Jan 10, 2017
One week after Will Secombe stepped down from the top post at Visit Florida in the midst of a controversy surrounding a $1 million promotional contract paid to musician Pitbull, Ken Lawson was named the bureau’s new President and CEO.
The announcement was made following a unanimous vote of the Visit Florida Board of Directors during a meeting Jan. 10 in Orlando.
Lawson, who currently serves as the secretary of the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), will assume his new position with Visit Florida Jan. 11.
“The work VISIT FLORIDA does to promote… more
Jan 09, 2017
Instead of ending on a quiet note, last year finished up with a flurry of new hires and promotions at venues, convention bureaus and other companies.
John Gonzalez, the long-time director of event and guest services at the George R. Brown Convention Center, has been promoted to the new vice president position at Houston First Corporation’s downtown convention complex.
In his new role, Gonzalez will assist HFC COO Luther Villagomez in the administration of the George R. Brown and its central role in shaping the new Avenida Houston convention and entertainment district.
Gonzalez will interface… more
Dec 17, 2016
Freeman Vice Chair Carrie Freeman Parsons grew up in the business, and as the third generation of Freeman leaders (her grandfather is founder Buck Freeman; her father is Chairman Don Freeman), Freeman Parsons employs forward-thinking strategies that maintain the company’s reputation as an industry innovator while staying true to its core values.
Freeman Parsons has been frequently recognized by her peers and the industry at large for her outstanding contributions and achievements.
She is involved with numerous organizations and nonprofits - one passion is her involvement with… more
Dec 13, 2016
More than 1,000 industry professionals will gather this spring at the 2017 Visionary Awards to honor these luminaries’ extraordinary contributions.
Attendees will experience an Oscars-like evening with red carpet arrival, awards show, and after party, hosted by the PCMA Education Foundation and presented in partnership with the Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau and Austin Convention Center.
“The event last year was an incredible success.” said Chair of the Board of Trustees, Tina Wehmeir. “We are thrilled we have the opportunity to celebrate these three extraordinary individuals who have… more
Nov 07, 2016
The fall continues to be a busy time with brisk hiring at a variety of companies ranging from show management companies to convention and visitors bureaus to general service contractors.
The Expo Group continues to grow and has added Dan DiPietro to the team as national sales director.
DiPietro has a rich industry experience that includes a technology background and strong sales acumen.
“With The Expo Group’s growth, it is important to have the right people in the right places to serve our clients and share how we can impact their trade shows and events,” said Randy Pekowski, president and… more
Nov 02, 2016
As the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, UFI serves around 50,000 employees of exhibition organizers, venues, service providers and industry associations in close to 90 countries around the world.
To deliver and improve the growing roster of events, committee activities, and other industry initiatives, the association is bringing on board two new hires: Nicolette Elia-Beissel, and Jana Hofmann.
Nicolette Elia-Beissel is joining UFI as program manager. She became part of the exhibition industry when she joined RAI Exhibitions and Events (now known as Thebe Reed Events &… more
Oct 29, 2016
Trade show industry veteran Ken McAvoy was named to a new position, executive vice president, Corporate Development of Global Exhibitions Division of Informa.
In that role, McAvoy will have responsibility for corporate development, operations and procurement, including venue/hotel selection and negotiations and other vendor management, with a particular focus on North America.
“Ken is a proven leader in our industry and his capabilities will further strengthen and broaden our senior management team as we accelerate growth in North America and globally,” said Charlie McCurdy, president… more
Oct 18, 2016
Moving into the last quarter of 2016, bringing on new employees and promoting from within, especially in the executive ranks, still is occurring at a swift pace in companies from several trade show sectors.
U.K.-based Tarsus Group has appointed Mark Temple-Smith as CEO Asia. Temple-Smith has more than 20 years’ experience in the global exhibitions industry and has led and developed successful businesses in Europe, Africa and Asia.
He will be joining Tarsus from ITE Group plc, where he is regional director for Asia. During the past four and a half years, Temple-Smith has grown ITE’s… more
Jul 26, 2016
Summertime hiring has been brisk, with a lot of companies bringing on new employees before the busy season gets into full gear again.
IMN Solutions has appointed Claudia Maurer, CEM as the new vice president of Strategic Accounts. IMN Solutions is a global, full-service association, meeting and event management company located in the Washington, D.C., area.
In this role, Maurer will oversee division project teams to ensure successful delivery of client goals and objectives.
Additionally, she will lead business development initiatives and collaborate with key division stakeholders for the… more
Jun 23, 2016
Summer’s kicking off with lots of new hires and promotions across the board in every kind of company, ranging from event apps to show management companies to convention and visitors bureaus.
ASIS International has named Shannon Burch, CEM, as the new vice president of Events and Business Development.
Burch, who previously served as director of exhibits, now oversees the entirety of the ASIS International Annual Seminar and Exhibits, as well as overall business development. ASIS is the leading organization for security management professionals worldwide.
Burch has been with ASIS for 24 years… more
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.