Mar 02, 2017
As part of its ‘Events First’ strategy, U.K.-based UBM made huge leaps in 2016, as it continues to realign its overall portfolio with the completed sale of its PR Newswire division and the acquisitions of Allworld Exhibitions, Content Marketing World and Business Journals, Inc., to name a few. The company’s annual earnings report recently was released, indicating the events division was up last year to $874 million, compared with $775 million in 2015. In North America, 2016 revenues were up to $363 million, compared with $303 million the year before. UBM’s CEO Tim Cobbold took time from his… more
Mar 01, 2017
In a year when two of its largest biennial shows – Labelexpo Europe and Dubai Airshow - did not run, U.K.-based Tarsus Group scored like-for-like revenue growth of 8 percent and across the portfolio buyers increased by 7 percent on a like for like basis in 2016, well ahead of the company’s target of 5 percent. “Our 'Quickening the Pace' growth strategy continued to deliver in 2016. Organic growth was strong at 8 percent, and we grew our buyer attendance, a key metric for us, by a very encouraging 7 percent,” said Douglas Emslie, Tarsus Group’s managing director. He added, “Strategically, we… more
Feb 28, 2017
The Meetings Mean Business Coalition, a cross-industry communications and advocacy initiative, is introducing a platform for industry professionals in every corner of the globe to better advocate for the power of face-to-face meetings. A newly created licensing agreement will allow partners in countries and regions outside of the United States to use MMB branding, messaging and research to form one strong, cohesive voice for the industry.  “We are thrilled to welcome more international partners into the MMB family through this global expansion,” said Paul Van Deventer, CEO of Meeting… more
Feb 28, 2017
MCI recently acquired Network Media Partners, a proven sales management organization specializing in customized media sales, event planning and management, digital and print design and marketing services for associations. As MCI continues its growth strategy in the USA, the addition of Network Media Partners accelerates the company’s leadership in delivering a comprehensive suite of innovative, growth-centered solutions for associations, according to MCI officials. “Associations of all sizes and types face increasing economic and market headwinds. Network Media Partners has industry-leading… more
Feb 27, 2017
The Center for Industry Research released its latest CEIR Total Index Report that indicated growth of the trade show industry declined during the fourth quarter of 2016. Driven by a 1.8 percent drop in real revenues, the performance of the industry posted a modest year-on-year decline of 0.4 percent, after 25 consecutive quarters of year-on-year growth. "The decline was a temporal set back as economic fundamentals still point to moderate growth for the exhibition industry" said CEIR Economist Allen Shaw, Ph.D., chief economist for Global Economic Consulting Associates. The dip occurred only… more
Feb 26, 2017
Using freelance or contract labor isn’t new to the trade show industry. Contract floor managers, for example, have been a staple of the show business for decades. But as freelance work becomes a more popular option and a go-to resource for companies in the general economy, it’s likely to be a more acceptable and accessible option for both organizers and suppliers in the exhibition industry. In this week’s #Expochat, Michelle Bruno will lead a discussion on the challenges and opportunities associated with freelance workers. Here are the questions: How do you define a freelancer/contract worker… more
Feb 24, 2017
Haymarket Media Group has announced a new joint venture with Comexposium, a leading global event organizer of food and farming events.  The new partnership with will include Haymarket’s Cereals and Fruit Focus exhibitions, two U.K.-based technical events for the arable farming and fruit industries, respectively.  The collaboration is expected to leverage the strengths of the two event organizers – Haymarket in delivering outdoor events with practical hands-on features, and Comexposium’s extensive international network and dedication to showcasing the latest technology and… more
Feb 23, 2017
One week after Emerald Expositions announced it would not be considering Utah to keep its Outdoor Retailer shows in when the contract runs out, officials from another show – the North American Handmade Bicycle Show – said they would no longer hold their event in the state. Both shows, along with Emerald’s Interbike show that also took Utah off its list as a possible new home, are leaving in protest of Utah Gov. Gary Herbert’s attempts to undo federal protections of Bears Ears National Monument. The North American Handmade Bicycle Show is scheduled to run March 10-12 at the Salt Palace… more
Feb 21, 2017
With such a wide variety of trade shows and events moving in and out of the Georgia World Congress Center on a weekly basis, it would make perfect sense for such a busy facility to devise a multi-faceted food and beverage venue able to satisfy all kind of culinary tastes and preferences. Enter Social Table, a flexible restaurant concept designed to suit the unique dining needs of individual trade shows and their attendees. “Each convention center event brings a new set of attendees who move, see and dine differently,” said Cindy van Rensburg, division president of Levy Restaurants, the GWCC’s… more
Feb 21, 2017
Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (Management) Limited (HML) made several recent appointments of three key senior management positions.   Thomas Tong and Jessica Wong have been promoted to Deputy Managing Director and Director of Venue Operations of HML, respectively with effect Jan. 1, while Dr. Stewart Wan has been appointed as Director of Facilities Planning & Operations on July 20, 2016. Monica Lee-Müller, Managing Director of HML, said, “I am most delighted with Thomas, Jessica and Stewart… 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.