TSNN Trade Show News

The Sustainability Equation: Balancing Immersive Events and Environmental Impact

lpsavas@tsnn.com — Thu, 18 Apr 2024 13:42:00 +0000

The Sustainability Equation: Balancing Immersive Events and Environmental Impact

April 18, 2024

Rodney Hart

Rodney Hart is the vice president of events at RainFocus, defining the company’s event portfolio while showcasing the power of the RainFocus event platform. He is focused on using event data to comprehensively measure event ROI across event types and specific event behaviors. Previously, Hart worked at Dell Technologies optimizing the onsite tech stack of in-person enterprise events of over 15,000 attendees and most recently pivoted to build large-scale digital and hybrid experiences.

Events are a critical part of the corporate ecosystem, and especially the marketing ecosystem. However, as valuable as events are for forming long-term business partnerships and ensuring loyal customers are provided with a unique experience, there are considerations to be made around environmental impact.

On average, event attendees produce over four pounds of waste per day. While event professionals have taken the right steps to reduce their environmental impact, there’s still progress to be made.

While some factors, such as carbon emissions from travel, are difficult to control, there are ways event professionals can mitigate environmental impact — beyond the simple steps of going paperless or giving reusable water bottles as swag while still delivering top-notch experiences.

The industry has the opportunity to do more than eliminate single-use plastics and use digital agendas. Instead, identify new ways to leverage emerging technologies and work with the community around them to help events take a greener approach.

Leveraging Tech

Generative AI is top-of-mind for event professionals. While this technology has its share of environmental impact concerns, AI-powered solutions are inescapable in today’s enterprise. Given its prevalence, teams should look into how the technology can be leveraged to boost sustainability efforts.

AI-powered solutions can be used to assist in reporting on environmental impact. Tools like Gemini or ChatGPT can analyze event data to calculate how small decisions add up to the event’s overall impact, providing decision makers with data to better inform areas of improvement. Certain event technology tools might also have the capability to measure and report on this. Even if sustainability isn’t the event’s primary goal, measuring it is a necessary step to understanding what’s driving environmental impact and how to make adjustments accordingly.

For example, event professionals assume that going paperless reduces significant waste, but they may be overlooking how materials, such as swag items (water bottles, notebooks, etc.), are driving waste instead. AI can support more intentional swag initiatives by using tools to calculate the amount of waste for each item and pairing it with attendee feedback. With a better understanding of waste and what your attendees want at an event, teams can opt for fewer, higher-quality swag items that can reduce overall budget and environmental impact.

Reduce and Reuse

Another opportunity for improved event sustainability is around event designs. With the overall increase in in-person events, teams should start to think of ways to repurpose designs from one event to another. Swag is the perfect way to do this.

Many times, swag items are clearly marked with that particular event’s emblem and year. Instead, teams can make the conscious decision to strategically brand swag items in a way that’s not limited to one individual conference. This can minimize any potential waste from purchasing swag in large quantities. Designing evergreen booth setups and signage are other ways for design elements to be repurposed across multiple events.

Finding the Right Partners

In addition to leveraging AI-powered tools and designing evergreen event elements, it’s important for event organizers to work with partners who take sustainability seriously.

Designing event elements that can be reused isn’t possible without the right partners. Event professionals need to find the right event builders with experience in reusing materials and minimizing waste.

The venue you choose plays a significant role, too. It’s important to understand the venue’s sustainability programs to help you maximize local impact while also reducing additional work to create one-off programs in the event’s host city. For example, as much as you work to plan for maintaining a fair ratio of food-to-attendees without having too much excess, there might still be leftovers. Check with the venue to see if they can work with a local food bank or shelter to share back to the community.

Additionally, after the event concludes, leaders can set up volunteer programs for local clean-up efforts to ensure that attendees are leaving the space greener than when they arrived. These can be built into the schedule as networking events that also work to serve the community, especially considering the sizable impact events on local ecosystems.

Consider Hybrid Options

Events were built on the foundation of in-person connection. However, in recent years we’ve seen the rise of hybrid and virtual events. Offering a virtual component to a conference not only provides an environmentally friendly option but also promotes an inclusive event. Virtual event programs can solve the problem of extending the reach of the event with a minimal increase to the event’s environmental impact. These programs can take place before, during or after the event with a focus on still providing a meaningful event experience.

Emerging technologies, reducing and reusing, leveraging local partnerships and the rise of hybrid events provides an opportunity to assess and reformat events with sustainability in mind. Committing to greener events doesn’t have to mean sacrificing the unique interpersonal connections that the event provides – it simply means that event marketers need to get creative in how they engage with audiences. Through small changes and thoughtful commitments to sustainability, event marketers are able to create immersive and engaging event experiences while still offsetting waste.

Don’t miss any event-related news: Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter HERE, listen to our latest podcast HERE and engage with us on LinkedIn!

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Women at the Helm: Amy Calvert, President & CEO, Events Industry Council

lpsavas@tsnn.com — Thu, 18 Apr 2024 13:15:41 +0000

Women at the Helm: Amy Calvert, President & CEO, Events Industry Council

April 18, 2024

Lisa Plummer Savas

Ask Amy Calvert about her path to the C-suite, and she will share a common thread that has persisted throughout her professional journey: a steadfast love and respect for the human connections that business events can foster.

Calvert started her career in the hospitality sector, gaining experience working for the InterContinental Hotels Group and Loews before transitioning into the destination marketing world, serving in various leadership positions on the Visit Baltimore sales and services team for more than 15 years before taking the helm of the Events Industry Council (EIC) as its president and CEO in April 2019.

“It’s such an honor to now lead a global federation with members from every sector of the global business events industry, all connected around a shared vision of events as a catalyst for growth, advancement and positive change in support of our global society and most specifically, our workforce,” Calvert said.

