News

Oct 04, 2015
LeftField Media added Washington, D.C.’s Awesome Con to its growing roster. Awesome Con, launched by Ben Penrod in 2013, is a pop culture convention set in the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. The event has defined itself as one of the fastest-growing fan conventions in the U.S., and this year attracted more than 40,000 attendees. “We’re thrilled to work with Ben and the Awesome Con team,” said Greg Topalian, president of LeftField Media. “Awesome Con is an incredible event, and DC is a very special region with tremendous fans. We look forward to taking Awesome Con to the next level… more
Oct 04, 2015
In the very early history of the web, browser plug-ins played a vital role by enabling rich online multimedia experiences and complex web application functionality. However, along with these capabilities, plugins came with some inherent weaknesses that soon came to the forefront, and have ultimately contributed to their rapid downfall.    Plugins consume an excessive amount of system resources and expose networks to serious security risks. Also, plugins are not designed for touch, and that is a significant disadvantage as mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets have… more
Oct 04, 2015
In the very early history of the web, browser plug-ins played a vital role by enabling rich online multimedia experiences and complex web application functionality. However, along with these capabilities, plugins came with some inherent weaknesses that soon came to the forefront, and have ultimately contributed to their rapid downfall.    Plugins consume an excessive amount of system resources and expose networks to serious security risks. Also, plugins are not designed for touch, and that is a significant disadvantage as mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets have… more
Oct 03, 2015
Penton added to its robust lifestyle and food portfolio with the acquisition of World Tea Media, an event and digital information company for the global tea industry, from F+W, a Content + eCommerce company. World Tea Media includes the flagship show for the tea industry – World Tea Expo. World Tea Expo will be led by Fred Linder, group president, Penton, who will continue to lead Penton's New Hope business as well as Penton Exhibition Services. "An essential element of our strategy is to focus on high-growth sectors and extend leadership positions. World Tea Media is at… more
Oct 01, 2015
Cleveland’s I-X Center has added a unique component to its venue - a state-of-the art live performance space, where acoustically treated sound walls, elevated telescopic seating and custom staging all scales to various flexible configurations. “Previously, our barriers attracting major concert promoters and national touring acts, included a lack of elevated seating and the sound quality in this industrial complex,” said Jeremy Levine, I-X Center vice president of Business Development. He added, “We now offer a state-of the art performance space with remarkable flexibility and world class… more
Sep 30, 2015
Approximately 20,000 attendees from 100 different countries came to Philadelphia for the World Meeting of Families (WMOF) Congress, held Sept. 22-25 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. This year was the first time the congress was held in the United States. Held every three years, the WMOF is the largest Catholic gathering of families. The theme of the World Meeting of Families – Philadelphia 2015 was “Love Is Our Mission: The Family Fully Alive,” emphasizing the impact of the love and life of families on our society. Adult attendees received practical tips on how to improve their family… more
Sep 29, 2015
With Las Vegas being chosen as one of four cities to host a presidential debate during the 2016 election season, any question on whether it’s a city where serious business gets done should be off the table, according to Chris Meyer, vice president of Global Business Sales at the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority. “It takes away all possible argument of shows coming to Vegas,” Meyer said, an issue the city has grappled with, particularly in the government sector. He added, “We’ll have both presidential candidates here and leadership from both of the parties.” The Commission on… more
Sep 29, 2015
The Professional Convention Management Association recently launched its Business Events Series online training subscription. The interactive series offers onDemand topical training and development tools for business events professionals. Unique to the industry, PCMA will release three series modules annually – each tackling current topics relevant to the business events industry. The “Digital Events” module, already released, will be followed by “Increased Revenues from Events” in October and Concepts in “Meeting Design” in December. By purchasing the… more
Sep 28, 2015
The popularity of virtual reality is evident with the huge jump in growth of that section of the showfloor for CES 2016. Owned and produced by the Consumer Electronics Association and on tap Jan. 6-9 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the Gaming & Virtual Reality Marketplace footprint will jump 77 percent and feature 40 booths. Exhibitors will showcase the next wave of immersive multimedia for virtual reality systems and environments and today's latest gaming hardware, software and accessories designed for mobile, PC's and consoles. Key exhibitors within this space include… more
Sep 28, 2015
Have you voted yet for the TSNN Awards “Best of Show” nominees or submitted a nomination for the Show Manager of the Year awards? Both deadlines are this week! Five shows were chosen for TSNN’s “Best of Show” award in which TSNN simply asked shows to tell us why they were the “best”. Now, they need all of YOU to vote for which one you think deserves to be named the overall BEST show. The overall winner will be announced at the TSNN Awards in Atlanta Nov. 7. The TSNN Awards honors the top 50 fastest-growing shows in the U.S. during a three-day weekend celebration. The deadline to vote is Oct.… 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.