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
Oct 27, 2014
Venue management company SMG has had a busy few months, scoring three new venue contracts, as well as forming a joint venture with Europe-based Artexis easyFairs. The three venue contracts all occurred in the past three months and include not only a long-awaited new convention center in Albany, N.Y., but also the highly anticipated new Minnesota Vikings Stadium and the Tucson (Ariz.) Convention Center. The Tucson Convention Center, Tucson Arena, Tucson Music Hall and Tucson Leo Rich Theater contracts began Oct. 1. The firm was selected after a recent “… more
Oct 27, 2014
By Alexa Newman and Benjamin Rabe Exhibitor X has been a staple in your trade show – and your show’s budget – for years. But Steve, the new marketing manager, is questioning his company’s sponsorship next year. “We’re not seeing enough return on investment,” Steve writes in his evaluation. That’s worse-case scenario. Hopefully, you’re already addressing Steve’s concerns before it goes to an eval form. Still, the more your team works on giving sponsors and exhibitors access to your attendees, the more success your show will enjoy. Following are some tips that will help attract and retain… more
Oct 25, 2014
NRG Energy and MGM Resorts International teamed up to unveil the installation of the world’s largest rooftop solar array on a convention center. Covering approximately 20 acres atop the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, the 6.4 megawatt (MW dc) [5.0 megawatt ac (MW ac)] photovoltaic array will produce enough electricity to power the equivalent of approximately 1,000 U.S. homes annually and is the first of its kind on the Las Vegas Strip.   MGM Resorts and NRG also plan to build an additional 2 MW dc (1.5 MW ac) photovoltaic array atop a future expansion of the Mandalay Bay… more
Oct 23, 2014
If you wanted to know everything there is around the produce industry and learn about it in one place, the Produce Market Association (PMA) 2014 Fresh Summit International Convention and Expo at the Anaheim Convention Center was the right place to be.  All facets of the industry, from seeds, packaging, equipment, shipping, import/export, growers, distributors, retailers and more were represented, with the more than 1,090 exhibitors on 265,300 square feet of exhibitor space (a record for space, and evidence of the show’s growth).  The attendance also set a record for the Anaheim… more
Oct 22, 2014
Ted Bahr, president and CEO of Melville, N.Y.-based BZ Media, said now is the right time to launch a new show his company’s been strategizing about for a while: InterDrone, the International Drone Conference and Exposition will debut Sept. 9-11 next year in Las Vegas. “We have been tracking this market closely for two years and are convinced that this growing industry needs an event 100 percent focused on the commercial drone market and that the right place for that event to thrive and grow is Las Vegas,” Bahr added. He said, “Our goal is the build the largest dedicated commercial drone event… more
Oct 21, 2014
Exhibit Surveys and Lippman Connects recently released the second annual report: “Issues and Trends in Exhibit Space and Sponsorship Sales”. According to the survey of event organizer executives, growth in both exhibit space and sponsorships sales appears healthy.  Improvements in the economy and support by industries represented by the events were cited as the primary reasons for growth in both areas. Even with the positive news for both exhibit and sponsorship sales, Sam Lippman, president and founder of Lippman Connects, pointed out there was room for improvement. He said senior… more
Oct 20, 2014
Since 2000, The Expo Group Show Manager of the Year awards has been presented by The Expo Group, and this year’s class of honorees has been unveiled. All of the winners will be feted during a gala awards celebration at the 2014 TSNN Awards: Celebrating Trade Show Excellence Nov. 14-16 in Cleveland. Congratulations to the 2014 SMOTY winners: ·  Tier I, 150 booths or less: Katie Herritage, CMM, CMP, CSEP of Amazon Web Services, Inc. ·  Tier II, 151-300 booths: Katie Stern of UBM Tech ·  Tier III, 301-700 booths: David Grindle of United States Institute for Theatre Technology ·… more
Oct 20, 2014
The publisher of Popular Science, Outdoor Life, Field Stream and Cycle World magazine titles recently acquired The Promotion Company – Family Events that produces shows such as the Hot Bike Tour, Off-Road Expo, Monster Truck Nationals and 4-Wheel Jamboree Nationals, many of which have exhibit floors. “This strategic acquisition will allow Bonnier to extend its high-value enthusiast audience by leveraging robust event opportunities,” said Matt Hickman, vice president of brand strategies, Bonnier Corp.  He added, “We view event audiences, both spectators and participants, as truly… more
Oct 18, 2014
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Choose Chicago President and CEO Don Welsh, members of Chicago-area organized labor and Microsoft general manager Julia White recently joined together to announce that Microsoft Ignite, a new technology conference, will take place May 4-8 in Chicago at McCormick Place. Approximately 20,000 attendees are expected to attend the convention that could bring in more than $47 million in estimated spending. “Microsoft Ignite will play an important role in helping us reach our goal of attracting 55 million visitors in Chicago annually by 2020,” said Mayor Emanuel. He added… 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.