Shenzhen World
Dec 09, 2019
China’s newest and largest convention center, Shenzhen World, opened in early November. The venue, which will be the biggest exhibition and convention center in the world once its Phase 2 construction is completed, is also aiming to be the most sustainable and most intelligent. One thing is certain: The impressive facility will play a significant role in growing the region’s economy. Located in the Pearl River Delta, Shenzhen is China’s technology innovation hub and home to more than 3 million businesses. The city has grown from a small fishing village to a metropolis in just three decades… more
Nov 27, 2019
It’s a big month for Portland, Oregon: Last week, its Oregon Convention Center officially completed a momentous $40 million renovation. It marked the first large-scale renovation to take place at the facility since it was built three decades ago, and also took place during OCC’s busiest year to date — a feat in itself. The renovation included updates to public spaces throughout the venue to improve accessibility, creating a new plaza to serve as a flexible outdoor space option for events, and elevated design touches that reflect the building’s surroundings. “We made sure to keep our local… more
Scotland
Nov 21, 2019
Rich in history, tradition and culture, Scotland is an easy-to-reach, yet often new destination for meeting attendees. The number of direct flights from the U.S. east coast has grown significantly over the past several years, and many major European cities offer connections to Scotland’s five international airports.  There’s a lot more to the country than golf, Scotch whisky, bagpipes, sheep and haggis (a boiled Scottish dish made from sheep offal, onion, oatmeal and other ingredients), although all of those are plentiful. “Scotland offers historic cities, castles, distillery tasting… more
Nov 20, 2019
The forthcoming expansion of the Wynn Las Vegas convention center, set to be complete in February 2020, is getting more high tech. Cox Business announced this week that it will support the property with increased connectivity. When the expansion is complete, Wynn Las Vegas will have 300,000 new square feet of rentable space, offering a total of 560,000 square feet across four pillar-free ballrooms, 57 meeting rooms, a 20,000-sq.-ft. outdoor pavilion and a 20,000-sq.-ft. adjacent lawn. Cox Business has provided managed Wi-Fi services for the Wynn and Encore meeting and convention space since… more
Oct 01, 2019
Venue management companies AEG Facilities and SMG have completed their merger to create ASM Global, a new, stand-alone global facility management and venue services company that now operates more than 300 arenas, stadiums, convention centers and performing arts centers across five continents. The completion of this transaction comes eight months after the companies announced the proposed merger. Onex, of which SMG is a portfolio company, and AEG’s subsidiary are now equal co-owners of ASM, according to ASM officials. Headquartered in Los Angeles, with key operations based in the… more
Sep 20, 2019
The Boston Convention and Exhibition Center is getting ready to grow. On Sept. 19, the  Massachusetts Convention Center Authority board of directors accepted a proposal announced by Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito on Sept. 16 that includes expanding BCEC and selling Hynes Convention Center to fund the project. According to Governor Baker, the expansion plan will make Boston’s convention space more efficient by consolidating the city’s major convention business in one central location. It will also maximize new economic opportunities in both the Seaport and Back Bay… more
Sep 04, 2019
Detroit’s Cobo Center has been officially renamed TCF Center. The new name follows a 22-year naming rights partnership between TCF National Bank, a subsidiary of TCF Financial Corporation, and the Detroit Regional Convention Facility Authority.  DRCFA awarded naming rights to Chemical Bank — now a division of TCF Bank following its successful merger of equals on Aug.1 that transformed the two companies into TCF Financial Corporation — earlier this year following a competitive process. The new name and signage were revealed on Aug. 27 by TCF Executive Chairman Gary Torgow, TCF President and… more
Kalahari Convention
Aug 28, 2019
There’s nothing like hosting a big event to celebrate the expansion of a convention center, and that’s exactly what Kalahari Resorts and Conventions did earlier this month. Following the completion of a $35 million expansion to its now 212,000 square feet of meeting space, Kalahari Wisconsin Dells hosted THAT Conference as the first event in the new space from Aug. 5-8. The family-friendly, technology-focused conference — dubbed “Summer Camp for Geeks” — showed off Kalahari’s convention space and amenities to more than 1,700 attendees, spouses and children, who took part in more than 200… more
Atlantic City
Aug 15, 2019
Atlantic City has a long and rich history. The New Jersey city has been home to the Miss America pageant since 1921, and its 5-mile boardwalk, constructed in 1890, is the oldest in the country and the longest in the world. Best known for its casinos, boardwalk and beach, the city also has much to offer in the way of teambuilding activities. From beach yoga on to spa experiences, a waterfront cruise, beer pairings and chocolate making, there are plenty of options to suit any group’s needs. Music, Pampering and Dining at the Hard Rock Hotel My window at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino… more
Aug 07, 2019
Facility leadership and showfloor trade partners of Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia have signed a five-year extension and amendment of its 10-year labor agreement. The contract builds on the competitive work rules and expanded exhibitor rights initially put in place in 2014.    Known as the Customer Satisfaction Agreement, the extended labor agreement, which went into effect Aug. 1, allows exhibitors to setup and teardown their own booths without limitations on booth size. This marks a significant shift from the facility’s previous practice, which limited exhibitors to… 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.