News

Jul 16, 2015
The Oregon Convention Center plant to install what is anticipated to be the largest solar array on a convention center in the U.S. More than 6,500 rooftop solar panels are expected to produce 25 percent of the facility’s electricity. Construction of the two megawatt project is scheduled to begin in August and the system is estimated to be in service this fall. “One of our core values is sustainability,” said Convention Center Executive Director Scott Cruickshank. “The rooftop solar installation will help us meet our carbon emission reduction goals, offset utility costs and provide an… more
Jul 16, 2015
This year’s Summer NAMM show drew 13,936 attendees July 9-11 in Nashville, which was a 13-percent increase, compared with 2014. The National Association of Music Merchants show saw another increase in exhibiting companies, making it the largest mid-year event since 2006, with 494 exhibiting companies representing more than 1,600 brands. “With a tremendous respect for our industry's hand-crafted traditions combined with an exciting look to the future of music and audio, this Summer NAMM was perhaps the most important (and the most fun!) in recent memory,” said Joe Lamond, president and CEO of… more
Jul 14, 2015
Filling the gap after Total Pet Expo closed its doors in Chicago, Urban Expositions will launch a new pet industry show - P3 | Progressive Pet Products. The show will be held Aug. 24-26, 2016, at Chicago’s Navy Pier. "We have a long history in the B2B space and plan to create a whole new trade show experience for Midwest pet industry professionals," said Courtney Muller, executive vice president, Urban Expositions. She added, "By curating a product selection defined by new, emerging companies, showcasing it in Chicago's premier lakefront Navy Pier setting, and backing it with a festive, idea-… more
Jul 13, 2015
Running traditionally in later January, Emerald Expositions’ Outdoor Retailer will move to Jan. 7-10 show dates for next year in response to not only attendee and exhibitor feedback, but also to shift the event away from the nearby Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah. The 2016 show originally was scheduled Jan. 20-23. Outdoor Retailer Winter Market, which is held in the Salt Palace Convention Center and fills the venue and surrounding hotels, will remain in the earlier timeframe for future Winter market dates as well, with the 2017 show slated for Jan. 7-10 and the 2018 show scheduled… more
Jul 13, 2015
It may be summertime, but business still is happening with several companies signing, or adding onto, contracts with trade shows.   The Craft & Hobby Association (CHA) has just signed a three-year contract with Convention Data Services (CDS) to provide full registration services, a customer service contact center, exhibitor services and onsite support for the CHA MEGA Show. Next year marks the 75th anniversary of the CHA MEGA Show, Jan. 7-12 in Anaheim, which is the largest global event for the craft and hobby industry. Thousands of buyers from more than 56 countries attend the MEGA… more
Jul 10, 2015
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events Public Events Council will be accepting applications until Sept. 30 for its Top Public Events Recognition Program, which recognizes best practices in the business-to-consumers segment of the exhibitions and events industry. Events will be judged by an impartial panel of consumer event experts on specific event criteria and general areas such as demonstrated sound business practices, stability and exceptional customer service. The Top Public Events program criteria will remain the same as year's past, but the submission process… more
Jul 09, 2015
UBM Canon, which produces a series of medical design and manufacturing events, joins with UBM Mexico to announce the launch of a new trade show in Mexico. The first Advanced Manufacturing Expo Mexico will take place Nov. 15-17, 2016, at the Centro Banamex in Mexico City. UBM Canon will leverage its history of producing advanced manufacturing events, with collocated expos for powder and bulk solids, plastics, packaging, automation, design and manufacturing, and quality, in various venues across the United States and Canada. UBM Mexico will bring its experience in the… more
Jul 08, 2015
The organizers of Shanghai Intelligent Building Technology (SIBT) have confirmed they will collaborate with China Smart Home Industry Alliance (CSHIA) to launch a new technical fair – Shanghai Smart Home Technology (SSHT) this fall. The debut show will be held concurrently with its sister event, SIBT, from Sept. 23-25 at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre in Shanghai. The two shows are expected to host 280 exhibitors, utilizing 15,000 square meters of exhibition space. In total, 18,000 visitors are expected from a wide range of sectors, including system integrators,… more
Jul 08, 2015
The 2015 Society of Independent Show Organizers’ Leadership Conference will not only take a look at what the Millennials really want, but also what it takes to be a CEO and how the SXSW grew into the massive festival it is today, among a host of other topics. “This Leadership program is the most comprehensive we have ever had for younger professionals taking on more responsibility,” said SISO Executive Director Lew Shomer. He added, “Our emphasis is to teach by example with major industry leaders such as Don Pazour, Chris Brown, Charles McCurdy and Carina Bauer. The emphasis is certainly… more
Jul 08, 2015
Due to increased exhibit space demand, ProWine China 2015 will occupy 2 exhibition halls, increasing the exhibition area by 20 percent, compared with the show’s last staging in 2014. This leading trade fair for wines and spirits in China will take place Nov. 11-13 in the Shanghai New International Expo Centre. France remains the largest participating country, followed by Italy, Spain and Argentina. The size of the Hungarian pavilion increased by 50 percent, compared with last year. This year, a group stand from Romania will debut at ProWine China. Since wine education is a main approach 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.