May 25, 2017
Sharon Enright has joined NXT Events Media Group as its president and COO.
After serving in top operations management positions at Conference Management Corporation and Reed Exhibitions, Enright moved to Business Journals Inc. in 1997 as its director of operations, where she rose to the ranks of EVP of the company’s Trade Show Division.
As the second person in BJI’s 90-year history to earn this prestigious title, Enright helped build the company’s event portfolio from three to 27 annual shows, managing virtually all facets of the portfolio for more than 18 years.
Her special areas of… more
May 16, 2017
It’s been a busy spring, with a lot of companies growing their ranks with several new hires, including InfoComm International, The Expo Group, UBM Americas, Urban Expositions and Connect Travel, to name a few.
InfoComm International has named Heidi A. Voorhees, MBA, CAE, as the organization's new COO. As COO, Voorhees will lead InfoComm's North American operations and global marketing and communication efforts.
"I am thrilled that Heidi has chosen InfoComm International for the next chapter in her exciting career," said David Labuskes, CTS®, CAE, RCDD, Executive Director and CEO of InfoComm… more
May 10, 2017
The UFI Board of Directors has elected Craig Newman, CEO of the Johannesburg Expo Centre, as the president of UFI for the 2018/2019 term.
The decision was made at a board meeting during UFI European Conference in Cologne, Germany and becomes effective at the conclusion of the 83rd UFI Global Congress, running Nov. 1-4 in Johannesburg.
The UFI Presidential Trio for the 2017-18 term will comprise Corrado Peraboni (Fiera Milano, Italy), President 2017-2018; Craig Newman, Incoming President and Andreas Gruchow (Deutsche Messe AG, Germany), Outgoing President.
In 2014, Newman was elected onto the… more
Apr 17, 2017
Two long-time facility leaders – the Houston George R. Brown Convention Center’s David Osterhout and the New Orleans Ernest N. Moral Convention Center’s Robert Johnson – both are set to retire.
Osterhout, known universally as simply Dave O, is turning in his keys after nearly three decades as the facility manager at the George R. Brown CC.
Osterhout, 69, retires on April 28 with a celebration joined by co-workers, clients, partners and many other friends.
His first order of business in the new life of leisure will be to head to his lake house north of Houston to gather with family, including… more
Apr 10, 2017
The winter months ended with a flurry of hirings and promotions in several for-profit companies and association show organizations, as well as suppliers to the trade show industry.
Comexposium Group has appointed Simon Foster as CEO as of August 2017. At that time, Renaud Hamaide will transition from CEO to executive chairman.
Foster will lead the Comexposium Group strategic development and implementation across the Globe, managing existing products and teams, optimizing products’ performance, as well as overseeing new business launches and acquisitions integration.
All division managing… more
Mar 22, 2017
The Board of Directors of Visit Mobile (Ala.) have tapped hospitality professional, David Clark, to fill the role of president and CEO, beginning April 1.
Clark joins The Visit Mobile team with 29 years of hospitality, lodging, tourism and leadership pf which 27 of those years working and living in Coastal Alabama.
“I am excited to join the Visit Mobile team and stakeholders to continue to raise the bar with promoting tourism, lodging and positioning Mobile as one of the South’s leading destinations,” Clark said.
He added, “I believe that Visit Mobile is about sales, service and experience… more
Mar 13, 2017
The positive overall jobs report last week seems to be reflected in the trade show industry as well, with more companies bringing on new hires and promoting from within.
Core-apps hired association and events veteran Christine Davis as sales manager and promoted long-time employee Megan Pierce to director of Account Management.
Davis comes to Core-apps from roles at SmithBucklin, PCMA and in association management.
Pierce has been with Core-apps for five years and now will lead the account management team as second in command for that division.
Core-apps CEO Jay Tokosch said both women offer… more
Feb 06, 2017
The brisk hiring trend that kicked off the beginning of the year has continued, with several companies that serve the bustling trade show industry making hires.
RD Whitney was appointed as executive vice president of Business Development Tarsus Americas, a division of U.K.-based Tarsus Group, with immediate effect Feb. 1.
RD previously was group vice president at Diversified Communications overseeing a growing portfolio of business communities and events.
Prior to Diversified, and in just 27 months as a Partner at Greenhaven Partners, RD transformed former BNA (now Bloomberg) publishing… more
Jan 31, 2017
Ed Several, formerly senior vice president and general manager of PGA Worldwide Golf Exhibitions, has been tapped for a new role as senior vice president, integration and commercial optimization–Reed Exhibitions Americas.
In his new role and during the transition, Several will continue to assist with relationships and long-term strategy on events from his previous portfolio and will be reporting directly to Hervé Sedky, President of Reed Exhibitions Americas.
“Ed Several’s sustained success over the past 12 years in elevating the value of the PGA Shows portfolio, plus multiple additional… more
Jan 23, 2017
The year continued to start off strong with several show organizer and supplier companies making new hires and promotions.
Atlanta-based meeting management, convention housing and travel services leader Connections Housing kicks off its 30th year by naming Mark Sussman, vice president of Business Development.
As part of a continued growth strategy focused on further strengthening and enhancing In this newly created position, Sussman will focus on developing and growing the Connections client portfolio through his vast knowledge, tenure and connections in the industry.
A 35-year… 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.