A strong advocate for equitable, sustainable and responsible practices in the global business events industry and the communities it serves, Calvert works to support EIC’s mission to support the industry through advocacy, research, professional standards and recognition. Additionally, she provides strategic oversight for EIC’s Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) and Sustainable Event Professional Certificate (SEPC) programs, the EIC Centre for Sustainability and Social Impact, the Accepted Practices Exchange (APEX) Commission, EIC Global Awards and Hall of Leaders.

We enjoyed sitting down with Calvert to hear about her first five years at EIC, how and why sustainability became a major focus for the organization and why female industry leaders are and will continue to be key in moving the sustainability needle forward.

You have served the Events Industry Council as CEO for five years now. What has leading the organization been like for you and what accomplishments are you most proud of?

It has been an extraordinary five years. A year into my role, the COVID pandemic arrived, and our $1.6 trillion industry was completely disrupted. Our Board had just completed a Vision exercise in the fall of 2019. Thankfully, we had this to anchor to as we began to navigate our role in supporting our sector and our people. Going through something of this magnitude reinforced to our leadership and members the relevance of our organization’s true purpose and ability to impact in a way that proved our relevance.

Our volunteer leaders came together through what we deemed a ‘collective consciousness’ to listen, learn, adapt and provide incredibly valuable resources and a forum for global collaboration. It was a reminder of the essence of what we do and why what we do matters so deeply. Being able to bear witness to this incredible act of generosity was a gift that I will also look back on with gratitude.

Now, we must continue to reflect on the learnings from this time to ensure we do not fall back into routines and patterns that no longer serve us well. While demand and performance remain strong compared to our industry’s high-water mark in 2019, we recognize the need to turn our vision into action and focus on building up those fierce learnings. Leading EIC during this time has been a profound honor, and I am so fortunate to have the support of an incredible Board of Directors, as well as an extraordinary group of volunteer leaders who all give so much to the organization and our shared industry.

When and why did sustainability become an important focus for EIC, and what kind of role have you played in that evolution?

It is always so interesting to me to look back on this particular journey for EIC, and it is important to acknowledge the significant contribution of so many thought leaders who continue to lead and model the way for our industry. Thanks to many incredibly inspired volunteer leaders and team members, we have been leading and evolving here for many years.

We released our first Green Meetings Task Force Report in 2004, and it was the first of its kind for the meetings industry, providing specific guidance and best practices for suppliers and planners seeking to create more sustainable events. In 2016, the Green Meeting Industry Council evolved into what is now our EIC Centre of Sustainability and Social Impact.

The Centre, with the support of the Sustainability and Social Impact Committee, has led the way for our industry in terms of providing valuable resources and standards for sustainable events and planning, including the Sustainable Event Professional Certificate (SEPC) and the Sustainable Event Standards. These have become the incredibly important professional development resources, offering a framework for collaboration and a standard worldwide for sustainability and regenerative practices aligned with the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs). We hope these resources and the engagement around them will build ambition and serve as a catalyst for change.

It appears that many of the leading experts and proponents of event sustainability are female – do you believe this to be true and if so, why do you think that is?

Studies continue to support that women are often more significantly impacted by issues facing our environment, particularly in areas where large portions of the population are living in marginalized communities that are under-served and at-risk. So, it is extremely important that we lend our voice with urgency to solving the most pressing challenges facing our global society.

We believe our sector is uniquely positioned to be a force for good in the world. As women rise into leadership roles in any sector, I believe we will continue to see an alignment of strategic priorities to values and purpose. In the events industry specifically, where the integration of sustainable, regenerative and inclusive practices is gaining prominence, female professionals bring a multifaceted perspective that emphasizes not only economic viability but also social responsibility and environmental stewardship.

When it comes to sustainability, where do you envision the trade show, meetings and events industry in five years?

Sustainability in trade shows and global business events is poised to undergo significant evolution, driven by an increasing awareness of environmental responsibility and a growing demand for sustainable, regenerative and inclusive practices. As businesses and consumers alike prioritize eco-conscious and socially just choices, event organizers will be compelled to integrate these values-based experience and actions into every aspect of event planning and execution. This shift will encompass various facets, including venue selection based on environmental criteria, adoption of renewable energy sources, reduction of waste through recycling and composting initiatives and incredibly meaningful community impact efforts and much more.

I’d like to see us all work together to think of this as a holistic journey we take together through a collaborative effort, to be motivated by beginning to take meaningful action without feeling responsible for solving for everything at one time alone.

What does sustainability mean to you personally?

I am incredibly honored and grateful to be in a position to help champion our sector’s values and priorities for the greater good. The most important thing for all of us to remember — and something that I try to practice daily — is the notion that each of us can live our values and lead from where we are and that often it is the daily intentions, rather than the grand gestures, of one person that can shift the course of another’s life for the better. We all have tremendous capacity to have influence when we believe in our hearts that to be true.

We indeed live in a fractured world and therefore we need more effort to engage in ways that help break down barriers, foster greater empathy and understanding and have the ambition to really drive change. Events can be an accelerator for those connections and actions. We know this discussion is more than the idea of reducing one’s carbon footprint. While that is of course a significant and important target, it’s truly about a shift in one’s mindset to leave this world in a better place than we found it.

Know a dynamic female event industry leader who deserves some time in the spotlight? Please reach out to lisa.savas@informa.com and danica.tormohlen@informa.com.

Don’t miss any event-related news: Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter HERE, listen to our latest podcast HERE and engage with us on LinkedIn!

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SISO Recap: 13 Takeaways From The 2024 CEO Summit

dtormohlen@tsnn.com — Wed, 17 Apr 2024 12:02:34 +0000

SISO Recap: 13 Takeaways From The 2024 CEO Summit

April 17, 2024

Danica Tormohlen

More than 300 independent trade show executives, suppliers and industry media convened April 1-4 for the 2024 Society of Independent Show Organizers (SISO) CEO Summit at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Amelia Island, Fla. The pre-registered attendance was the highest ever for this event, said SISO CEO Vincent Polito. The previous attendance record was set in 2019 when 295 industry leaders gathered in April at The Sanctuary in Kiawah Island, SC.

