News

Oct 12, 2015
Comcast Spectator’s Spectra Venue Management division (formerly Global Spectrum) and the Spectra Food Services & Hospitality division (formerly Ovations Food Services) will be combined, effective Nov. 2.  This model integrates Spectra food and venue operations management into one team. In total, there will be four geographic divisions and 19 regions.  “The strong partnerships we have with our clients allow us to innovate in ways that benefits our clients, our employees and our customers,” said Glen Brandeburg, who joined the company in 2015 as the president and COO of… more
Oct 11, 2015
Penton’s Comfortech, a contractor-focused conference and exposition, brought together 1,700 mechanical and electrical contracting professionals and nearly 150 exhibiting companies. The show also grew its attendance by 21 percent, when it was held Sept. 15-17 2015 in St. Louis, MO. Comfortech was collocated with association events including Service Roundtable/Service Nation Alliance, Quality Service Contractors, National Comfort Institute, and Women in HVACR and mechanical contractors. “Comfortech covered the vital issues and challenges mechanical and electrical contracting… more
Oct 11, 2015
Meet AC, a tourism development agency designed to attract meetings and conventions to Atlantic City, has officially launched three new websites this year and three more websites are in the works to launch within the next six months. Recently, Meet AC has established our convention website, www.meetinac.com, which features our convention calendar, comprehensive meeting planner tools such as guides, floor plans, specs and RFP forms, along with marketing materials such as a press kit, press releases, video podcasts and employee contact information. The Atlantic City Convention Center website has… more
Oct 11, 2015
Meet AC, a tourism development agency designed to attract meetings and conventions to Atlantic City, has officially launched three new websites this year and three more websites are in the works to launch within the next six months. Recently, Meet AC has established our convention website, www.meetinac.com, which features our convention calendar, comprehensive meeting planner tools such as guides, floor plans, specs and RFP forms, along with marketing materials such as a press kit, press releases, video podcasts and employee contact information. The Atlantic City Convention Center website has… more
Oct 08, 2015
By Elizabeth Johnson Conventional marketing wisdom tells us “go where your audience is.” Recently, Facebook announced 1 billion users logged on in a single day, and earlier this year, global internet usage on mobile devices surpassed internet usage on desktops or laptops for the first time. These signs make it clear trade show planners and marketers need to invest more online. Beyond email marketing campaigns and social media pages, trade show planners and marketers have a wealth of digital marketing tactics available to them. Many are adding them to their strategies to engage with their… more
Oct 07, 2015
Urban Expositions and the Retail Confectioners Association of Philadelphia (RCAP) have decided two is better than one and will collocate their shows next year.  As part of the arrangement, the RCAP's Philadelphia National Candy, Gift & Gourmet Show (Jan. 9-11) formerly held in Atlantic City, will move to the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, Penn. to run alongside Urban Expositions' Philadelphia Gift Show (Jan. 8-11). Urban and the RCAP will each operate its respective show independently - utilizing one cohesive floorplan at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center to ensure… more
Oct 06, 2015
Donna Russo, who has muscular dystrophy, sits in a chair as dancers move around her in beautiful rhythm choreographed by Tam Warner, creating a profound and memorable experience. This experience has been a part of showfloor during the Abilities Expos series of shows, which are geared toward people with disabilities and their families. Lew Shomer and David Korse, owners and producers of the Abilities Expos series, were so moved by Russo and her group’s performance, they now have all teamed up to bring a documentary, “A Passion for Dance”, to the screen. HERE is a video of the performance that… more
Oct 06, 2015
Trade Show News Network is pleased to announce that the 3rd annual TSNN Awards $5,000 Student Scholarship awardee is Sophia Hatchitt, a student pursuing event management at the University of Central Florida’s Rosen College of Hospitality. The scholarship is sponsored by the Reno-Sparks Convention & Visitors Authority (Reno Tahoe USA), and Hatchitt will receive the funds and be feted during the celebration gala dinner at the 6th Annual TSNN Awards Nov. 6-8 in Atlanta. “I am incredibly honored to be chosen as TSNN 2015 scholarship recipient,” Hatchitt said. “I am so grateful to the Reno-… more
Oct 05, 2015
Last week was a good one for two different shows – ICUEE 2015, the International Construction and Utility Equipment Exposition, and Pack Expo Las Vegas – both of which broke not only attendance records, but also exhibit space and number of exhibitor records as well. The Association of Equipment Manufacturers’ biennial ICUEE 2015 was the largest ever, with more than 18,000 registered attendees, 13-percent bigger than the previous show. The 2015 event ran Sept. 29-Oct. 1 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Ky. “This was our most comprehensive ICUEE ever, and there was tremendous… more
Oct 05, 2015
Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear, Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer and officials of the Kentucky International Convention Center recently unveiled the design and renderings for the downtown convention center’s expansion. “The improvements for the Kentucky International Convention Center are very important to downtown Louisville and the many businesses that depend upon conventions in this city,” Beshear said. He added, “This work will result in an annual economic impact of more than $50 million and will help retain current business and attract new conventions to Kentucky. Tourism is a major… 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.