Dec 27, 2014
Global Sources renewed its contract to host its trade shows at AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE) in Hong Kong in 2017 and 2018 for approximately US$23.1 million. The company will retain the right to host its events twice a year -  in April and October - at AWE. In 2014, these shows attracted nearly 143,000 buyers and featured more than 14,200 booths. "Since 2006, we've hosted all of our primary shows in Hong Kong at AsiaWorld-Expo and it has proven to be a popular venue for overseas buyers and suppliers across Asia to meet and do business," said Spenser Au, CEO of Global Sources. He added, "For… more
Dec 26, 2014
By Benjamin Rabe and Alexa Newman Partnering with the right anchor exhibitor for your trade show can set the tone for your entire event. Dynamic sponsors bring excitement to the show floor. They attract other exhibitors and, most importantly, they engage attendees. Plus, the non-dues revenue streams boost your organization’s bottom line. To grow your relationship with an anchor exhibitor, you’ll have to be willing to try new tactics, even take a few risks. We saw this recently when three of our client organizations set out to change their approaches. By thinking creatively, being flexible and… more
Dec 20, 2014
The holidays brought good cheer for companies looking to hire or promote from within throughout the end of 2014. The International Association Exhibitions and Events appointed Cathy Breden, CAE, CMP as the organization's executive vice president.  In this role, she will oversee additional strategic planning and operational responsibilities. "Cathy has been an integral member of the IAEE team for many years and has worked tirelessly to promote IAEE's strategic plan and initiatives," said David DuBois, president and CEO of IAEE. "She has earned respect and appreciation from our staff,… more
Dec 17, 2014
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events’ 2014 Chairperson Jonathan "Skip” Cox passed the gavel to chairperson-elect Megan Tanel, vice president of exhibitions and events at the Association of Equipment Manufacturers, at the Annual Networking Business Luncheon and Awards Ceremony held during Expo! Expo! IAEE's Annual Meeting & Exhibition last week in Los Angeles. "I look forward to contributing to a robust agenda of advocacy, education development, global expansion and increasing engagement of all members during my term as IAEE Chairperson in 2015," Tanel said… more
Dec 17, 2014
The Consumer Electronics Association unveiled a series of awards and events for the 2015 International CES, including the new APPNATION IV, Wearable Tech Awards, Hardware Battlefield and Extreme Tech Challenge. Owned and produced by CEA, the 2015 CES will be haled Jan. 6-9 in several venues around Las Vegas.   “These awards and events at CES celebrate pioneering technology companies and entrepreneurs who are creating innovative products and services that will be all the buzz and ‘must have items’ for consumers in the months and years ahead,” said… more
Dec 17, 2014
Ours is an industry filled with ingenuity and innovation. Even the shows that have been around for decades find ways to reinvent themselves and bring an exciting and profitable experience to both attendees and exhibitors, making them crave even more next year. Here’re a few ideas tested by shows in 2014 that could bring a new sparkle to your event: Near Field Communication. Several shows switched this year to Near Field Communication (NFC) technology in attendee badges. In essence, it’s a microchip in the badge encrypted with relevant data about the attendee, such as access to expo, sessions… more
Dec 16, 2014
After last quarter, which saw slowing growth in the trade show industry, the third quarter bounced back with the 17th consecutive positive quarter showing, a 1.8-percent year-on-year increase overall, according to the Center for Exhibition Industry Research’s Index Report. Even so, the growth of the exhibition industry index lagged a bit behind GDP growth for the second straight quarter, in contrast to the previous two quarters (2014Q1 and 2013Q4), where exhibitions grew slightly faster than GDP. "We are very pleased by the third quarter results and confirm our forecast that the exhibition… more
Dec 12, 2014
Business Journals Inc. and ENK International have decided to join forces and collocate their fall/winter shows in New York City at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. Britton Jones, President and CEO of BJI, and Tom Nastos, CEO of ENK, which is owned by Advanstar Communications, made the joint announcement that the shows would come together for the first time April 27-29 next year. According to officials from both BJI and ENK, they conducted market research before deciding to make this move. “Our decisions are always focused on our industry’s needs,” said ENK’s Tom Nastos. Joint… more
Dec 12, 2014
More than 2,000 trade show organizers and suppliers were in Los Angeles this week to take part in three days of networking, education sessions and a bustling showfloor at the 2014 International Association of Exhibitions and Events’ Expo! Expo! The exact number of attendees, 2,104, was a significant jump, compared with 2013, with also more than 1,000 show organizers on hand this year. "The 2014 Expo! Expo! has exceeded our expectations so far. We have a record number of show organizer attendees, specifically a 30 percent increase over last year, and our overall attendance has increased… more
Dec 10, 2014
Setting a trend on its own, Houston’s George R. Brown Convention Center will be the only venue of its kind to offer access to digital money onsite. A CoinVault ATM has been installed on the second level of the GRB, near the convention center’s popular Starbucks location. Bitcoin, the most widely used and well known form of cryptocurrency, is a decentralized digital money system that is distributed worldwide. Unlike traditional currencies, such as the U.S. dollar, bitcoin is issued and distributed without any central authority.  “The George R. Brown is enormously proud to be an early… 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.