Feb 08, 2017
In preparation for the Shenyang New World EXPO soft opening on March 1st, EXPO's senior staff completed final training at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center in December. EXPO General Manager Diane CHEN said she is confident that the staff is prepared to meet the demand of EXPO’s initial customers. "EXPO’s association with HKCEC as a “sister venue” and our direct access with its senior management teamare enormous benefits to EXPO and Shenyang. Three prestigious exhibitions will be held in March followed by 3 more in April,” Chen said. She added, “This specific… more
Feb 07, 2017
Emerald Expositions’ Outdoor Retailer has opened the door to possibly moving its show out of its long-time home at the Calvin L. Rampton Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City. The show recently announced, in cooperation with Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) and Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, that it will solicit proposals for venue locations for shows and events scheduled for November 2018 and beyond. “Outdoor Retailer has always been about ‘Right time, right place, right stuff,’” said Marisa Nicholson, show director for Outdoor Retailer. She added, “We… more
RD Whitney
Feb 06, 2017
The brisk hiring trend that kicked off the beginning of the year has continued, with several companies that serve the bustling trade show industry making hires. RD Whitney was appointed as executive vice president of Business Development Tarsus Americas, a division of U.K.-based Tarsus Group, with immediate effect Feb. 1. RD previously was group vice president at Diversified Communications overseeing a growing portfolio of business communities and events. Prior to Diversified, and in just 27 months as a Partner at Greenhaven Partners, RD transformed former BNA (now Bloomberg) publishing… more
Feb 06, 2017
In response to the retail fashion industry’s growing concern about how President Trump’s administration may impact global trade and apparel manufacturing, SOURCING at MAGIC will be hosting a special educational seminar, “Post Election: Trump and Trade,” at MAGIC, taking place Feb. 21-23 at the Las Vegas Convention Center and Mandalay Bay Convention Center. As one of 13 showfloor categories at the largest biannual U.S. trade show for the global retail fashion industry, SOURCING at MAGIC is dedicated to the global supply chain. With this segment of the fashion industry potentially facing a host… more
Feb 06, 2017
We can talk all day about what the trade show industry and our employers are or are not doing to promote, protect, and compensate women (and we will), but are women doing enough to get the promotions, protections, and compensation that they deserve? Some women will say that we shouldn’t have to do anything, that equality is equality. Others might say that if anything is worth having, it’s worth working toward methodically. There may also be a group of women that is simply happy with where they are and where they’re going. What about you? In this week’s discussion, Michelle Bruno will solicit… more
Feb 03, 2017
Earlier this week, Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Howard Zemsky announced the selection of the design-build team for the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center’s $1.5 billion expansion project. Following a rigorous evaluation process with the help of five groups of technical experts, a blue-ribbon selection panel chose LendLease Turner to coordinate and construct the massive project. The panel’s recommendation was approved by the board of directors of the New York Convention Center Development Corporation, a subsidiary of Empire State Development that owns the convention… more
Feb 02, 2017
By Elizabeth Johnson Meetings and events are not immune to crises. Everything from severe weather/natural disasters to protests to a tragic accident can affect an event and require immediate and confident communication with attendees, the media and other stakeholders. And, while many events and the venues in which they reside have operational crisis plans in place, far fewer have communication strategies prepare ahead of time.  “I found that about half of my clients who hosted larger events (500+ attendees) did not have an adequate crisis communication plan prepared for their events,”… more
Feb 01, 2017
With the stroke of a pen last Friday, President Donald Trump put in place an Executive Order calling for the ban of Syrian refugees entering the U.S. for the next four months and anyone from six other countries -  Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen – would not be permitted into the United States for the next three months. The action not only created chaos at airports as people were detained, even some who were holding Green Cards, but also protests erupted in several locations. With thousands of trade shows annually held in the U.S., many of which bring in international visitors… more
Feb 01, 2017
As the largest biannual U.S. trade show for the global retail fashion industry, MAGIC is known for staying ahead of trends, while continually revamping, expanding and refining its showfloor offerings. Its upcoming event, set for Feb. 20-23 at the Las Vegas Convention Center and the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, will be no exception as it unveils a new African Pavilion and a refreshed women’s fashion showcase. Owned and produced by UBM Fashion Group, the massive show attracts tens of thousands of attendees from more than 80 countries to Las Vegas every February and August. In 2015 alone,… more
Jan 31, 2017
Ed Several, formerly senior vice president and general manager of PGA Worldwide Golf Exhibitions, has been tapped for a new role as senior vice president, integration and commercial optimization–Reed Exhibitions Americas. In his new role and during the transition, Several will continue to assist with relationships and long-term strategy on events from his previous portfolio and will be reporting directly to Hervé Sedky, President of Reed Exhibitions Americas. “Ed Several’s sustained success over the past 12 years in elevating the value of the PGA Shows portfolio, plus multiple additional… 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.