SISO welcomed 35 first-time attendees, said Clarion Events CEO Lisa Hannant, who is serving as this year’s SISO chair after Arc CEO Americas Mary Larkin completed her one-year term and moves to the SISO immediate past chair role.

The three-day event offered content on a wide variety of topics, from a global economic forecast and the impact of AI to exclusive exhibitor research and a case study on sustainability.

As in years past, the attendee and speaker list featured a who’s who of industry leaders (see who attended in 2024 here). The Informa Connect team — which publishes Trade Show News Network, BizBash, Corporate Event News, Meetingsnet and Exhibitor News Now — was also onsite for this annual meeting of C-level executives.

Among the many educational sessions held at the conference was an underlying focus on the state of the exhibitions industry as the second quarter of 2024 begins. Here are 13 takeaways we noted during the event.

1. New speakers to the SISO stage: This year’s SISO CEO Summit featured a number of new speakers, including a few from outside the industry, to spark ideas and share best practices. For example, BravoCon Executive Producer Deirdre Connolly (pictured in the middle) said, when fostering fandom, it’s not all about revenue for the TV Network.

2. Economic outlook: “American consumer spending is almost reckless, but it’s good for the economy,” said Sage Policy Group Inc. Chairman and CEO Anirban Basu (above), who has spoken at the SISO CEO Summit previously.

3. What exhibitors want most from trade shows: Face-to-face interactions and delivering hands-on experiences, said mdg President and Chief Marketing Strategist Kimberly Hardcastle-Geddes (left) and Freeman SVP Strategy Ken Holsinger (right). A link to the full report can be found here. Stay tuned for our analysis of the report.

4. Memorable moment: SISO Immediate Past Chair Cassandra Farrington, founder of MJBizCon that sold Emerald for $120 million, presented Informa Markets President Nancy Walsh (above) with the Krakoff Award. Walsh is only the second female to win the only annual award that SISO presents. A list of previous Krakoff award winners is available here.

5. Unexpected (and funny) theme from male speakers: Who did or did not have girlfriends in high school.

6. When to invest: Look for hustlers. You invest in people, not companies, said Fintech & Events Entrepreneur Jonathan Weiner (right) during a fireside chat with Polito (left).

7. New revenue idea: Create a curated marketplace for attendees with exhibitor products through Amazon’s affiliate program, which is especially applicable to consumer events, said Fast Forward Events Partner Michelle Metter (second from left on the stage) during the CEO Panel.

8. Ideas to steal from the NBA: Drop content and merch that’s only available at the event. Spend your time and resources on the top three high-heat moments at your event, advised NBA SVP, Head of Global Event Strategy & Development Joseph Graziano III.

9. Content-driven play: Use data from content engagement to listen to what event communities want, suggested Questex CEO Paul Miller (second from the left).

10. Good to know: Lean into experience but don’t get trapped by it, said Fanatics Events CEO Lance Fensterman (above).

11. AI transformation: Sooner is better when it comes to using AI, said 2toLead CTO Richard Harbridge (above). Only 26% are investing in AI adoption. 2025 will be the year of functional agents.

12. Words of warning: “ChatGPT is like your wide-open drunk friend,” said on the stage during an AI workshop (above).

13. What’s next: Small language models (SLMs) vs. large language models (LLMs), said Informa Markets SVP Technology Transformation Yarrow Diamond.

The 2025 SISO CEO Summit will be held at Omni Barton Creek in Austin.

Looking ahead

The 2024 SISO Leadership Conference will be held Aug. 13-15 in Philadelphia. The next SISO CEO Summit will be held March 31-April 3, 2025, at the Omni Barton Creek in Austin.

Looking back

Want to see more photos from the SISO CEO Summit 2024? View the photo gallery here. Check out our coverage from last year’s event: SISO's 2023 CEO Summit Addresses Key Issues in a New Era for the Events Industry

Photos by Coleman Photography LLC for SISO

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How Attending Environmentally-Focused Events Can Inspire Sustainable Event Planning

lpsavas@tsnn.com — Tue, 16 Apr 2024 14:51:31 +0000

How Attending Environmentally-Focused Events Can Inspire Sustainable Event Planning

April 16, 2024

Mike Szczesny

Mike Szczesny is the owner and vice president of EDCO Awards & Specialties, a dedicated supplier of employee recognition products such as crystal awards, branded merchandise and athletic awards. Szczesny takes pride in EDCO’s ability to help companies go the extra mile in expressing gratitude and appreciation to their employees.

As we all navigate the shifting scientific studies, expectations and regulations around business and sustainability, environmentally-focused events stand out as lighthouses of innovation and green practices.

What are environmentally-focused events? These are trade shows, exhibitions and conferences that aren’t just events. They’re opportunities. They’re your chance to dive into the world of sustainable events to learn, connect and come away inspired. Let’s walk through the highlights of these events and discover how you can bring their insights into your work.

1. Discover Renewable Energy Showcases

Known for its musical acts as much as its commitment to sustainability, Glastonbury Festival has utilized solar panels, wind turbines and biofuels to power its performances, significantly reducing its environmental footprint. Imagine walking through a showcase filled with the latest in clean energy technologies. These are innovations that can power our future, and they’re here, right now, for you to explore.

What You Can Do: Next time you’re planning an event, seek out venues that utilize alternative, renewable energy sources.

2. Dive Into Sustainable Development Forums

At these events, the focus is on how we can all contribute to a more sustainable world, from reducing waste to optimizing energy use. These forums offer a broad perspective on what sustainability really means. Green conferences like the Greenbuild International Conference are ideal to help you stay abreast of the latest in sustainable development.

