Jun 05, 2013
Several days after contract renewal talks broke down between Global Experience Specialists and the Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters Local 1027, the two entities have not come to a resolution over wage increase expectations.
June 4 article announcing talks breaking down: Contract Talks Break Down Between Chicago Warehouse Carpenters, GES
Talks broke off because of the union’s request for a 17-percent wage increase during a 4-year period and GES’ offer of a 15-percent increase during the same 4-year time period.
“While achieving solid agreements with GES’s… more
Jun 04, 2013
In April, the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia issued RFPs for the management and operation of the venue, and West Conshohocken, Penn.-based SMG prevailed as the winner of the lucrative five-year contract.
The venue’s board first voted 13-2 to privatize the center and 12-3 to give the contract to SMG.
"To be given this vote of confidence in our own backyard is a real thrill,” said Gregg Caren, SMG’s senior vice president strategic business development.
He added, “We love this city and the Pennsylvania Convention Center. So many of their clients (… more
Jun 03, 2013
General service contractor Fern Exposition & Event Services bought another GSC, NexxtShow, which will operate as an independent company. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“Both Fern and NexxtShow are foremost focused on customer service and providing personalized approach to meeting each customer’s business objectives,” said Aaron Bludworth, Fern’s president and CEO.
He added, “In an industry where business models are forced on customers in the name of productivity or efficiency, both Fern and NexxtShow will continue to deliver customized services and… more
Jun 03, 2013
The 2013 NACS (National Association of Convenience Stores) Show will feature a 392,000 net square foot exposition, which will make it the largest NACS Show expo ever.
This year’s NACS Show will take place Oct. 12-15 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. A total of 1,050 companies are exhibiting at the 2013 NACS Show - 150-plus companies are first-time exhibitors.
“We are extremely pleased with the strong exhibitor commitment to the NACS Show in 2013,” said NACS Vice Chairman of Convention Pat Lewis, a partner at Twin Falls, Idaho-based Oasis Stop ’N Go.… more
Jun 03, 2013
Citing a difference in wage increase expectations, Global Experience Specialists said contract renewal talks broke down last week with the Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters Local 1027, who work in the warehouse on exhibits and other projects.
Negotiations had been in the works during the past month in “good faith” between the two parties for a new, 4-year contract, according to GES officials.
Frank Libby, president of the Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters, said his group wasn’t willing to comment on the situation as of yet, but would be releasing a statement in… more
Jun 03, 2013
Reed Exhibitions’ Americas Incentive, Business Travel & Meetings Exhibition, on tap June 11-13 at Chicago’s McCormick Place, will feature a roundtable of meetings association leaders from around the world to debate future industry trends and challenges.
Major topics of discussion will include insights into the future of face-to-face meetings, the impact of technology in meeting planning, the current evolution and innovation for tradeshows, the increasing need to tie meeting outcomes and content to business goals and the continued importance of education and sharing… more
Jun 02, 2013
George Little Management’s International Contemporary Furniture Fair is experiencing a growth streak, with the recent show scoring 12-percent growth in attendance and 14-percent growth for the size of the showfloor, both compared to the previous year’s show.
More than 29,642 attendees flocked to the 165,000 net square foot showfloor May 18-21 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center of New York.
“We’re thrilled that the ICFF is experiencing this unprecedented growth spurt 25 years into its existence,” said Kevin O’Keefe, senior vice president of GLM.
He… more
Jun 01, 2013
Lack of funding, provided by the San Diego-based Tourism Marketing District, almost led to the complete closure of the San Diego Tourism Authority, which would have resulted in 85 people losing their jobs and a halt to the city’s sales and marketing efforts.
SDTA operations were meant to cease June 3, but on May 31, San Diego Mayor Bob Filner signed a last-minute deal to release $5.7 million to the TMD that allowed the SDTA, the city’s convention and visitors bureau, to stay open for business.
The spat originated because of a 2-percent hotel tax that equals about $30 million… more
May 31, 2013
With 52 percent of the International Association of Exhibitions and Events’ membership being women and 24 percent of those in C-level positions, the organization heeded the call from its ranks and launched the IAEE Women’s Leadership Forum May 29-30 in Washington, D.C.
Seventy suppliers and show organizers gathered to hear from CEOs from within the trade show industry, as well as speakers such as Betsy Myers, founding director of the center for Women and Business at Bentley University and author of “Take the Lead: Motivate, Inspire, and Bring Out the Best in Yourself and… more
May 27, 2013
The National Association of Music Merchants recently named Cindy Sample director of Trade Show Operations, overseeing the association’s events.
Sample previously held the position as operations director for Nielsen Expositions, where she worked on shows such as Outdoor Retailer and ASD Las Vegas.
"It is critically important to us that our members have an amazing experience at NAMM's trade events," said Joe Lamond, president and CEO of NAMM.
He added, "Cindy's reputation as a creative, innovative and visionary professional, as well as her 18 years of trade show… 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.