Jun 20, 2016
In the midst of UFI’s Open Seminar in Basel, Switzerland, the association’s board of directors has selected Corrado Peraboni, CEO of Fiera Milano, as the president of UFI for 2018.
As a result, the UFI Presidential Trio for the 2016-17 term will comprise Andreas Gruchow, (Deutsche Messe AG), president 2016-2017; Corrado Peraboni (Fiera Milano, Italy), incoming president; Sergey Alexeev (ExpoForum-International Ltd., Russian Federation), outgoing president.
This decision will become effective at the conclusion of the 83rd UFI Annual Congress, which will run Nov. 9-12 in Shanghai.
“I am… more
Jun 07, 2016
Convention and visitors bureau veteran David Whitaker was named by Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Choose Chicago Board Chair Desiree Rogers as the new president and CEO of the Windy City’s bureau.
"David Whitaker is a tourism champion with the vision and leadership required to steer Chicago's visitor industry to new heights," Mayor Emanuel said.
He added, "Over the past five years, Chicago's tourism industry has strengthened our city's economy and provided more than 15,000 jobs. With more than 25 years in the industry, David Whitaker has the experience and expertise to build on this… more
May 18, 2016
People hirings and promotions seemed to be happening at warp speed as winter turned into spring, with suppliers and show management companies strengthening their ranks.
Ungerboeck Software International’s Manish Chandak, who was CTO of the company, was named president and CEO.
“Manish possesses the unique ability to translate vision and strategy into world-class execution,” said Ungerboeck founder and chairman of the board, Dieter Ungerboeck. “This will move us forward with the speed required to capitalize on the opportunities in front of us.”
Prior to joining Ungerboeck, Chandak… more
May 09, 2016
Mark Shashoua, who currently is CEO of London-based i2i Events Group, now will be stepping back into a familiar place, as CEO of ITE Group, also based in London. Shashoua was one of the original founders of ITE Group in the early 1990’s.
Shashoua will succeed Russell Taylor, who will stand down Sept. 1 from the Board and as the Group’s CEO, following thirteen years at the company.
“On behalf of the Board and all of our employees I would like to welcome Mark Shashoua to ITE. Mark has been a key figure in the international events industry for over 20 years and inherits a robust platform,” said… more
Apr 18, 2016
Industry Veteran Larry Luteran has been brought on my parent company Freeman to Freeman Audio Visual, as the company continues to grow its global presence.
Named chief sales officer, Luteran will be responsible for the revenue performance of Freeman Audio Visual, Freeman Audio Visual Canada and Encore Event Technologies.
During the past six years, Freeman has broadened its Audio Visual presence by expanding its AV technology division through organic growth and acquisitions around the world.
“We’re building a strong leadership team with a focus on extending the company’s reach, with expanded… more
Apr 08, 2016
The first quarter of 2016 saw a busy hiring period, with companies ranging from audio-visual to for-profit show management to convention and visitors bureaus.
Surf Expo, the largest and longest-running boardsports and beach/resort lifestyle trade show in the world, has named Rod Tomlinson as sales manager for the Surf Category of the show. He is replacing Ryan Nettleton.
Tomlinson was most recently a sales executive for Interbike, the largest bicycle trade event in North America, also owned and operated by Emerald Expositions.
“Surf Expo is excited to bring Rod Tomlinson to our sales team… more
Mar 17, 2016
Suppliers ranging from convention and visitors bureaus to electrical services to display companies either promoted from within or added onto their ranks to mark the beginning of a busy spring season.
Claude Molinari has been named by SMG the general manager of Cobo Center, effective immediately.
Since SMG assumed operations management of Cobo Center in 2010, Molinari has been the assistant general manager of Cobo under Thom Connors.
Connors will continue his corporate role with SMG, including oversight of the Cobo Center account. “This is a natural transition,” Westley said, SMG’s president… more
Mar 08, 2016
The Appointment Group (TAG), an independent travel management company, has appointed Brandon Chan as the general manager of its Singapore office.
Chan joins TAG Singapore after a long career in the hospitality, travel and events industry under a number of leadership positions, including director of sales and marketing at Design hotels for the Asia Pacific region and a stint at Rosenbluth International, a privately owned independent travel company.
In his new role, spearheading the Singapore operation, Chan will be supported by Jodie Hobday, who takes on the position of operations manager of… more
Mar 07, 2016
The Expo Group has named Randy Pekowski president of the company, of which he already serves as COO.
Founder and former President Ray Pekowski will remain CEO and chairman of the business.
The promotion is part of the strategic succession plan the company has put in place for the next generation of leadership.
“It has become clear Randy is the right person to lead The Expo Group into the next 25 years,” said Ray Pekowski.
He added, “In his role as COO, he has been leading our day-to-day operations, gaining extensive experience and showing his great passion for this business. I am looking… more
Feb 29, 2016
National Trade Productions, the San Diego Convention Center Corporation and MC2 all have named new leaders in their companies.
National Trade Productions has promoted Christopher Harar to president of NTP Events. In this role, he will oversee the Events Division, including all show management, personnel and administration.
Harar will provide leadership working strategically with the Event Services teams to ensure outstanding customer service through the management of NTP's Client Care Program.
"Chris is an exceptional executive and his insights, ideas and leadership have been a… 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.