What You Can Do: Pick one sustainable practice you’ve learned from these forums and apply it to your next project. Even small changes, like reducing waste or improving energy efficiency, can make a big difference.

3. Explore Technological Innovations

Innovation is at the heart of environmentally-focused events. It’s not just about what’s new, it’s about what’s next and how these emerging technologies can help us live and work more sustainably.

What You Can Do: Keep an open mind about new technologies. Can any of the innovations you’ve seen be adapted to your business or your next event to help it run more cleanly and efficiently?

4. Engage in Policy Discussions

The conversations around energy policies at these events can arm you with the knowledge you need to navigate the complex world of sustainability regulation and advocacy.

What You Can Do: Leverage the knowledge gained from these discussions to ensure your events are not only sustainable but also in compliance with current energy policies and regulations. This can also inform your advocacy for more sustainable industry standards.

5. Seize Networking Opportunities

The connections you can make at these events are invaluable. You’ll meet people who are as passionate about sustainability as you are, and who knows? You might just find your next business partner or collaborator.

What You Can Do: Don’t be shy! Reach out, share your ideas and see how you can work together with others to make your sustainability visions a reality.

6. Benefit from Educational Sessions

The workshops and seminars on offer can be a goldmine of practical knowledge. They can teach you how to implement sustainable solutions in ways that are both effective and innovative.

What You Can Do: Try to bring at least one new idea you’ve learned back to your team. Whether it’s a novel way to save energy or a strategy to engage your community in sustainability, every bit of knowledge helps.

7. Find Inspiration and Motivation

Above all, these events remind us that striving for sustainability can spark creativity and drive innovation in our businesses and events.

What You Can Do: Let the stories of success and innovation you hear inspire you. Think about how you can integrate sustainability into your work, not just as a checklist item, but as a core part of your approach to business and event planning.

Environmentally-focused events are more than just gatherings – they’re a catalyst for change in our industries and in the way we think about business. By taking part and applying what we learn, we can all contribute to a more sustainable, innovative future. Let’s get inspired and make sustainability a cornerstone of our work!

Don’t miss any event-related news: Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter HERE, listen to our latest podcast HERE and engage with us on LinkedIn!

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March Trade Shows Tout Promising Growth, Robust Participation

lpsavas@tsnn.com — Tue, 16 Apr 2024 13:47:21 +0000

March Trade Shows Tout Promising Growth, Robust Participation

April 16, 2024

Lisa Plummer Savas

Three major U.S. trade shows reported successful – and in two cases, growing – editions in Las Vegas, Orlando and Philadelphia last month. Take a look at our roundup of major U.S. trade shows held in March.

The NGA Show

Who, When & Where: The NGA Show, March 10-12, Caesars Forum Convention Center

Key metrics: 3,600 grocery retail industry professionals (a new attendance record), 350+ exhibitors and sponsors, spanning 55,725 square feet.

Looking Back: The exhibit hall grew substantially from the prior year, which saw 290 exhibiting companies and more than 45,000 sq. ft.

Best new features and products: The sold-out exhibit hall showcased products and services from store design to innovative food products – with support from several large food wholesalers and distributors. The VIP Experience meeting program enabled retailers, wholesalers and service providers to schedule meetings both in-booth and in provided networking zones. Nearly 50 education sessions took place throughout the event on topics including BIPOC independent grocers, labor issues, food as medicine, connecting with Gen Z, role of AI in marketing and more.

Beyond the show floor: The event kicked off with the popular Technology Summit and Financial Symposium led by industry experts as well as a session honoring NGA’s Creative Choice Awards for excellence in marketing and merchandising. Delivering an enthusiastic kickoff to the show, celebrity chef Carla Hall, entrepreneur, author and Food Network star presented the opening keynote address.

What they are saying: “The NGA Show is truly the place where grocers gather – and gather they did, in record numbers,” said Jaime Reesby, vice president for generation and grocery at Clarion Events. “Working closely with NGA and its members, we continue to enhance our offerings, from education to networking, to help grocers navigate today’s competitive environment. Initial responses have been glowing and we look forward to continuing to meet and exceed those expectations.”

Looking ahead: NGA Show 2025 will return Feb. 23-25 to CAESARS Forum.

HIMSS

Who, When & Where: 2024 HIMSS Global Health Conference & Exhibition, March 11-15, Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Fla.

Key metrics: The event attracted 26,800 healthcare technology professionals and 971 exhibitors across 440,066 sq. ft.

Looking Back: In 2023, HIMSS drew in 33,329 attendees and 1,103 exhibitors spanning 449,050 sq. ft.

Best new features and products: Alongside cybersecurity, robotics, interoperability, policy and many more global health topics shaping healthcare, generative AI solutions took center stage at HIMSS23, with multiple technology companies debuting AI-backed software aimed at creating better workflows and experiences in a clinical environment. A Global Policy Leaders’ Summit and panels featured government agencies, global Ministers of Health and other leading policymakers discussing AI in healthcare and the challenges of balancing cybersecurity and patient privacy issues while also improving digital health information exchange.

Beyond the show floor: This year’s conference marked a watershed moment for HIMSS, with the passing of the HIMSS Global Conference & Exhibition stewardship to Informa Markets, and for the first time this year, the conference featured a hosted buyer program for providers.

What they are saying: “We are delighted by the continued growth and influence of the HIMSS Global Health Conference and our successful partnership with Informa to improve and expand the event,” said Hal Wolf, HIMSS president and CEO. “HIMSS24 brought together all aspects of the healthcare world, including C-Suite executives, healthcare IT developers, nurses, researchers, government officials and many more to harness a new era of information and technology and to shape the future of health together.”

Looking ahead: HIMSS24 European Health Conference & Exhibition is slated for May 29-31 in Rome, Italy, and HIMSS25 will take place March 3-6 at The Venetian Resort & Expo, CAESARS Forum and Wynn Las Vegas.

