Nov 24, 2013
Six months after Hanley Wood bought the Greenbuild Conference & Expo from the U.S. Green Building Council, the two entities have teamed up, along with Green Building Council Italia and Veronafiere, to launch Greenbuild for Europe and the Mediterranean region in 2014 in Verona, Italy. “Greenbuild for Europe and the Mediterranean region is part of the global expansion of the successful Greenbuild Conference & Expo brand,” said Rick Fedrizzi, president, CEO  and founding chair, U.S. Green Building Council. He added. “USGBC and Hanley Wood entered into a strategic… more
Nov 21, 2013
Event technology and audiovisual company PSAV has made two big deals recently. In the first one, the company has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by affiliates of Goldman Sachs from its current private equity owner Kelso & Company. The second deal involves PSAV purchasing Visual Aids Electronics, with plans to merge it under the PSAV banner. “This is truly an exciting time for our organization,” said Mike McIlwain, president and CEO of PSAV. He added, “This investment by Goldman Sachs is a vote of confidence in our team members and our commitment to… more
Nov 20, 2013
Trade show industry veteran, Tracy Garcia, was named the new show director for two of Hanley Wood Exhibitions’ mainstay shows - International Roofing Expo and International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo. Garcia is taking over for Lindsay Roberts, who now is show director of the Greenbuild International Conference & Expo, which Hanley Wood purchased earlier this year. "Tracy Garcia has a great deal of expertise and an outstanding track record," said Donna Bellantone, the company’s vice president of operations. She added, "Her considerable knowledge and skills will… more
Nov 20, 2013
Hart Energy’s DUG East show, servicing the shale industry, continued its rapid growth streak when its recent show drew more than 4,200 oil and gas professionals, a record-breaking 30-percent jump, compared with the year before. The show, held Nov. 13-15 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh, covers natural gas and liquids resource development in the Appalachian Basin's Marcellus and Utica shales. "It was an amazing event," said Hart Energy's Barry Haest, vice president and director of Conferences. He added, "We were absolutely thrilled to see… more
Nov 20, 2013
Despite 13 straight quarters of trade show industry growth, as tracked by the Center for Exhibition Industry Research, the third quarter showed slowing growth of 0.2 percent, compared with 0.9 percent in the same quarter last year. Three metrics showed decline, also compared with the same quarter last year – net square feet, exhibitors and attendees – with real revenues the only increase in the third quarter since the same period in 2012. The results also showed continued slowing growth in contrast to the overall economy, which saw the GDP gaining 1.6 percent year-on-year in the… more
Nov 18, 2013
When FABTECH Canada, the fabricating trade show, returns to Toronto in 2014, it will be significantly expanded in both size and scope. The show will take place from March 18-20 at the newly renovated Toronto Congress Centre and will feature the latest trends in fabricating, welding, metal forming, stamping, coating and finishing. “The decision to expand the show is based on the success of the 2012 premiere event, which was the first time the world-renowned FABTECH brand launched a show in Canada,” said Janine Saperson, show manager with SME, which is hosting FABTECH Canada 2014… more
Nov 18, 2013
The 80th UFI Congress recently wrapped up in Seoul, drawing more than 400 exhibition leaders to a three-day conference filled with networking and educational opportunities. The event, hosted by the Association of Korea Exhibition Industry, was held Nov. 13-16 at Coex, an events center in Seoul. “We are honoured to host the 80th UFI Congress, one of the global exhibition industry’s most prestigious events. The UFI Congress presents a wonderful opportunity for Korea to present Korean exhibitions management capabilities to the elite of the exhibition industry,” said Lee Han-… more
Nov 15, 2013
With a population of 251 million and the fastest-growing economy in the G20 after China, Indonesia is a hot spot for new shows, including U.K.-based Tarsus Group and U.S.-based E.J. Krause & Associates partnership to launch CONNECT EXPO COMM INODONESIA 2014. E.J. Krause’s EXPO COMM-branded series of shows is a leader in its sector, and Tarsus already has several shows in the country, such as Connect Indonesia, which runs as part of the annual Indonesia Infrastructure Week. “Indonesia Infrastructure Week has already established itself as the major international platform to… more
Nov 14, 2013
The third annual EVENTtech attracted more than 800 attendees, nearly doubling the conference from last year. And, with more than one-third of attendees as first timers, being able to experience the technology first hand was a huge attraction.  “This year’s EVENTtech was about pushing the technology experience,” said Dan Hanover, editor at Event Marketer Magazine (the host of the event). He added, “You learn about the technology in an educational session, and then go over to the exhibitor and actually test drive it. This year, we had $2 million worth of… more
Nov 13, 2013
The largest horticulture show in the United States, Short Course Convention & Marketplace, decied to stay close to home in 2017 and 2018 when it chose Columbus, Ohio, for the site of its 2017 and 2018 events. Columbus is home to some of the offices for a newly formed association that runs the show.   In September, two national associations representing the horticulture industry – OFA and the American Landscape Nursery Association – voted to join forces as AmericanHort, effective Jan. 1. Next year’s Short Course show will be managed by AmericanHort and held in… 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.