Nov 05, 2014
A few days before PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies’ PACK EXPO International opened Nov. 2-5 at Chicago’s McCormick Place, two staff members, Katie Bergmann and Jim Pittas, were upped to senior vice presidents. The recent acquisition of Summit Media Group’s digital platform and the expansion of the PACK EXPO portfolio of trade shows can both be attributed to Bergmann and Pittas, according to PMMI officials. PHARMA Expo launched at this week’s show as a collocated event, and PACK EXPO also will be launching on the East Coast in February at the Pennsylvania… more
Nov 05, 2014
IEIA, the Indian Exhibition Industry Association, and SISO, the Society of Independent Show Organizers, have agreed to share knowledge and information among their respective exhibition industry members. "This agreement will offer our members an unprecedented opportunity to grow their respective brands outside of the USA with the knowledge and assistance of our international partners, making their expansions efficient and cost effective,” said Rick McConnell, Chairman of SISO. He added, “At the same time, SISO will act as the eyes and ears of the U.S. market as IEIA members seek opportunities… more
Nov 04, 2014
The Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) Foundation recently named the recipients of the 2014 Helen Brett™ Scholarship awards: Taylor Dudley, Hope Mckendry, Abigail Rubin and Kathleen Sands. The Helen Brett™ Scholarship was established by Robert Kolinek, CEM, CMP, and named for his grandmother, Helen Brett, who was a pioneer in the trade show industry. The purpose of the scholarship is to assist individuals who are exploring the study of exhibitions and events management with the end goal of advancing their career in this field. "The CEIR Foundation is committed to fostering and… more
Nov 04, 2014
Just more than a month ago, 5,000 attendees and 300 exhibitors gathered at Houston’s George R. Brown Convention Center to take part in the 25th anniversary of Breakbulk Americas 2014, which serves the breakbulk cargo logistics industry. At the show, held Sept. 29-Oct. 1, project cargo and traditional breakbulk cargo owners had the opportunity to learn about the latest industry trends and to meet with specialized carriers, freight forwarders, ports/ terminals, packers and equipment companies that handle oversized cargoes requiring unique handling techniques.  Burkhalter, a heavy-lifting… more
Nov 03, 2014
Cygnus Business Media sold off a significant portion of its trade show portfolio, along with 11 publications and seven related Web sites, to SouthComm Business Media. The trade show portion of the sale consisted of seven events that included Firehouse Expo; Firehouse World Expo; EMS World Expo; EMS Redline; EMS on the Hill; Officer World; and Secured Cities. The shows were part of Cygnus’ Public Safety Group. Corporate Solutions of Westport, Conn., represented Cygnus Business Media on the sale. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. “Five years ago, we embarked on a mission to improve… more
Nov 02, 2014
The third quarter was a good one in more ways than one for Phoenix-based Viad, as well as its divisions, including Global Experience Specialists in the U.S. and overseas. Overall 3Q revenues for Viad were up 36.2 percent to nearly $300 million, compared with the same quarter in 2013, with GES in the U.S. scoring a 39.5 percent revenue increase to $168 million, and overseas the company pulled in a whopping 59 percent uptick to $64 million, compared with the same quarters in 2013. Viad’s Travel and Recreation also saw a nearly 15 percent 3Q revenue increase to $73 million, compared with the… more
Oct 30, 2014
Marketplace Events already has bought several events this year to add to their portfolio, and now they have scooped another one for the rapidly expanding Hispanic market – Casa Latina Home Expo. Scheduled for Nov. 15 in New York City, Casa Latina Home Expo is also on tap to launch into two more markets next year; May 29-31 at the Miami Airport Convention Center (MACC), and Orlando, which will run Sept. 18-20 at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee.  Marketplace Events CEO Tom Baugh views his company’s new partnership with Casa Latina Home Expo as “a hell of an opportunity that… more
Oct 29, 2014
More than 300 attendees from 46 nations gathered Oct. 29-Nov 1 in Bogota, Colombia, for UFI, The Global Association for the Exhibition Industry’s 81st Congress The event has not been in Latin America since 1975 and will bring together leaders and strategic thinkers for a three-day review of the state of the exhibition industry. UFI’s Congress was hosted by regional industry association (AFIDA) and Corferias, Colombia’s leading exhibition business. “Our theme this year ‘Fit to Compete’ will have us examine new markets, new structures, new products and new revenue opportunities,” said Renaud… more
Oct 29, 2014
The National Business Aviation Association’s (NBAA’s) 2014 Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition, which took place Oct. 21-23 in Orlando at the Orange County Convention Center, held steady this year, with the number of attendees, exhibitors and size of showfloor on par with last year’s event. “This year’s show was an enormous success, filled with announcements and product introductions,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. He added, “The exhibit floor and aircraft displays had lots of activity and excitement. The education sessions were informative and well attended. The event once… more
Oct 28, 2014
Keynote sessions will focus on challenges and opportunities in manufacturing operations and pharmaceutical packaging at Pharma Expo, which will be collocated with PACK EXPO International, on tap Nov. 2-5 at Chicago’s McCormick Place.  The show, a joint venture of PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies and the International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE), will feature the keynote addresses as highlights of the Pharma EXPO conference program that will feature presentations about issues and trends that affect all facets of the pharmaceutical industry… 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.