Cleveland’s I-X Center Unveils Large-scale Performance Space

Cleveland’s I-X Center has added a unique component to its venue - a state-of-the art live performance space, where acoustically treated sound walls, elevated telescopic seating and custom staging all scales to various flexible configurations.

“Previously, our barriers attracting major concert promoters and national touring acts, included a lack of elevated seating and the sound quality in this industrial complex,” said Jeremy Levine, I-X Center vice president of Business Development.

Las Vegas Chosen as One of Four Cities for 2016 Presidential Debates

With Las Vegas being chosen as one of four cities to host a presidential debate during the 2016 election season, any question on whether it’s a city where serious business gets done should be off the table, according to Chris Meyer, vice president of Global Business Sales at the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority.

“It takes away all possible argument of shows coming to Vegas,” Meyer said, an issue the city has grappled with, particularly in the government sector.

He added, “We’ll have both presidential candidates here and leadership from both of the parties.”

Baltimore Draws 25,000 Attendees to Natural Products Expo East

For its 30th show, New Hope Natural Media’s Natural Products Expo East show not only attracted 25,000 attendees to the Baltimore (Md.) Convention Center, but also 1,363 exhibiting companies, representing the natural, organic and healthy living marketplace.

The show, held Sept. 16-19, was collocated with Biofach America - All Things Organic, NPA East, and the Harvest Festival.

Los Angeles Is Big Draw for Manufacturing Show Westec 2015

Westec 2015 proved to be the place to be for the manufacturing industry. More than 11,000 attendees (up nearly 5 percent from 2013) and 400-plus exhibitors from more than 500 manufacturing companies used the 103,600 square feet of show floor space to learn, connect and discover. 

This year’s show was held at the Los Angeles Convention Center, and the location was no accident.

Toy Industry Association, LeftField Media Will Debut Play Fair in New York City

Every year, when thousands of attendees head to the Toy Industry Association’s North American International Toy Fair, the only thing missing on the showfloor filled with toys and game were the kids.

Starting with the February 2016 show, the public will have the opportunity to see all the latest new products with TIA and LeftField Media teaming up to launch Play Fair - "a celebration of play and entertainment for all ages”.

Center for Exhibition Industry Research’s Predict Conference Draws Record Attendance to Chicago

More than 150 trade show leaders, industry suppliers, investment bankers, media and economists gathered last week at the JW Marriott in Chicago to look deep into a crystal ball for the Center for Exhibition Industry Research’s Predict: Annual Exhibition Industry Outlook Conference.

Britton Jones, president and CEO of Business Journals Inc. and chairman of CEIR, greeted everyone and said, “Thank you for taking the time to be here in Chicago for our biggest event yet.”

SmartSource Rentals Provides Critical Technology to Help Fight Wildfires in Western U.S.

Most people trade show professionals know SmartSource Computer & Audio Visual Rentals as a technology provider within the trade show industry, but for the past 17 years,  they also have been providing service for something completely outside the business.

The company has been playing a critical role providing its technology to the National Interagency Wildland Firefighting Teams, who are leading the battle against  wildfires that have been raging in several U.S. Western states.

ProFood Tech Show Set to Launch in 2017 at Chicago’s McCormick Place

Three different entities have teamed up to launch ProFood Tech, a new event that will focus on processing technologies serving the food and beverage industry.

ProFood Tech will make its debut April 4–6, 2017, at McCormick Place in Chicago.

The event will be jointly produced by PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, Koelnmesse and the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA).

Center for Exhibition Industry Research’s Predict Conference Will Take Deep Dive into State of the Trade Show Industry

In just a few days, C-level trade show organizers, suppliers to the industry, financial experts, invest banking firms and media will gather Sept. 16-17 in Chicago for the Center for Exhibition Industry Research’s (CEIR) Predict – Annual Exhibition Industry Outlook Conference.

The past couple of years, the conference typically was broken up into experts talking about specific market sectors, but this year, led by Britton Jones, president and CEO of Business Journals Inc. and CEIR’s board chairman, the program has been redesigned.

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.