HD Expo Scores Record Attendance, Exhibitors in Las Vegas

Hospitality design is booming, with the Emerald Expositions’ HD Expo, held May 13-15 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, drawing a record crowd and exhibitors.

There were 10,260 registered attendees at the show, which is produced by Hospitality Design magazine, marking a 10-percent increase from last year. The showfloor had 255,200 square feet of booth space, which was also an increase from 2014.

National Restaurant Show Sees Record 8-percent Uptick on Showfloor in Chicago

The 96th annual National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show and the collocated BAR (Beverage Alcohol for Restaurants) at NRA Show, held at Chicago’s McCormick Place on May 16-19, posted record exhibit space and a 3 percent uptick in registration in the key buyer category of restaurant and foodservice operators.

LIGHTFAIR International 2015 Breaks Showfloor, Attendance Records in New York City

In its 26th year, LIGHTFAIR International 2015’s show broke attendance and showfloor records across the board when it was held May 5-7 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center of New York.

“The convergence of light and technology is a defining factor in LFI’s 2015 unprecedented success,” said Jeffrey L. Portman, Sr., vice chairman, president and chief operating officer of LFI managing partner AmericasMart® Atlanta.

Informa Exhibitions Adds to U.S. Portfolio with Dwell on Design

After its purchase of Hanley Wood Exhibitions last November, U.K.-based Informa Exhibitions is adding onto its residential, commercial design and construction portfolio in the United States with the acquisition of Dwell on Design from Dwell Media.

Dwell on Design has two annual events in New York and Los Angeles and will be run by Informa Exhibitions U.S., Construction and Real Estate division.

The buy cements a formal partnership between Dwell Media and Informa with the goal of expanding the existing shows’ scope and taking it international.

Reed Exhibitions Buys Miami-based Jewelers International Showcase

Adding to its jewelry portfolio, Reed Exhibitions has acquired Miami-based Jewelers International Showcase (JIS).

JIS runs three events all held at the Miami Beach Convention Center. Thousands of retailers attend the JIS Events from the United States, Caribbean and Latin America to do business with almost 700 exhibitors.

"This is an exciting opportunity to expand our jewelry portfolio, offering our customers broader reach to retailers in the Caribbean and Latin American markets,” said Yancy Weinrich, senior vice president, JCK.

Experiential Marketing Summit 2015 Tackled the New Marketing Landscape

More than 1,500 attendees were on hand for the he Experiential Marketing Summit (EMS), held in San Francisco May 11-13, to hear from a wide range of fantastic speakers on new topics and issues facing the industry.  And, it was clear that when it comes to marketing, experimentation has never been more important.

In the morning keynote, CMO of Bacardi, Dima Ivanov discussed how Bacardi reviewed their brand and the customer experience in an effort to get back to the roots of the company.

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.