News

Feb 18, 2013
Shows posting record attendance numbers seem to be more and more commonplace these days, with the latest one being the biennial Automate 2013, which was collocated with Material Handling Association’s ProMat 2013 and held Jan. 21-24 at Chicago’s McCormick Place. Automate 2013 was attended by a record 10,975 attendees from across the United States and 55 countries. “Automate 2013 exceeded all of our expectations,” said Jeff Burnstein, president of the Association for Advancing Automation, the primary sponsor of Automate 2013. He added, “All of our numbers were… more
Feb 18, 2013
Discover Design, home to 116 companies showcasing inspired design and cutting-edge product innovation, is sold out for the International Housewares Association’s 2013 International Home + Housewares Show scheduled March 2-5 at Chicago’s McCormick Place. Among the new companies exhibiting this year are Aesthetic Movement, Areaware, Teroforma, Legnoart, Menu and Present Time. Returning in 2013 are Alessi, Blomus, Joseph Joseph, Magisso, Nambe, Room Copenhagen and Serene House. A new addition to the category for 2013, Design Debut, will introduce five exciting new companies: Anne… more
Feb 18, 2013
Six retail-oriented trade shows, five existing ones and one launch, have decided to form an alliance during Las Vegas Fashion Week called “Modern Assembly” that will debut in August at the Sands Expo & Convention Center and Venetian Resort/Hotel Casino. The collocation is described as a “move that dispels the myths and competitive nature between the fashion tradeshows of yesteryear, the shows that comprise Modern Assembly will provide an ideal mix of resources in the right environments, with the utmost of convenience by collocating and cross-marketing,” according to show organizers. Four… more
Feb 18, 2013
Chicago’s McCormick Place already has one hotel, the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place, which is on track for a $110 million upgrade to be unveiled in the summer, but now the Metropolitan Pier & Exposition Authority-owned venue also will have a new 1,200 room anchor hotel attached to the building. The new hotel will be connected by skybridge to McCormick’s West Building and, besides the new rooms, there will be a 400-seat restaurant and a grand and junior Ballroom. “Building a headquarters hotel connected to McCormick Place is a major step in taking Chicago’s… more
Feb 17, 2013
In May, attendees to the International Association of Exhibitions and Events’ first education collective will have the opportunity to take part in not just one, or two, but four face-to-face opportunities tailored to meet their specific needs. The opportunities include the CEM Learning Program, which is devoted to certification; the Marketing Academy, which concentrates on increasing event attendance; the Sales Academy, which focuses on selling to exhibitors; and the launch of IAEE’s Women’s Leadership Forum, which centers on women’s issues in the exhibitions and… more
Feb 13, 2013
Expansion plans for San Francisco’s Moscone Center received a major boost, with the San Francisco Board of Supervisors recently approving the creation of the Moscone Expansion District, which will provide the majority of funding for the expansion of the city’s convention center. In a unanimous vote, the Board passed a resolution approving the establishment of the MED and three additional measures that will help finance the expansion through issuance of Certificates of Participation and allow the project to move forward in the environmental review process. “San Francisco… more
Feb 12, 2013
Advanstar Communications’ Licensing Expo will not only have four new areas merchandised by category for the first time, but also several key exhibitors have decided to expand their presence at the June 18-20 show at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. The four new areas are Art and Design, Characters andEntertainment, Agents and Brands and Fashion. This change will create a “much-improved experience for retailers and manufacturers visiting the show, helping them to shop the show more effectively than ever before,” according to show officials. The new, dedicated… more
Feb 12, 2013
The Sands Expo & Convention Center is one of the busiest convention and meetings properties in the United States, with many thousands of attendees often at just one of the venue’s several annual events all wanting to be connected and stay connected at the same time. The challenge was, if let’s say 5,000 attendees were at a keynote and the speaker wanted everyone to answer a question through an audience response system, how could the Sands make sure they delivered as a venue in this moment? Justin Herrman, executive director of IT at the Sands, said a lot of the high-… more
Feb 12, 2013
The Sands Expo & Convention Center is one of the busiest convention and meetings properties in the United States, with many thousands of attendees often at just one of the venue’s several annual events all wanting to be connected and stay connected at the same time. The challenge was, if let’s say 5,000 attendees were at a keynote and the speaker wanted everyone to answer a question through an audience response system, how could the Sands make sure they delivered as a venue in this moment? Justin Herrman, executive director of IT at the Sands, said a lot of the high-… more
Feb 11, 2013
Malaysia recently hosted a large incentive group of 2,300 from Japan’s upscale cosmetics production and distribution brand, POLA, who arrived in Kuala Lumpur Feb. 5. The incentive programme, supported by the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), was participated by 150 company officials and top sales staff from various parts of Japan. “Connections were made by Minister of Tourism Malaysia, Dato Seri Dr. Ng Yen Yen during her recent visit to Japan. Mr. Hiroki Yokoyama, the President of POLA was convinced by the Minister to implement its incentive programme in… 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.