Convention Center Space

JCK Las Vegas, the flagship show of Jewelry Market Week, began its 2016 show June 3 with a revamped shopping experience utilizing the new expansion of the Mandalay Bay Convention Center.  From the new entrance straight from the parking lot to a redesigned floorplan, it sparkled with jewels and inspiration.

“We had to move 2,000 companies this year because of the upgrades to the Mandalay Bay Convention Center,” said Katie Dominesey, industry Vice president for JCK Las Vegas and JCK Tucson.

Trade Show Industry Bucks Sluggish Overall Economy, Surges 2.6 Percent in Q1 2016

Driven by strong industry sectors including building, construction, food and transportation, as well as overall growth in trade show industry revenues, the Center for Exhibition Industry Research Index report indicated that the industry continued its growth streak in Q1 this year, with a 2.6-percent increase, compared with the same quarter last year.

The results were positive, despite a sluggish macroeconomy, and marked the 23rd consecutive quarter of year-on-year growth.

Exhibition and Convention Executives Forum Draws 220-plus Attendees to D.C. Event

More than 220 attendees, which included top-level association and for-profit executives from companies worldwide, gathered June 1 at the JW Marriott in Washington, D.C., along with 37 sponsors, eight media representatives and seven meeting and trade show industry associations, to network and learn about the latest trends.

Sam Lippman, president and founder of Lippman Connects, which produces the event, said that this year’s ECEF had not only a record number of sponsors, but also a record number of new sponsors.

The Rental Show: From “Experiment” to World-leading Show

What began as an experiment in the 1950s to see how American Rental Association (ARA) members and rental store owners would respond has now become the largest equipment rental trade show in the world.

It all started in January 1956, when 29 rental operators gathered in a Kansas City, Mo., restaurant for their first Annual Meeting. January was chosen because it was the slow season for rental business, and members
could more easily be away from their stores.

UBM Acquires Content Marketing Institute with Content Marketing World Event

UBM continues to expand its portfolio in the U.S. with the acquisition of Content Marketing Institute, which produces the annual Cleveland, Ohio-based event – Content Marketing World.

In addition, CMI holds the annual Intelligent Content Conference, as well as has media channels and marketing services that support and inform the content marketing community.

Entertainment Software Association Launches Public Event Alongside E3 Expo

Video gamers likely are rejoicing today, with the Entertainment Software Association, producers of the annual E3 Expo for the video gaming industry, unveiling a new event – E3 Live - that will be open to the public.

On tap June 14-16 at L.A. Live, the same time as E3 Expo next door at the Los Angeles Convention Center, video gamers will have the opportunity to enjoy video games, music, competitions and video game swag from some of the biggest names in the industry.  

Cobo Center’s Green Efforts Rewarded with Sustainable Brands Conference Moving to Detroit

The Cobo Center’s green efforts are paying off, with the Detroit-based venue snagging the Sustainable Brands conference next year, which previously was held in San Diego.

“Sustainable Brands has been committed to reducing and managing the environmental impact of our flagship conference for years now and we are excited to be bringing our community to Cobo Center in May 2017,” said David Fiss, executive producer of Live Events at Sustainable Brands.

Grass Keeps Getting Greener for the Golf Industry Show

At the 1928 conference of the National Association of Greenkeepers of America (now known as the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America), 350 participants gathered at the Hotel Fort Shelby in Detroit to see the latest innovations in golf course maintenance equipment and technology from 27 exhibitors.

Fred A. Burkhardt from Cleveland, Ohio, spearheaded efforts to launch the National Greenkeepers Golf Show, with the goal of offering collaboration opportunities for golf course managers to exchange ideas and strengthen

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.