PACK EXPO East

Who, When & Where: PACK EXPO East, March 18-20, Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philadelphia.

Key metrics: As its largest show to date, PACK EXPO attracted 7,977 attendees and 503 exhibitors across 119,085 sq. ft.

Looking Back: In 2022, the event drew in 6,615 attendees and 403 exhibitors spanning 94,510 sq. ft.

Best new features and products: As the premiere regional show for consumer packaging and processing companies, PACK EXPO East’s show floor showcased the latest innovations and solutions, including machinery and equipment, used by markets including food and beverage, pharmaceutical, industrial and agricultural chemical, personal care and cosmetics.

Beyond the show floor: In addition to the technology on the show floor, PACK EXPO East offered educational opportunities with the Innovation Stage and Industry Speaks. Attendees also had the chance to connect with their peers at the Taste of Philly opening reception and the Packaging & Processing Women’s Leadership Network and Young Professionals Network receptions.

What they are saying: “PACK EXPO East’s continued growth has solidified its place as a vital event for packaging and processing professionals in the region,” said Jim Pittas, president and CEO of PMMI, the Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, which owns and produces the show. “While we celebrate this growth, our focus remains on delivering the high-quality experience our shows are known for. This includes offering solutions for more than 40 markets and tailoring experiences to meet the needs of the industry.”

Looking ahead: PACK EXPO International 2024 will take place Nov. 3-6 at McCormick Place in Chicago, while PACK EXPO East will return to the Pennsylvania Convention Center Feb. 17-19, 2026.

Don’t miss any event-related news: Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter HERE, listen to our latest podcast HERE and engage with us on LinkedIn!

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2023 Annual Survey of Exhibition Rates For Labor and Equipment Released

lpsavas@tsnn.com — Mon, 15 Apr 2024 13:27:33 +0000

2023 Annual Survey of Exhibition Rates For Labor and Equipment Released

April 15, 2024

Lisa Plummer Savas

While exhibition rates are more broadly aligning with inflation this year, specific areas, such as material handling rates, continue to outpace inflation, according to the findings of the Annual Survey of Exhibition Rates. The Exhibitor Advocate — a non-profit organization dedicated to providing industry stakeholders with expert advice, research and tools to amplify the voice of exhibitors — has released its latest survey that analyzes labor and equipment costs across 24 major U.S. cities.

This year’s report demonstrates that while trade shows continue to be a valuable sales and marketing channel, exhibitors are facing oncoming challenges that could influence their participation. For example:

Rising exhibitor-related costs are expected to force a redistribution of spending across events.
82% of respondents said they plan to exhibit at fewer in-person shows, citing exhibit-related costs.
Three in four exhibitors are being pressured to cut exhibiting costs.
In the next three years, 94% of respondents expect some level of change to their exhibit programs.

“The industry’s sustained growth and success hinge on enhancing value for sponsors and exhibitors while also proactively reducing costs,” said Jessica Sibila, executive director of The Exhibitor Advocate. “Access to this unique data analysis is pivotal for all stakeholders in the exhibition ecosystem.”

Backstory

Providing unique insights and actionable strategies that exhibitors, trade show and corporate event organizers and suppliers can leverage for strategic planning and cost management, the 2023 report was crafted in collaboration with independent show management and event solutions company Tradeshow Logic, supported by the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America and independently verified by third-party research agency EVOLIO Marketing.

This unique dataset underscores the industry’s need for a strategic approach to budgeting and advocacy for fair pricing, according to The Exhibitor Advocate officials.

Why it matters

For exhibitors, the survey can serve as a resource for budgeting and strategic planning, equipping exhibitors with the knowledge they need to navigate cost pressures, enable smarter allocation of resources across the entire event experience and optimize their investment to ensure a more substantial impact at every trade show.

Trade show and corporate event organizers can leverage the survey’s analysis to help them make data-driven decisions that cater to the evolving needs of their exhibitors, reducing exhibitor costs and enhancing the exhibitor experience and, by extension, the overall value of their events.

Lastly, the survey’s insights into equipment and labor costs across different cities enable industry suppliers to tailor their offerings more closely to market demands, ensuring competitive pricing and improved service delivery.

To provide a richer, more detailed understanding of the exhibition landscape, the 2023 report increased its scope to include “Expanded Scope of Services,” which incorporates forklift and hanging sign rates as well as commonly ordered show services such as carpet, furniture and internet.

To access the report, go here.

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Destination Spotlight: What’s New & Trending in Las Vegas For Events in 2024

lpsavas@tsnn.com — Fri, 12 Apr 2024 13:39:58 +0000

Destination Spotlight: What’s New & Trending in Las Vegas For Events in 2024

April 12, 2024

Danica Tormohlen

What’s the latest in Las Vegas? We spent a few days in Vegas in January, and here are some of the highlights about what’s new and trending for events in the ever-popular desert city.

Fountainbleau

Fontainebleau Las Vegas officially opened its doors Dec. 13, 2023. Located across the street from the West Hall at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Fontainebleau Las Vegas features a 150,000-square-foot casino with 42-foot ceilings and 3,644 hotel rooms and suites.

Staying here: The 67-story resort features a bevy of high-end amenities, including a six-acre elevated pool deck, a 14,000 sq. ft. fitness center and a 55,000 sq. ft., two-level spa. Standard rooms, which are 488–660 sq. ft., feature mountain or Strip views. One touch opens and closes the automated drapes.

Meeting here: A 90,000 sq. ft., three-level, multifunctional theater with approximately 3,800 capacity with a pre-function space for groups. The conference center features 550,000 sq. ft. of indoor-outdoor customizable meeting and event space. On Jan. 24, the conference center hosted the Las Vegas Preview, an annual event and mini-trade show produced by the Las Vegas Chamber.

