News
Sep 22, 2023
By the time she began working in the male-dominated field of technology, Daphne Hoppenot was used to being one of the few women in the room.
“Even in high school when I was studying engineering, there were two classes of 30 students where I was the only girl,” she said. “For better or worse, you get used to it when you’re in this field.”
After graduating from Princeton University with a bachelor of science in engineering, Hoppenot spent her 20s working in business and market development roles at digital AI-led experience platform company Yext, which gave her exposure to hundreds of… more
Sep 21, 2023
After serving as a cornerstone event for the natural and organic consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry for nearly four decades, Natural Products Expo East has opened its doors for the final time, with a new event preparing to take its place in 2024. Sister show Natural Products Expo West will continue to take place annually at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, Calif.
Currently taking place Sept. 20-23 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, Natural Products Expo East has played a vital role in the natural and organic CPG sector since its establishment in 1985. The… more
Sep 21, 2023
Combining more than 75 years of trade show and conference industry experience, Wayne Crawford and Jim Forlenza have formed Cobalt Event Studios, a new company that serves not-for-profit associations, independent organizers, corporate events and exhibiting companies. The company provides strategic insight and consulting to optimize event sales, efficiencies and planning.
Crawford and Forlenza have integrated their expertise and knowledge in sales maximization, business development, strategic planning, event technology platforms, event creation, international event management, M&A and… more
Sep 19, 2023
Google has introduced sensory event kits for its own corporate events, and the company is making them available for purchase to other events through the Google Merch Shop.
“As we rolled these out internally in a series of other efforts, we wanted to make them accessible to other event professionals who want to be more inclusive for more than 20% of attendees who are neurodivergent or experience sensory sensitivities,” said Megan Henshall, global events strategic solutions lead for Google.
Henshall is the force behind Neu Project, a community that began at Google, working to inspire safe,… more
Sep 18, 2023
Choosing to eat a more plant-based diet has been one of the biggest trends among consumers in recent decades, as it’s been proven to have health benefits and be better for the planet, offsetting the carbon emissions generated by the meat and dairy industry.
As event professionals grapple with catering to the various dietary needs and restrictions of attendees, one of the best perspectives to take is a plant-forward yet balanced view that is nutritious and inclusive to all attendees while also being sustainable and leaving the planet in a healthier place, according to Tracy Stuckrath,… more
Sep 15, 2023
Gearing up to once again recognize the achievements of companies delivering digital and technological solutions to the events industry, the 11th annual edition of the Event Technology Awards (ETA) has announced finalists for each of its 34 categories.
Created to recognize achievement in the event technology industry, the Event Technology Awards will announce the award winners at the end of the first day of Event Tech Live 2023, set for Nov. 15-16 at ExCeL London.
This year’s awards included six new categories that have been embraced by the events industry with plentiful entries and at… more
Sep 14, 2023
Corporate event planners and trade show organizers now have a new service that can assist them in their quest to achieve net zero carbon events: Reduce 2, Saving the Planet by Degree, an independent third-party sustainability assurance practice.
Founded and launched in August by Glenn Hansen, who served as president and CEO of auditing organization BPA Worldwide for more than 40 years, Reduce 2 focuses on standards writing, carbon footprint calculating, certifying companies and events to industry and international standards (such as ISO 20121, 14001 and 14064), as well as assuring companies… more
Sep 12, 2023
Neurodiverse, autistic and sensory-challenged attendees and exhibitors who may feel overwhelmed and overstimulated by the convention center environment while participating in events at Pittsburgh’s David L. Lawrence Convention Center (DLCC) now have several new resources available at the venue.
DLCC, which hosts a full calendar of major trade and consumer events in the Northeast region, has embraced accessibility via its recent partnership with KultureCity, a national nonprofit that works to improve the quality of life for individuals with sensory needs.
The new initiative features a… more
Sep 12, 2023
Sponsored article by MCI USA
Creating exceptional experiences for attendees is the ultimate goal in the current landscape of event management. The challenge lies in tailoring these experiences to meet the unique needs of both show organizers and their attendees. With over three decades of industry experience, MCI USA understands these challenges and has cultivated a team of seasoned professionals to revolutionize the industry. This commitment to excellence is exemplified by the synergy between their veteran leadership team and use of the innovative registration, housing and lead management… more
Sep 11, 2023
As North America’s largest pet retail trade show for the $100 billion pet industry, SUPERZOO is known for a vibrant expo showcasing innovative products and trends, industry-leading education, hyper-competitive grooming contests and valuable networking opportunities. But this year, the event witnessed a stronger-than-expected increase in attendees and key decision-makers from the U.S. and abroad.
Held Aug. 16-18 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, the annual expo and conference welcomed nearly 18,000 pet professionals — a 10% increase compared to 2022 — from 84 countries, as… 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.