Nov 16, 2017
The 9th Annual 2018 TSNN Awards: Celebrating Trade Show Excellence will head Aug. 10-12 to Louisville, Ky., to celebrate the top U.S. fastest-growing trade shows in net square footage and attendance just days after the massive transformation of the Kentucky International Convention Center in downtown Louisville is unveiled. The completely renovated center is just one piece of an extensive development project that includes several new hotels and renovations to existing ones, such as the Marriott Louisville Downtown, the host hotel for award attendees, as well as a bevy of new distilleries and… more
Nov 15, 2017
The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority Board of Directors has approved a recommendation to retain tvsdesign/Design Las Vegas to provide design services for the Las Vegas Convention Center District Phase Two $860 million expansion project. “The selection of tvsdesign/Design Las Vegas for the expansion project signals an exciting new era for conventions and convention business in Southern Nevada,” said Rossi Ralenkotter, LVCVA president and CEO. He continued, “Our destination thrives on evolution and reinvention, and this design team will allow us to continue providing the world… more
Nov 15, 2017
After a relatively quiet period, the global exhibitions market has heated up in the mergers and acquisitions sector, with Hospitality Management Group, UBM and Messe Frankfurt all recently making buys. HX: The Hotel Experience, a trade event for the hospitality industry (formerly IHMRS), announced at the opening of its 2017 show, held Nov. 12-13 in New York City, that it has transitioned to full ownership under Hospitality Management Group (HMG), a division of ST Media Group. HX previously was co-owned by the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), the Hotel Association of New… more
Nov 14, 2017
From building houses through Habitat for Humanity and helping homeless pets at a local animal shelter, to helping victims of natural disasters and building bikes for underprivileged children, volunteer projects are becoming increasingly popular at trade shows and conferences as companies and organizations look for ways to give back to their host communities. “(CSR teambuilding events are) a great way for people to get to know each other on a more personal level, have a little bit of fun, learn about each other and their personalities, and in a different setting rather than in an office or… more
Nov 10, 2017
Leaders representing the meetings, travel and hospitality sectors gathered Oct. 10 during IMEX America at the Sands Expo & Convention Center to support #VegasStrong, the hashtag that represents the resiliency of Las Vegas after a mass shooting occurred at the Route 91 Harvest Festival 10 days earlier. The Sands Showroom was packed for the press conference with individuals from the Las Vegas hospitality community, as well as media and executives from industry associations, including IAEE, SISO and ASAE. A video played first with an Andre Agassi voiceover asking “What Is Strength” and… more
Nov 09, 2017
The Cincinnati USA Convention & Visitors Bureau has created a new multicultural sales team to help build on its success in attracting multicultural meetings and conventions to the region. The move, which is a strategic allocation of CVB resources to attract and win more diverse business, comes in response to industry trends and changing national demographics indicating strong and continuing growth in the multicultural sector of the tourism and hospitality industry in the coming years. “We are committed to making Cincinnati the most welcoming city in America,” said Mike Laatsch, COO of… more
Nov 09, 2017
This article is the first in a series that we will be running throughout the holiday season shining a bright, well-deserved spotlight on companies that are #GivingBack. Is your company #GivingBack? Tweet us using the #GivingBack hashtag to @TSNN_com_us and we’ll feature what your company is doing to help make the world a better place! Several event, exhibit and airline companies are doing their part to give of their time and energy in an effort to help build a kinder and more equitable world. Last month, representatives from three SMG-managed convention centers teamed up with a dozen… more
Desiree Hanson
Nov 07, 2017
The fall kicked off with a flurry of new hires across a variety of trade show sectors, including show organizing companies, display and contractor companies and convention and visitor bureaus. Clarion UX (formerly Urban Expositions) named Desiree Hanson vice president of Fashion Events overseeing the Womenswear in Nevada (WWIN) portfolio. She reports to UX CEO, Greg Topalian.In her new role, Hanson will oversee all sales, marketing and management functions for the semi-annual WWIN womenswear apparel trade show held at the Rio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. She also will work closely… more
Nov 07, 2017
Last month, 5,250 engineers and executives responsible for assembly manufacturing converged at the 5th Annual ASSEMBLY Show, held Oct. 24-26 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Ill. ​​​​​The trade show and conference, which focuses on assembly technology, equipment and products, boasted a 12 percent increase in attendance and a 15 percent increase in exhibit space, compared with 2016, according to BNP Media, which produces the show. The bustling event drew 295 exhibiting companies occupying 76,800 net square feet of expo space, with nearly 8,000 industry professionals… more
Nov 06, 2017
Let’s apply a Keep, Start, Stop framework to some of the challenges and opportunities we have as trade show professionals. Bring your opinions on marketing personas, double carpet padding, elephants in the room, lead retrieval and experience design this Weds. At 1 p.m. ET to the #Expochat Tweetchat. You could be the one offering advice to change someone’s life, or you could be the person giving thanks around the turkey day table that a friendly participant on #Expochat just inspired your next big idea! Join guest moderator Dana Freker Doody from The Expo Group, where she’ll lead 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.