Dining here: With restaurants in Miami, New York and Mexico City, KYU serves unique interpretations of wood-fired Asian cuisine with an open kitchen and view of the Las Vegas Strip. For lunch, we tasted tuna crispy rice, smoked hamachi crudo and thai rice stone pot with king crab — among other lunch menu items. The full restaurant can be bought out for 214 guests.

Formula 1 Grand Prix Pit Building & Plaza

The three-story Grand Prix Pit Building offers unobstructed 360-degree views of the Las Vegas Strip and surrounding mountains.

Located at the corner of Koval Lane and Harmon Avenue just off the Strip, Grand Prix Plaza officially opened last November for the inaugural Formula 1 Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix.

Need for speed: The multi-use complex is now open as a year-round destination for private events and will soon feature interactive experiences and exhibitions, a merchandise store and much more. The 39-acre property houses the state-of-the-art Las Vegas Grand Prix Pit Building, the home of Formula 1 in North America.

Meeting here: Located 3 miles from the Harry Reid International Airport (LAS), Grand Prix Plaza boasts 39 acres of indoor and outdoor entertainment event space for private events. The entire plaza is paved, and outdoor space can be used for temporary event structures, concert stages and outdoor activations. The venue includes portions of the Las Vegas Strip Circuit, including turns 1, 2 and 3, pit lane entry and pit lane.

Rooftop views: The three-story Grand Prix Pit Building, which includes 14 5,100-sq.-ft. garages, offers meeting space on each level, plus a rooftop with 71,800 sq. ft. of outdoor event space and unobstructed 360-degree views of the Las Vegas Strip and surrounding mountains. Capacity for the rooftop is approximately 3,000 guests for reception-style events.

Caesars Palace: Peter Luger’s Steakhouse and Brasserie B

Caesars Entertainment continues to mix up and add to its food and beverage offerings with established brand names, like Peter Luger and Bobby Flay. Since November, two restaurants opened at Caesars Palace, the iconic Las Vegas Strip resort that features 3,980 hotel guest rooms and suites, including the redesigned 182-room Nobu Hotel Caesars Palace, the renovated Colosseum Tower and The Laurel Collection by Caesars Palace.

Meat market: Legendary Peter Luger Steak House opened in November, marking its first U.S. location outside of New York, according to a press release. Operating for more than 135 years, Peter Luger is one of New York’s top-rated steakhouses. With its notoriously gruff, bow-tied waitstaff, old-world charm and on-site dry-aging of legendary USDA-Prime steaks, dining at Peter Luger has become a culinary rite of passage. For dinner, we sampled the steaks – a sizzling plate with T-Bones, ribeyes and filets – that were served family style.

French flare: Opening in January, Brasserie B by Bobby Flay offers delicious and distinct French-inspired dishes for brunch, lunch and dinner. Located across from the Nobu Hotel entrance, the restaurant features an L-shaped bar with a lounge that flows into the main dining space, and a raw bar with a lit canopy spilling over the tables below. The intimate, 140-seat dining room features blown glass chandeliers, cane-backed cafe chairs and handmade subway tile, giving it a classic Parisian feel. The menu is an intersection of French cuisine and Flay's creative touches. On the brunch menu, we tried the Pain Perdu (French toast) with blackberries and whipped creme fraiche and thick cut bacon with honey dijon and thyme.

Bellagio: The Vault & Lago

The Bellagio Resort and Casino celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2023. With 3,900 rooms and suites, the hotel features more than 200,000 sq. ft. of convention space.

The bar at LAGO by Chef Julian Serrano offers views of the iconic Fountains of Bellagio.

Secret spot: The Vault, which opened in August 2023, can be accessed with an exclusive reservation, as there’s only space for about 30 people. It’s tucked away behind a nondescript doorway near the table games, just off the casino floor. Inside the Vault, you’ll find a dark and cozy lounge with velvety banquettes, and a bar stocked with some of the most expensive bottles found in Las Vegas. Signature handmade cocktails are each around $55. The main attraction is the bar’s collection of vintage and hard-to-find spirits. For example, there are bottles of Bacardi from the 1960s, when the rum was bottled in the Bahamas, unlike in Puerto Rico today. We tried a sampling of bites that included a dish of fried potatoes that are cut and shaped like croissants, served with crème fraîche and caviar. For reservations, send a direct message on Instagram to @thevaultbellagio and request a reservation or use the link in the Instagram page bio. With live entertainment, the Vault is open daily from 5 p.m. until 1 a.m.

Fountain view: LAGO by Chef Julian Serrano, which has been open since 2015, offers fresh coastal Italian fare. With views of the iconic Fountains of Bellagio with indoor and outdoor seating, the elegant eatery features an array of pastas made fresh daily and pizzas made for sharing. Newly reimagined lunch and dinner menus offer distinctive à la carte selections. Try coastal-inspired cocktails or its expansive selection of Italian wines. For lunch, we tasted the burrata salad, salmon crudo, beef carpaccio and branzino — to name a few. A full buyout can accommodate 250 guests.

Venetian Resort: HaSalon

Bold presentation: HaSalon, an upscale restaurant that opened in 2023, features the flavors of the Mediterranean land and sea with a menu that changes nightly. In Hebrew, HaSalon means “the living room.” Located in The Palazzo tower just off the casino floor, chef Eyal Shani offers creative Israeli cuisine such as roasted branzino, langoustine and shrimp tortellini. A full buyout of the restaurant will accommodate 200 seated and 500 standing.

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Venue News: KAFD Conference Center, Baltimore Convention Center and More Form New Partnerships, Debut Meetings Spaces

lpsavas@tsnn.com — Thu, 11 Apr 2024 13:10:33 +0000

Venue News: KAFD Conference Center, Baltimore Convention Center and More Form New Partnerships, Debut Meetings Spaces

April 11, 2024

Lisa Plummer Savas

Meeting and convention facilities across the country and around the globe have been inking new deals with leading hospitality and management providers, upgrading technology infrastructure and launching new premium spaces to accommodate the ever-growing demand from event organizers.

Smart City Networks Completes Network Upgrade at Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center

Smart City Networks, provider of utilities, technology and telecommunications services for convention centers and hospitality venues, completed an almost $1 million network upgrade for the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas (KBHCCD) in Dallas.

Started in July 2023 and completed in January, the upgrade encompasses improvements to edge switches, installation of new core gear, deployment of new wireless controllers and the rewiring of more than 180 fiber connections. The upgraded infrastructure guarantees uninterrupted connectivity, designed to enhance the technological experience for all visitors attending events at the KBHCCD, according to Smart City officials.

“This upgrade continues our long and ongoing history of continual upgrades at our partner facilities,” said David Langford, vice president of technology for Smart City Networks, which currently operates in more than 50 convention and meeting facilities nationwide. “This upgrade sets us on the path of ensuring the physical infrastructure is capable of handling ongoing upgrades for the next two decades at Kay Bailey Hutchison in Dallas.”

Looking ahead, Smart City will continue to partner with the City of Dallas and venue management company OVG360 as approved expansion plans for the convention center move forward.

Baltimore Convention Center Teams Up With Levy

Levy will be the exclusive food and beverage provider at the Baltimore Convention Center, beginning in July.

The Baltimore Convention Center (BCC) tapped Levy to serve as its exclusive food and beverage provider, beginning in July. Together, the two entities will work to bring an elevated, refreshed mindset to food and beverage at the downtown convention center, according to Levy officials.

“We’re beyond thrilled to partner with the Baltimore Convention Center to showcase what makes this city an incredible destination,” said Levy CEO Andy Lansing. “From the most high-profile national events and corporate meetings to special occasions, we’ll spotlight Baltimore’s food and beverage culture in unique ways.”

As part of the agreement, the BCC and Levy will work together to craft menus, dining concepts and catering experiences that will be activated throughout the venue. In addition to unveiling new offerings, the partnership will focus on creative, elevated catering for major events, as well as prioritizing partnerships with local community organizations and minority- and women-owned businesses, while also continuing to elevate and expand sustainability initiatives.

Levy’s Convention Centers division serves events of all sizes at major venues, including the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio; David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh; Javits Center in New York; Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Austin Convention Center and Los Angeles Convention Center, among others.

ASM Global Assumes Management of KAFD Conference Center in Riyadh

ASM Global entered into a strategic partnership with the King Abdullah Financial District Development and Management Company (KAFD DMC) to lead the operation and management of the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) Conference Center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Gautam Sashittal, CEO of KAFD DMC (left) and Iain Wooldridge, CFO and VP, Regional Planning, MENA, ASM Global(right).

The state-of-the-art facility features a 1,215 square-meter (13,078 square-foot) banquet hall that can accommodate up to 800 guests, a 600-seat auditorium with full lecture and cinema support and several outdoor plazas. The venue is fitted with operable walls and retractable projection screens that allow for different configurations and digital networking.

“Our commitment to excellence in venue management, event production and customer service aligns perfectly with the KAFD Convention Centre’s vision of becoming a global event destination,” said Paul Sergeant, ASM Global’s executive vice president of Asia and MENA (Middle East/North Africa). “With ASM Global MENA’s extensive global network, expertise and industry-leading technology, we aim to provide event organizers with the tools and support they need to host successful and memorable events.

Home to 1.6 million sq. m. (17,222,256 sq. ft.) of high-end office spaces, venues and luxury residences, KAFD is touted as the largest Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum-certified mixed-use business district in the world, according to ASM Global officials. It is owned and managed by the King Abdullah Financial District Development and Management Company (KAFD DMC), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), the sovereign wealth fund of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Convene Announces New Location in Midtown Manhattan

Convene, a global lifestyle hospitality company that designs and manages premium meeting, event and flexible workspaces, is gearing up to open Venue 42 by Convene, a new meeting and conference center located at 5 Times Square in Midtown Manhattan on April 1.

Occupying approximately 30,000 square feet on the 5th floor of the 1.1 million sq.-ft. building, Venue 42 by Convene will be the 15^th Convene location in New York City and will comprise nine meeting rooms, each of which can be customized for various event types, with the largest meeting room able to accommodate approximately 240 guests.

Venue 42 by Convene

“Demand for meeting and event space in the area remains strong and we’re proud to once again be partnering with RXR Realty to create an exceptional amenity space and conference center at 5 Times Square,” said Alex Adelman, vice president of managed services at Convene.

As a provider of dedicated meeting and event venues in North America and the U.K., Convene’s newest NYC venue grows its global network to 40 premium meeting, event and flexible office locations across its portfolio of brands, including etc.venues.

Additionally, on March 25, Convene unveiled its expanded space at Convene 101 Park Avenue, its 101 Park Avenue venue in Midtown Manhattan, which now boasts a second floor and a larger footprint of 23,800 sq. ft. Located just steps from Grand Central Station, the event venue originally opened in 2013 and was renovated in June 2022.

Connected by a grand staircase, the new mezzanine level offers a large conference hall with full theatrical lighting that can accommodate up to 223 guests, floor-to-ceiling windows and an open gallery for networking and food breaks. The venue now comprises eight unique meeting rooms across two floors and a full buyout capacity of 583.

The company’s corporate meeting and event spaces provide everything needed for a turnkey experience, including spaces designed to maximize collaboration and productivity, full-service event production resources, catering and a dedicated A/V team for in-room and hybrid tech support.

Have some venue news to share? Please send announcements and high-resolution imagery to lisa.savas@informa.com and danica.tormohlen@informa.com.

Don’t miss any event-related news: Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter HERE, listen to our latest podcast HERE and engage with us on LinkedIn!

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A Step-by-Step Guide to Achieving EIC Sustainable Event Standards Certification

lpsavas@tsnn.com — Wed, 10 Apr 2024 13:46:34 +0000

A Step-by-Step Guide to Achieving EIC Sustainable Event Standards Certification

April 10, 2024

Exclusively sponsored by Honeycomb Strategies.

Thinking of a sustainability certification? Many events and venues are. Certifications legitimize your organization’s efforts, and there are many worthwhile programs to consider. One notable and popular program, the Events Industry Council's (EIC) Sustainable Event Standards assess organizations in detailed, points-based criteria and awards applicants with a Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum rating for their percentage of compliance. Events, venues, general service contractors, vendors/suppliers can certify, with slightly different criteria for each type of organization.

Stephanie Jones, CAE, CMP, Managing Director at Water Environment Federation (WEF), certified its flagship event WEFTEC as EIC Gold in 2023 because EIC certification aligned with WEF’s mission and priorities of their membership. She was attracted to EIC’s in-depth assessment because “it’s not just about environmental sustainability, the standards address the three pillars of sustainability – people, planet and purpose.”

EIC Sustainable Event Certifications by percentage of compliance.

For those curious about certifying but unsure about what it entails, here’s a step-by-step process that Honeycomb Strategies recommends for pursuing certification:

Step 1: Identify the Team

Designate someone to spearhead the certification. For many event planners, this means bringing in an outside consultant who has the expertise and bandwidth to focus solely on the certification process. This party contacts the third-party assessor, iCompli, who adjudicates on behalf of the EIC. They will provide your team with an Excel file scorecard and grant access to a Microsoft OneDrive folder for uploading documentation. Throughout, liaise with iCompli to get clarification on any items or on the suitability of your documentation.

Step 2: Foundations Certificate

Start by obtaining the EIC Foundations Certificate, a high-level evaluation of several criteria accompanied by a fee that establishes baseline requirements. These operational procedures include a published anti-human trafficking policy and annual sustainability training.

Step 3: Inventory and Assess

Go through the standards and identify your easy wins: what you already have in place, and which criteria are required. Next, look at what your team would be able to achieve in the upcoming event cycle. We recommend starting this process at least three months before the event to have time to make adjustments or start new programs.

Jones said that early review of the standards influenced procurement for WEFTEC 2023, an area of event planning that hadn’t previously been a priority. They authored a policy, selected vendors, and shared best practices with exhibitors, which garnered valuable points toward Gold level.

Step 4: Plan and Implement

For areas you do not yet meet criteria, lay out a roadmap for getting to compliance. It’s important that your team makes meaningful but achievable changes, not biting off more than you can chew during one cycle. Otherwise, changes run the risk of being left by the wayside next year if they are too costly, time-consuming or cumbersome.

For WEFTEC, a large component for implementation in 2023 was waste minimization and diversion. “After going through the EIC process and learning just how much waste is left behind, and the impact on our carbon footprint, WEF set a new goal to move towards a zero-waste event,” Jones said.

Step 5: Organize and Submit

Bring internal team members and external stakeholders into the loop as early as possible. Jones admitted that for the whole process, “the biggest challenge is communicating the requirements out to your vendors and partners, collecting the required proof and making sure they’re doing what they’re supposed to do. That’s the biggest lift.” The programs can’t happen without buy-in, and certification won’t happen without the burden of proof from these folks that new plans were followed through.

Step 6: Review and Award

iCompli and EIC will review your materials and go back-and-forth with your representative on any revisions, explanations or additional documentation needed. By this point, you won’t be surprised about the level of certification you’re on track for, but it still feels great to receive that final confirmation of your achievement!

The Payoff

The validation, publicity and accolades that accompany certification are huge incentives for making sustainable changes. You add value by undergoing assessment and pursuing changes that align with your mission. While EIC certification is an undertaking, with the correct team, time and planning, it may be a worthwhile investment to meet your sustainable goals.

Honeycomb Strategies specializes in impactful solutions for sustainable events, sports, and venues. hcsustainability.com / hello@hcsustainability.com

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Visit Anaheim Taps Mike Waterman as Its New President & CEO

lpsavas@tsnn.com — Wed, 10 Apr 2024 13:25:08 +0000

Visit Anaheim Taps Mike Waterman as Its New President & CEO

April 10, 2024

Lisa Plummer Savas

Visit Anaheim, the official destination marketing organization (DMO) for Anaheim, Calif., has appointed Mike Waterman as its new president and CEO, effective April 29. A hospitality industry veteran with more than 30 years of leadership and sales experience, Waterman comes to Anaheim from Visit Orlando, where he previously served as chief sales officer.

Upon assuming the helm of Visit Anaheim, Waterman will be responsible for developing, directing and overseeing the CVB as well as leading its efforts to draw conventions and visitors to the Anaheim area to bring economic growth to the community.

“I am honored and excited to accept this amazing opportunity,” Waterman said. “My wife and I raised our family in Southern California and are very much looking forward to this next chapter. I am eager to work with the talented Visit Anaheim team and its local stakeholders to fulfill our mission and create new economic opportunities for the community.”

Prior to his almost five-year tenure at Visit Orlando, Waterman was the president and CEO of the Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau (GHCVB), aka Visit Houston, a role he held for more than four years.

Waterman started his career at Marriott International, where for more than 11 years he served as vice president of sales for the Western region overseeing 100 properties, including a grouping of Marriott hotels in L.A. Live, Los Angeles’ convention district. Prior to that, he worked for Renaissance Hotels for 13 years, most recently as regional director of sales and marketing.

Fred Brown, chairman of the Visit Anaheim Board of Directors, expressed excitement at Waterman’s appointment.

“Mike brings extensive experience and a long history of leadership, innovation and success in the hospitality and tourism industry, making him the ideal candidate to guide our organization into the future,” Brown said. “We look forward to working alongside him to benefit the residents and businesses of Anaheim and the surrounding region.”

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